5 Reasons to Turn Down a Job Offer

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If you're fully tuned in to all the details of the offer and about the company and your would-be boss, sometimes rejecting a job offer can help you decide what you really want in a job, a workplace, and management, if you weren't all that sure before about what you wanted. The experience can help you either make small adjustments to your job search strategy or nudge you in a different direction altogether.

Rick of MA 3:17PM October 26, 2009

This is a really good article of points. Very true. I was "laid off" from a job I hated and almost took another miserable job , just to pay the bills. Luckily something better fell in my lap before I started the new miserable job. I found out a week later the ill feels I had about the job were true!
As for the lower pay, I took a lower paying job, but I don't regret it nor will I leave in a year for better pay. I am happy to have a good, stable job, in a good environment, and willing to adjust my budget to be happy.

Mary of FL 2:37PM October 26, 2009

You must have never been unemployed and off benefits. You are living in the cozy world of the employed. I am betting 95% of the unemployed would take these kinds of jobs. Putting up with an "aggressive" culture is a small price to pay to feed your family.

John B of FL 1:52PM October 26, 2009

I was so relieved to turn down a job opening for the reasons you listed. The manager seemed very rigid and when I asked him to describe his management style in the interview, he couldn't really. When I asked him to describe the culture all he said was that his employees worked really hard and didn't come in late to work. Maybe it wouldn't be a bad job for someone else but too me, it just seemed awful. I realized after the interview that I wouldn't be able to stay there even a year if I took the job. A job that kind of sucked out my soul had ended in a layoff in August and I knew I wasn't ready to do that again. Good advice.

A loyal reader of IL 1:12PM October 26, 2009

This article was great, especially #3 - I left the "perfect" job because my boss was unorganized & a terrible manager. I now have an almost-perfect job, and the fact that my boss is a pleasure to work with and an excellent manager makes everything that much better.

LK of NJ 12:55PM October 26, 2009

Great article Alison.
Another great idea is to always research the company and the position at hand before applying or at least before an interview. I think if you understand their goals and expectations you can eliminate this problem of having to turn down the job a bit more.
I always advise my clients to gear their resume to the wanted ad for each position. Use what you have done in the past to show what you can do for the company- even if you haven't done that exact thing before. But NEVER exaggerate on a resume. Ever.
If you need more advice or help with writing your resume. Holler at me...I am The Resume Chick. Google Me.

Karen Flowers of CA 12:05PM October 26, 2009