Employer caution has expected the hiring process and you may interview for a position several times — in person and by phone. No matter how long the process and how well you got to know your potential colleagues, it is still perfectly acceptable to turn down a job offer. In fact, there may be many valid reasons you should politely decline an opportunity, assuming, of course, that you are not in dire financial straits.
The word on the street
Is the company’s stock price tanking? Or is there talk of a merge? Both of these things could indicate that layoffs loom large, and the position you accept today may not exist in a few months. To calculate your risks, speak with industry experts, do your due diligence, and consult with family and trusted friends. If you still want to accept the position, try to obtain an iron-clad employment contract.
A revolving door
A certain percentage of employee turnover is normal. However, high employee turnover should raise a red flag for any potential worker. Research a company thoroughly before accepting an offer. Also, be sure to listen carefully during the hiring process. Do interviewers keep referring to folks who have left the company or mentioning a total lack of redundancy? These could be signs people are leaving faster than replacements can be recruited.
Money is not everything
If money is a major factor in your decision to accept a new job, think twice. Depending on your personal financial situation and how much more you would be earning in a new job, money may not buy you on-the-job happiness or professional fulfilment. It may not even guarantee career advancement. Making a move for a modest increase may not be worth it if there is more long-term potential with your current employer. Also, be sure to calculate your entire compensation package to make sure that you are not forfeiting a valuable retirement or insurance plan for a bigger pay check.
All work, no life
There is a time in almost everyone’s career when they have to put their nose to the grindstone and work almost to the point of burnout. If you are just beginning your career or starting a second one, this may be what lies ahead for the next few years. However, if you are a mid-careerist with a family and personal obligations, it may not be wise to accept an 80-hour-a-week job. Forfeiting invaluable work-life balance benefits without assessing the consequences can have a devastating impact on your personal life.
A bad reputation
Going to work for a company with a reputation that is been sullied by a corporate scandal or that is not well-respected can, in turn, sully your résumé. Investigate any potential employer’s standing within its industry. Solicit opinions from within your network. You may learn that it is better to be a top salesperson at an admired organisation rather than a VP of sales at a suspicious one. — Agencies
