Four Reasons Not To Take The Job

Not every job you’ll get an offer for will be your dream job, unfortunately. We can’t always be picky about every opportunity that comes our way. Sometimes we need the money, and sometimes we need to gain experience so we can get that dream job down the road. But even with these truths, there are plenty of good reasons to decline a job offer.

We’ve previously covered red flags to watch out for in job descriptions, but things won’t always be readily apparent, and a good interview won’t always mean a good workplace. With any job offer, you’ll need to trust your gut on whether it’s the right fit for you. With a little help from the experts, we look into four of the most common and powerful reasons to decline a job offer.

The offering isn’t good

Ultimately, we work so that we can live our lives. We hope you can find a job that feels like a calling, but even the people with the best work-life balance need to eat. Generally, if a job is paying below market value or not willing to provide what you’re worth, you won’t want that job.

Monster’s Mark Swartz says that although there are sometimes good reasons to take a pay cut, it isn’t ideal. And it isn’t just salary, but the job title, the benefits package, and potential vacation time all fall under this category. If you feel you didn’t get what you deserved, it might be a while before you can schedule a change. This can lead to anger and resentment, making the position even worse.

Thankfully, this is something that can be fixed or acknowledged early in your interview process according to Indeed. Despite what others might say, don’t be afraid to ask about salary early in the process. If it’s not to your liking, you have options to fix things before declining the offer, including:

  • Try to negotiate the compensation package with the prospective employer
  • Request that a salary review is done a few months into the job potentially after probation
  • Decide if the employee benefits on offer compensate for the lack of salary

The people aren’t great

But money isn’t a cure-all for everything, and plenty have left jobs that paid well that were otherwise unpleasant. If your bosses or coworkers don’t seem up to par, you may want to save yourself the headache and decline.

Jen Hubley Luckwaldt mentions the old adage “Workers don’t quit companies. They quit managers.” Studies consistently back this up, with bad bosses being a common reason for employee departures. Your direct supervisor should be one of the people in your interviews, so pay close attention to them. What are they like, and how do they describe their work style? Luckwaldt says that while you won’t be able to tell everything about them in one quick meeting, you should be able to get a good picture of whether you can work with them or not.

Your potential coworkers can be a great clue as well. What is the energy like in the office? Do people seem engaged with one another? Pay attention to body language and try to pick up on any clues you can.

“If the job is in Engineering, for example, it matters who is running Manufacturing and who is running Sales. If these latter managers are not competent, what the Engineering team designs may not be fully realized as viable products, and Sales may not be able to sell them.” Nick Corcodilos

The company isn’t a good fit

Most companies have good people, but if the culture isn’t great, it will trickle down. People want value in their jobs, and if a culture seems off or the company appears to be failing, you’ll be hard-pressed to find any value.

If you found yourself getting ghosted or the communication felt poor during the interview process, that’s a bad sign. The mission statement might not be something you agree with, or you might have different priorities. And sometimes, what works for one person doesn’t for another. A fast-paced office might be the dream to some and a nightmare to others. The company might not be bad—just not right for you. And that’s okay!

Beyond culture, there are many other signs a company might not be right for you. Beth Braccio Hering lists a revolving door of employees, a bad reputation, and no clear path to advancements as signs the company isn’t doing things right. Meanwhile, Ask The Headhunter’s Nick Corcodilos suggests looking up the company’s finances and trying to talk about them in the interview. It won’t do you much good to accept an offer if the company is close to bankruptcy!

The quality of life is poor

Sometimes a job might look fine on paper, but enough little things add up, and the job might be a poor fit for your lifestyle.

One of the most common reasons to decline a job is because of the commute. Maybe the job is amazing, but it’s just too far away to reliably get there or your kid’s school is in the complete opposite direction. You’ll have to ask yourself if it’s worth it.

“Getting to and from work should not be the most exhausting part of your day. If it is, you’ll arrive to your job with frayed nerves and get home in a bad mood.” Mark Swartz

Another example is if you can’t agree on remote or hybrid work model. If you’re looking for some sort of balance and the employer isn’t offering what you need, it’s okay to look elsewhere.

