Should you take the job? Here are 5 instances when the answer is “no.”

Unless you are in very dire straits, the purpose of a job interview is not merely to get any job; rather, it's to land a job where you can thrive. While it can be tempting to accept the first offer you get, there are times when it is best to turn it down. In this post, we cover common reasons to decline a job offer, allowing you to walk away when appropriate with grace and ease. 

Why is it okay to decline a job offer?

It's common to feel pressure to accept a job offer, even if there is a part of you that knows it's not the right decision. If you have any doubt whatsoever, it's okay to take some time and consider the reasons to decline an offer before saying “yes” or “no” to it. 

In fact, you should take the time. Why? Because you don't want to end up with the stress of feeling like you made a mistake (especially when your gut told you to say “no”). Additionally, companies don't benefit from employees who come on board who aren't a good fit and, for whatever reason, prefer not to be there. Therefore, it's okay to say “no” when you have clear reasons to decline a job offer. 

Reasons to decline a job offer

Here are five key reasons you might decline a job offer at any point in the future:

  1. You will be worse off financially than you are now 

  2. You will be compromising your personal life more than is acceptable

  3. The culture is toxic

  4. You will work with incompatible people

  5. You will be acting illegally or unethically to take the job

It's true that some of those reasons sound really bad – like doing something that's illegal – but it's worth talking about so you don't find yourself in a compromising position. 

1) You will be worse off financially than you are now if you take it

Sure, this may not be a factor if you're not working at all, but if you are considering leaving your job for a new one, make sure the payoff is worth it. In addition to base compensation, you should be looking at vacation packages, flex time, and the benefits cost to you, as well as the actual benefits offerings. It's a good idea to make up a total compensation matrix so that you know all the information. You may still decide to take a financial hit to get into a new career, but at least you will be making an educated decision.

2) You will be compromising your personal life more than is acceptable to you

There is almost always a greater investment at the start of a new job than there is in a current one. You will be instantly entering the 'prove yourself' zone, when currently you have already proven yourself. So count on equal or greater hours and intensity at the new job. 

If you can, find out what the initial expectations will be of you. Try to informally talk to people who already work there to get a sense of what they think of it. Glassdoor or LinkedIn are treasure troves of information. 

3) The culture is toxic

Avoiding a toxic culture is one of the top reasons to decline a job offer. You can learn a lot about the culture by picking up on cues in the interview. If the interviewer(s) ask a lot of questions about your ability to 'fix' a culture, take the hint. Look at the stated mission and vision and see how it aligns with your values. If you get an opportunity to use the restroom or witness the break room, see how clean and well-kept they are. Also, do your potential co-workers look happy?

4) You will work with incompatible people

Before you accept a job, make sure you have at least interviewed with the person for whom you will be working. As in the previous points, use LinkedIn and Glassdoor to get a sense of your potential co-workers. You will be spending a lot of time with these people, so if you don't hit it off, you will likely be miserable.

5) You will be acting illegally or unethically to take the job

This would be the case if you have a valid non-compete (rare, but they are out there) or if you are planning on working for a competitor while keeping your original job. There is actually a law requiring employees to work in good faith and not intentionally engage in behaviors that could harm the employer.

Additional reasons to decline a job offer

The above reasons to decline a job offer are only a few that might prompt you to say “no.” Some additional and valid reasons to decline a job offer include:

  • It simply doesn't feel right to you to make the move or accept the offer. If something doesn't feel right about you accepting the offer, listen to that. 

  • The commute will be difficult and cause additional stress. You want to take the new commute into account. If there is a greater one, make sure the extra investment will work for you and your family at this point in your life before taking the job.

  • The company is not willing to put promises or guarantees in writing. If the company has promised you something, and you feel more comfortable that it be in writing, ask for it to be put into writing. If they're not willing to do so, it's understandable that you'd question the offer. 

The final decision is up to you!

So, as you see, there are definitely reasons to decline a job offer. When you know you need to decline, make sure to do so with grace and dignity. A simple “Thank you, I've decided to pursue another opportunity” is honest and helps to avoid burning bridges.

Is your resume rock solid to ensure you land an interview that leads to a job offer? Submit it for a free resume review to find out!

This article was originally written by Carrie Maldanado. It has been updated by Ronda Suder. 

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