You’ve beaten off every other applicant, survived the tough interview stage and managed to get that all important job offer.
So, why on earth would you turn it down now?
Well, it turns out that there are quite a few reasons why you should seriously consider saying no to a new job opportunity. Here are a few major ones.
The company culture doesn’t feel right
You can learn a lot about a company from your original gut feeling when you walk in the door. To find out more about the company culture and what it stands for then do your research. Look up their mission statement and employee testimonials online. The interview process will also give you a great opportunity to ask some more questions and find out what it’s really like to work there. If you can’t picture yourself working there then you may need to reconsider that job opportunity.
There’s no chance of progression
Every job on your CV should be there for a reason, not just to fill space. Before accepting a job opportunity make sure that there will be a chance to develop your skillset, work on new projects, grow your knowledge base and take on more responsibility. You should always be trying to grow. If a new job offers you no progression at all then you should seriously consider whether it will motivate you in the long run.
The timing just isn’t right
It might seem like a little thing but timing is actually hugely important. Sometimes a great job can come along at the most inopportune time. Maybe you’re getting hitched, having a baby or moving house and the thought of a changing your job is just too stressful to think about. A lot of people put off job opportunities to go travelling or take time off. While lots of companies will want an immediate answer others will be happy to wait.
Money
Money is a huge factor to consider when debating a new job opportunity. Of course, job satisfaction and happiness are very important but at the end of the day, you need to be able to support yourself. Always negotiate your salary in person and have a figure in mind. If a new job does not make sense financially then it might be a good idea to look elsewhere.
A bad reputation
If a potential employer has a bad reputation then you need to think very carefully before accepting a job offer with them. If there’s a black mark beside the company due to scandal or disrespect then this could lead to a black mark on your CV. Ask your network about the company and do your research. Often a junior position at a respected company looks better on your CV than a senior position at a sketchy one.
High turnover in the role
And in the company as a whole. Bad employers will always struggle with staff retention so a high turnover can be a tell tale sign of a bad work environment. At the interview stage always ask why they are looking for a new employee. Are they expanding the team or is someone leaving? If the latter is correct then ask why they decided to move on.