Wrap up

In the long run, it’s better to decline a bad job offer than to accept and quit shortly after. Constant quitting can affect your pay grade and career trajectory down the road. If the money, the coworkers, the company culture, and the effects to your quality of life seem poor, don’t feel bad about declining an offer. We hope that knowing there are good reasons not to accept a job and knowing your worth as an employee can help steer you to a job you’re excited about, not just one that pays the bills!

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Making Remote Workplace Friends

The rise in remote work brought a lot of convenience for workers, but one of the few downsides is the lack of social connections. While an open office could be a distraction, the ability to talk with coworkers and partake in “water cooler” chat was a perk of going to work.

Those relationships are much harder to form in remote positions, especially if you never meet your coworkers in person. Having a friend at work is good for both your personal morale and for the company itself. Business News Daily cited a 2021 Workplace Friendship & Happiness survey that found the following:

“57% of people say having a best friend in the workplace makes work more enjoyable, 22% feel more productive with friends, and 21% say friendship makes them more creative.”

Just because you’re not working in the same office doesn’t mean you can’t find a work BFF, however. Online communities are common on message boards, in video games, and in fantasy sports. You can form meaningful work friendships, too. It may take a little extra effort, but if you follow these tips, you can make workplace friends with ease!

Why are virtual relationships more difficult?

Harvard Business Review found that many workers view the virtual connection as a barrier to forming real friendships. When you aren’t spending time directly interacting with someone, you may miss out on visual clues that are often vital in interpersonal relationships. The researchers at HBR state that coworkers need to build cadence with one another, essentially a good back-and-forth based on being able to predict behavior. You can build that cadence virtually, it just takes a little more time and effort than it would in person.

See what the company can do

Hopefully, your organization has adapted to the remote atmosphere and can provide a welcoming remote onboarding. A good onboarding not only gives you valuable insight into the company’s culture but can fill you in on any virtual events. Your company or department may do virtual get-togethers, or maybe even after-work virtual happy hours.

Employers Advantage believes a savvy workplace can take even more steps to provide an atmosphere conducive to friendship. Employers can arrange all sorts of remote gatherings without the bosses being present to provide a safe space for employees to bond and discuss without an authority figure nearby. If your workplace uses Microsoft Teams or Slack, employers can create channels for similar interests, like sports talk or running.

Find a buddy

If you’re in luck, your company may provide you with a work buddy. If not, don’t be afraid to ask for one. If you’re new to the company, having an experienced coworker that isn’t your direct supervisor can be a great way to learn the ins and outs of the organization, and they could become your first friend.

Career coach Octavia Goredema suggests looking through your employee handbook or company website to find resource groups, mentorship programs, or volunteer opportunities. She also thinks one of the best options is to ask for other recent hires as a buddy.

“Someone who is just a few months ahead of you has a perspective that will be so helpful,” –Octavia Goredema

Take initiative

Maybe you don’t work for a large company with a lot of resources dedicated to these types of group activities. That’s okay! You can still make friends. You’ll just need to take initiative.

Ask your supervisor if there are people they think would be good connections for you. Go out of your way to strike up conversations. When you’re finishing a meeting or discussion, ask personal questions or try to learn about shared interests. It may be awkward at first, especially without physical interaction, but these same principles apply to in-person conversations as well. Someone needs to be the first one to dig a bit deeper, it may as well be you.

If you need initial ice breakers, Employers Advantage suggests asking a coworker simple questions rather than a supervisor. For example, asking about dress code expectations. These innocent questions allow you to build a dialogue, and the person being asked feels valued. This can lead to other informal chatting down the road.

The Muse suggests if your team doesn’t have planned virtual activities or communication channels to be the one to plan them. These virtual events can be one-on-one or with a larger group and don’t need a specific purpose other than general chitchat and a place to set work aside for a moment. These conversations will not only allow you to get to know your coworkers but can increase team morale.

Finally, Psychology Today believes being open to sharing more of yourself and offering praise will go a long way. If you’re willing to share, others will feel more comfortable sharing, and sharing and offering praise will make them feel more human. The smallest bits of effort can make a fellow employee feel more appreciated.

Wrap up

Just because you don’t work in the same building doesn’t mean you can’t find a work bestie to chat with, support, and help each other get through the day. Many companies offer resources to help you form relationships, and you may even find a dedicated work buddy. But you always have the power to take initiative and create a space for friendships to blossom. Even the smallest bits of effort will be noticed.

