10 Signs You Should Turn Down a Job Offer

Getting a job offer is exciting, and a great reward for all the hard work you put into your job search. But before formally accepting, take a step back and make sure taking this job offer is the right decision. There are plenty of reasons people turn down employment offers. Here are 10 of the most common reasons to pass and keep looking for a better offer.

1. The Salary

Not only do you need to be able to afford to live on the salary you’ve been offered, but you also want to make sure you are getting paid what you are worth. Your salary should be commensurate with your experience and skill set. 

Several states now require companies to list salary ranges with job descriptions, which is excellent news for job seekers who want to be sure they are getting paid fairly. Some companies will offer a lower salary with promises of advancement opportunities, but unless they put this in writing, you’re better off negotiating higher pay or turning down the job.

2. The Benefit Package

Benefits are an important part of your total compensation, and you want to be sure they will work for you and your family. Some companies don’t even start benefits until after you’ve been there a certain amount of time (usually 30-90 days), which could be a deal breaker for some people. 

When it comes to medical or dental coverage, consider the costs of premiums and deductibles. Plus, there are numerous other types of benefits that might be important to you, such as tuition reimbursement, flexible hours, remote working, paid meals, 401(k) matching, and more.

3. The Boss or Team

During the interview process, you should be introduced to your new boss and the team you’ll be working on. If you didn’t get a chance to meet them or if you didn’t feel comfortable with the vibe in the office, you may want to move on.

4. Future Growth Opportunities

While the job itself seems great, there might not be clear growth opportunities or pathways for your role. If growing in your career is important to you, make sure the hiring manager can describe the career progression. Not having a growth plan is a solid reason to turn down an offer for a new job.

5. The Values

During the interview process, ask about the company’s vision, mission, and values. You can also usually find this information on their website. If their values don’t align with yours, you probably won’t be motivated or happy in the role.

6. Work-Life Balance

We’ve seen a big shift over the last few years when it comes to considering employees’ mental and emotional health. Now more than ever, leadership at companies around the world value the importance of work-life balance. If you receive a job offer from a company that expects you to work long hours and weekends with no additional pay, it may be in your best interest to turn down this offer.

7. Unclear Responsibilities

During your interview, ask for examples of job responsibilities. If you’re still not sure what will be expected of you in this role or what the responsibilities are, you may be surprised by unforeseen job duties that you don’t want.

8. High Turnover

A company with high turnover could indicate a toxic work environment. Chances are, you’re looking for a company to stay with for many years. You don’t want to start a job only to leave soon after and have to start the entire interview process over again.

9. You’re Happy Where You Are

Sometimes people interview for other roles despite being content in their current position. There are plenty of reasons for this: seeking out a higher salary, a more senior position, or interview practice. 

One of these interviews could turn into a job offer, but the specifics of this new job—the team, the compensation package, the company—might not be enough to convince you to leave a comfortable situation. In this case, go ahead and turn down that job offer. You never know what might come along in the future.

10. Gut Feeling

Always trust your gut. Can you end up loving your job despite having doubts? It is possible, but more often than not, there is a reason something doesn’t feel right. You spend so much of your time at work, it is important to be 100% confident in your decision. If it doesn’t feel right, turn the offer down and keep looking. The right new job is out there.