Getting a job offer can come with a sense of excitement, relief, and accomplishment. It can be a great moment – unless you’re not sure you want the job. If you’re having doubts about a job offer, things can seem complicated. You might even feel pressured to say yes. But being offered a job doesn’t mean you have to accept it, even if the job market feels uncertain at the moment. Here are 6 signs you should rethink that offer of a good career opportunity.
When to think about turning down a job offer
1. The work environment doesn’t suit you
Your work environment is incredibly important when it comes to how satisfied you are. The ideal work environment varies for different people, so you need to understand your own personality type and the work environments you thrive in.
If there’s a difference between your preferences (e.g. you like to be creative and innovative) and the environment of the new position (e.g. the role is very process driven), it may not be the right fit.
Also read : What type of career suits you?
2. You feel flattered by the offer
It’s very flattering to be offered a role, but it can mean you become blinkered to the realities of the job. It’s natural to want to do the ‘right thing’ and accept an offer, but it’s okay to recognize that while it’s a compliment, not every role will be the best fit for you right now.
Feeling flattered isn’t a sign you should turn the job down on its own – but if flattery is the only thing the job offer has going for it, it could be worth reconsidering.
3. The job or workplace doesn’t align with your priorities
Finding work that reflects your values is key to finding satisfaction in your job.
Your values and priorities may shift over the years, but reflect on what’s really important to you. You might value workplace learning opportunities, a short commute, flexible working conditions, the opportunity to move up in the business or money factors.
There are lots of elements that help us feel satisfied at work, and if you can identify them before you accept a role, you’re much more likely to find a workplace that reflects what’s important to you. It may not be possible to achieve them all, but if your values and priorities are totally out of alignment with the job offer, it’s probably worth reconsidering.
4. You don’t get a good vibe from the hiring manager or team
If you don’t get a good feeling from the hiring manager or the team you’ll be working with, then it’s more than likely that feeling won’t go away.
“If you work full time, you’re going to be spending at least 40 hours a week at work and it won’t be enjoyable if you don’t like who you’re working with.”
It could be worth doing some research into the workplace or reading company reviews to help you here.
5. The role won’t help you reach your goals
While not everyone aspires to hit particular career goals, some people have a clear vision of what they want to achieve. If you’re someone with certain career goals, then you need to evaluate potential job offers to see if the position is the right step for you now.
If a role won’t allow you to achieve your goals or build the skills and experience you need to reach your target, then it might be worth walking away from the offer.
Of course, many of us have had to press pause on certain goals due to the impact of COVID-19, but it’s still worth looking at whether a role could work as a step towards your goal in the long term or not.
6. The job isn’t aligned to your natural strengths
According to experts, there is an increasing body of research that suggests people who use their strengths in their role are likely to experience greater job satisfaction, higher productivity, higher engagement and greater well-being.
When we use our strengths, work generally feels easier and more enjoyable. On the flip side, in a role where we can’t use our strengths we may procrastinate, feel bored and lose confidence.
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