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Watch Out For These Red Flags On Your Next Job Search

In wake of the Great Resignation, many organizations are rapidly trying to attract talent. It’s a good time to be a job seeker, as experts believe 2022 is a year favoring employees. But while many companies are hiring and job seekers have a plethora of options, not all of those options are good. Navigating the job market can be like walking through a minefield as you try to avoid questionable organizations.

Thankfully, a well-prepared job seeker can avoid these “mines” by recognizing the red flags these organizations put out. Whether in the job description itself or based on statements you hear in an interview, there are telltale signs you’re heading for an unpleasant role. We’ll cover six of these major red flags to avoid during your next job search.

Vague or problematic language

Before you even interact with someone from the company, the job post alone can tell you a lot about the company’s culture. Just as in dating, there are plenty of words and phrases that should immediately set off warning lights.

Being described as a wizard, ninja, or rockstar might be cool in a video game, but avoid companies seeking these fantastical titles. Dice writes that many tech companies used these titles to jazz up descriptions, but now they are commonly used as a vague, catch-all term to describe someone that checks every single box they want. These terms are also often gendered and can indicate a workplace lacking diversity.

Meanwhile, avoid companies that claim to be “like a family”. Families can often be dysfunctional, and while that may be okay for you and your loved ones, it isn’t how you want a company to run.

“Workplaces that claim to be a family can come with the downsides of family—poor boundaries and guilt trips. No thanks.” –Hcareers

Vague descriptions, or conversely overly long descriptions, can be a bad sign, too. The company may not know exactly what they’re looking for, or they may have unrealistic expectations for the position.

Finally, pay attention to words that imply the position will come with lots of extra work or lead to burnout. If the job description mentions “work hard, play hard”, “fast-paced”, “must be a self-starter”, or “unlimited earning potential”, you could be heading for a bad time, writes Forbes. While these terms don’t need to be immediate deal-breakers, feel free to ask the recruiter what exactly they mean when they use these terms.

Avoiding discussing pay

Even if you’re passionate about your career, you’re still getting paid for your work. Ideally, you’ll make a comfortable living. If a job is vague or dances around the subject of salary, it can be a bad sign.

Some companies may use vague language like “based on experience” or “competitive salary”, but when asked, they should be able to provide a range.

“It’s just basic human choice. We would never accept a job without knowing how much money we’d get in it. We cannot make a decision without that core information.” –Katrina Kibben

Lots of turnover

You may need to do extra research on this tip, but if you see the same position in your search multiple times, it may mean the organization has a high turnover rate. Jennifer Parris suggests you may need to dig deeper to find out why this position is constantly open.

It can be worth asking the hiring manager but don’t be afraid to look outside the current organization. Look at reviews on Glassdoor, check LinkedIn to see how long people remain with the company, and if you know anyone that worked there, get the inside scoop.

Lack of communication

If you’ve started the process of applying and the communication between you and the hiring manager is sporadic, this may be a sign of a dysfunctional organization. While both job seekers and hiring managers can be guilty of ghosting, if you’re having communication issues this early in the process it’s a bad look. We all have bad days, but if you’re consistently being ghosted or the manager feels unprepared, you may wish to look elsewhere.

Long hiring process

Glassdoor’s research team found the average hiring process is 23.8 days, though obviously, this is industry and position-dependent. But the longer the process takes, the more skeptical you should be.

Some organizations may ghost you completely after your interview, but if it takes weeks to hear back even when you’ve got the job, it can be another sign of disfunction, writes Jennifer Parris. The position may not be a priority, meaning you won’t get the support you need once you start the job. Or there could be communication breakdowns between different departments.

Expecting unpaid work

For some positions, you may need to provide some extra examples of your work. If you’re a content creator, for example, a company may want to see writing samples. And while skills assessments are frustrating, they do have value. But if it feels like a prospective employer is asking for too much, it’s a bad sign. This can also apply to the phrase “mandatory overtime”.

If it feels like you’re doing free labor, approach the interviewer. Their response can be telling, believes Fairygodboss. Your time is valuable.

Wrap up

Armed with this knowledge, it should be easier to spot job openings that might not be for you. While you should watch out for these potential red flags, it’s always worth asking the hiring manager about them. Extenuating circumstances happen, and some managers may not know why certain phrases can be problematic. Do your research, ask necessary questions, and ultimately, trust your gut.

