5 Times You Should Say No to a Job Offer
There’s no way to sugarcoat it: A job search is a lot of work. When you get to the finish line and secure an offer, you’re no doubt elated. “Yay!” you think, “My new job is within reach!” But before you start planning for your first day, ask yourself if this is the right opportunity. There are some that you’ll want to decline, leading you to say no to a job offer.
Here are five scenarios that might make you rethink saying yes to that shiny-new opportunity. We’re sure you have others you could add as well.
1. The Position Doesn’t Align with Your Long-term Career Goal
Most of us don’t accept positions for just a few months; we want to feel we fit in this new company and culture and that we have room to grow. That’s why it’s so important to determine if you and this company are aligned. After all, most of us spend the majority of our time at work (one-third of our lives, according to Gettysburg College). If this position doesn’t contribute to your professional aspirations, fit with your personal work-life balance goals, or provide a steppingstone in the direction you want to head, it’s probably best to say no to the job offer.
2. Poor Cultural Fit
Given how integral our job is to our identity as a person, having a strong cultural fit is crucial for long-term happiness. Misalignment between your way of being and that of the company could lead to dissatisfaction, disengagement, and a lack of productivity on your part. You can get a sense of the culture through the company’s website and online presence, and also pay attention in the interview. Listen to how the hiring committee talks about the work environment, team dynamics, and values. If they don’t feel right to you, always trust your gut and walk away.
3. Inadequate Compensation and Benefits
While salary certainly is a driver in choosing the right next position, it’s not everything. But it is an important factor to consider. Let’s face it: We all live in the real word and your happiness won’t pay the bills! Before accepting a job offer, review the compensation package, taking into account not only salary but the other benefits the company is offering. If it’s not quite where you want to be, shift into a negotiation to see if you can move the dial a bit. Not being able to reach a mutually beneficial arrangement after some back-and-forth negotiation may be your clue to say no to a job offer.
4. Limited Opportunities for Growth and Advancement
Getting a job for today is great, but having opportunities to move up in the company will help you to stay there for the long term. In some companies, that’s not possible, and if it’s not because you’re already at the top of the game, you may want to consider if this is the right role for you. Even if advancement isn’t possible due to the company structure, could you continue to train and learn? For some employees, those opportunities can help them stay active and engaged at work. And who knows? You may one day take all you’ve learned and move on to another company where advancement is a possibility.
Unreasonable Expectations
One of the key interview questions you should be asking is, “What does success look like in this role in 30, 60, and 90 days?” If you get the impression that you’ll be at the office 12–16 hours a day with minimal time off, there’s little chance you’ll be able to avoid burnout. Likewise, if a sinking ship expects you to come in and implement a complete turnaround with limited time and resources, you may want to reconsider. Some people are certainly up for the challenge, but if that doesn’t sound like the right fit for you, a polite, “No thank you,” might be your best response.
When You Should Say No to a Job Offer
Choosing to accept or decline a job offer is, ultimately, a decision that you need to make for yourself. Consider what’s best for your immediate and future needs as well as those of your family. You should never feel rushed to say yes when the offer is made (in fact, we encourage you to thank them and ask for a few days regardless what your answer is), so take your time. Whether you say yes or no, you should feel good about that answer and be excited for this new chapter to begin!
Resume and Career Services can write all your career documents, sure, but did you know we also have a complete coaching program? You’ll partner with a dedicated coach who can help you evaluate offers and determine which response you should have. Learn about all our options here.