When Should You Turn Down a Job Offer?

"No" is always an option.
You can also say "No, thank you."

I was recently asked a damn good question: "What are some reasons why a job seeker might turn down a job offer? When is it a good idea to turn down a job offer?"

I surveyed a lot of my friends and they helped me create this small list of their top reasons they would turn down an offer, or why they DID turn down a job offer. Here are the results.

TRUST YOUR GUT

By far, the biggest reason to turn down a job offer is a "gut feeling" that the job or company just isn't right for you. This can be due to the general feel of the office or the personalities you meet, the feelings you get from your potential manager, the organization or handling of the interview, or the company culture. 

THIS ISN'T WHAT I SIGNED UP FOR

Another good reason to turn down a job is when you find that the job is slightly different than what you thought you were applying for. This can indicate that the company has an overall lack of professionalism, shifts its expectations of their workforce, or even that management doesn't understand what the job requires.

QUALITY OF LIFE

How your work / life balance is going to be affected is very important. When you interview, remember that you are literally giving them the most precious thing you have, your time. They better be worth it.

---------------------------

Billy Joe Cain is an Executive Recruiter with Mary-Margaret Network and focuses on the video game industry. He has worked for Electronic Arts and started three game studios in Austin, TX. Since 1992, he has created games such as Wing Commander: Prophecy and SpongeBob SquarePants: Revenge of the Flying Dutchman.

Please connect with him on LinkedIn and mention you read his blog! www.linkedin.com/in/billyjoecain