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Six Ways Your Job Search Is Like Dating

Getting apprehensive as you get dressed up, rehearsing the stories you want to tell, following up afterward hoping for a second chance, and getting hopeful for what the future might bring…searching for a job is a lot like dating, isn’t it?

It might seem like a strange comparison, but when you stop to think about it, dating and job hunting have a lot in common. From the initial search to putting your best self forward, both activities involve a lot of effort and a lot of searching for the right fit. But if all goes right, you might just find a bright future.

Numerous experts have made the same observations, and thinking of the similarities between the dating world and job-seeking can provide an interesting change in perspective. Embrace these dating-esque strategies and you just might find a new career to fall in love with.

Know what you want

Many people don’t like to admit it, but most people have a type when it comes to dating. Whether consciously or subconsciously, people are looking for a partner or partners that check certain boxes. Just as understanding your tastes matters in dating, knowing what you want in an employer partner is vital before you even start your search.

FlexJobs’ Kat Boogaard compares looking for a flexible work environment, room for growth, and a good salary to looking for a sense of humor or a shared passion with a prospective romantic partner. Identifying what traits are important to you before starting the search will make the journey much more fulfilling.

It’s also important to decide what level of commitment you want before searching. Maybe you want a casual fling with a new industry. Maybe you’re looking to settle down for the long term. You’ll want to decide before you swipe.

Know what you’re getting into

Speaking of swiping, the internet is a double-edged sword for both dating and job hunting. The ease of dating apps and online job boards means more potential for connection, but it also means you have a lot of competition. You’ll face much more rejection, and ghosting is common. You may have thought things went well with that cute marketing company, but you never hear from them again. It’s part of the search.

Just as you may have better luck if a friend fixes you up with a date, having a business connection will make the search important. Networking is the best wingman out there.

“Your coffee date doesn’t show up, an exciting person ghosts you, everyone is flaky, and you feel like a piece of meat. You must be job hunting.” –Arianne Cohen, Bloomberg

Make your best first impression

Once you’ve landed the date/interview, you want to put your best foot forward and make the best first impression possible. Dress your best, show up on time, don’t look at your phone, and be a good listener.

Beyond the basics, prior research is key. Via a 2021 Statista survey, 40% of people look up their date online, and 44% will search for their social media. This gives you a better idea of who you’re meeting and provides talking points. The same philosophy applies to job searching. Always research the organization beforehand. Not only with the information answer some of your early questions, but you’ll get a feel for the overall culture and see if you’re a good fit. You’ll have much more to talk about and be able to impress your date.

Forbes’ Caroline Castrillon stresses the importance of body language. Nonverbal queues play a major role in your interpersonal interactions. You can practice power poses to build confidence and really wow your interviewer.

“Whether it’s facial expressions, gestures or eye contact, non-verbal cues can make the difference between getting a job offer or being shown out the door.” – Caroline Castrillon

Be authentic, and don’t be desperate

Caroline also stresses the importance of being your authentic self. “If you can’t be yourself, then what’s the point?” Knowing what you want and doing prior research make it easy to recognize whether this is a good fit or not. You want a partner that shares your values, and you don’t want to settle for less than you deserve.

Don’t just take the first thing that comes along. Looking desperate is a turn-off in both the dating and professional worlds. Just as looks aren’t everything in dating, money isn’t the only trait that matters in job seeking. A bad fit may mean starting your search anew, but it’s better to come to that conclusion early on instead of having a messy breakup.

“Don’t talk about a job too early in the process of networking, that is like talking about what you want to name your children on the first date.” –Hannah Morgan

Don’t talk about your ex

Just as talking about your ex on the first date is a major red flag, bashing your previous employer is a major faux pas in an interview. Don’t do it.

Trust your gut

At the end of the search, you’ll have a lot of information at your disposal, but only you can decide whether you’ve found the right partner for you. It’s okay to be picky; if something doesn’t feel right despite looking good on paper, don’t be afraid to move on. You’re making a life-altering decision, and it’s okay to wait for the best fit.

Wrap up

Dating and finding a career have a surprising amount in common. The search can be harrowing, but if you know what you want, do your homework, make a good first impression, and be yourself, you can find a situation you’re comfortable with.

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Coexisting With A Coworker You Dislike

Sometimes, having the right coworkers can make a job you dislike more tolerable. But the opposite is also true; a coworker you dislike can make your job unpleasant.

While many workers are able to work remotely, limiting direct face-to-face interactions with these workplace nemeses, those in the office don’t have that luxury. Even remotely, you’ll still have some interactions with these disdained coworkers. Regardless, you need to learn to work with others you may not enjoy.

We’ve previously covered how to successfully navigate workplace conflict and why a positive team culture is so important. We’ll build on that foundation, with assistance from the experts, with strategies on how to coexist with your least favorite coworkers. You likely won’t become best friends, but you’ll find common ground and be able to work together in spite of your differences.

Could it be you?

The first step in finding common ground is asking yourself why this individual irks you. With some soul-searching, you may realize that both of you are at fault.

Forbes’ Nicole Lipkin discusses affirmation bias, the tendency to blame your own shortcomings on external factors while blaming the shortcomings of others on their personal character.

“[L]et’s say you’re late to work. The attribution bias would have you exonerate your own lateness by claiming there was heavy traffic. But if someone else is late to work though, they’re obviously lazy.” –Nicole Lipkin

You may be projecting this bias on your workplace antagonist solely because you dislike them. By always thinking the worst of this person, you build them up as a bigger villain in your mind. You may also be projecting attributes you dislike about yourself onto this person, writes Lolly Daskal. Analyzing your mindset and figuring out why you dislike this person is the first step towards understanding.

Try to get to know them

Easier said than done, right? But finding common ground with someone is the key to resolving conflict. Iris Dorbian spoke to various actors, who must project chemistry with one another to the audience even when they dislike each other, and found multiple strategies you can use to co-exist with your foe.

Start by asking your coworker simple questions to get to know them. It doesn’t have to be deep; small talk about hobbies, interests, and daily routine is enough.

“I’m trying to give this person the impression that I actually give a damn about their day-to-day existence. The funny thing is, you’ll usually find that eventually, you do form chemistry because the person on the receiving end is amazed that anyone asked them questions about their life, work, or hobbies.” -actor Gino Dilorio

“Fake it til you make it” is a popular strategy in many of life’s facets, and it applies here, as well. Be enthusiastic about what your coworker tells you, even if you don’t feel it on the inside. Keeping a positive attitude will not only be good for your relationship with this person but it can be wondrous for your mental health.

Understand their point of view

Once you know this person a little better, it will be easier to understand their perspective and get to the root of why you don’t get along. Take your emotions out of the equation and try to view the person objectively.

Are some of their unpleasant traits a result of outside factors? There may be things doing on in their personal life you aren’t privy to. Are they trying to get along with you but struggling to do so? Or do you just have incompatible values or personalities? These questions are much easier to answer after you’ve made an attempt to get to know the person.

Set boundaries

Maybe you’ve put in the time to get to know your antagonist but still can’t find common ground. It happens. Not all people will get along. But to better coexist, you need to set boundaries with this person.

If the person keeps exhibiting disrespectful behaviors in your direction, sit down with the person and explain these behaviors are unacceptable. Ivy Exec reminds us not to let anger build up and color the interaction. Calmly tell them their behavior is unacceptable and they need to work with you in a professional manner.

Meanwhile, set boundaries on your own behavior. Don’t behave antagonistically towards them, and don’t engage in gossip regarding the other person. Stay professional.

Acknowledge your dislike and minimize contact

If all else fails, up upfront with the person. Lipkin says to have a simple conversation with your coworker: “We’re not getting along that great, what can we do? Let’s try to brainstorm what’s getting in our way.”

If you can find a way to work together, great. If not, you did your part. Continue to work within the boundaries you set, and reduce contact as much as possible. Don’t do anything to fan the flames, and do your best to remain professional. You don’t have to like your colleague, but you do need to work together.

“If volcanoes erupt every time you meet, then it might be best to, instead, keep things professional at a distance.” –Andy Charters

Wrap up

You won’t get along with everyone you meet, but if you’re working with someone you dislike, it’s important to at least make an effort to coexist. Try to find common ground and settle your differences in a professional matter. If all else fails, consider coexistence and acceptance a victory, and do your best to at least work together when needed.

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