6 Questions You Need to Answer Before Rejecting a Job Offer

A job offer is an exciting — and sometimes frightening — new opportunity that can sometimes feel like a relief after a long job search. But just because you’ve been given an offer doesn’t mean you should accept it. If you’re unsure whether to say yes to an offer, ask yourself these six questions.

1. Do you understand the company and what the role entails? 

To make a sound decision, you need to understand the company and what the role is before accepting or turning down a job offer. Ask yourself what you could from this position or organization. What common trends are there? What are your thoughts on the recent marketing campaign? How do you feel about their mission? Considering these questions will help you determine whether the role is a good fit for you. 

2. Is this the best offer I can get in this job market?

A good-paying job offer is hard to turn down and can be an excellent opportunity for growth. But before you accept, consider your needs and where you want to be in three years. Do you want a company that values work-life balance? Or is it more critical for you to find a company with many growth opportunities? Take time to reflect. 

3. Is the timing right?

The employer is evaluating your commitment level. It’s not fair for you to accept a job offer if you know for sure that there are other things in life you want to pursue. Take the time to think about what's essential in your life, and don't be afraid to say no if the timing isn't right.

4. What’s the company culture like?

It’s important to know what a company's culture is like before accepting its offer. You want to make sure that they value the same things you do. Otherwise, you'll end up feeling like you're not appreciated there. If the company isn't transparent about this, it might be time for you to walk away. It doesn't hurt to ask questions about what other employees typically do in their day-to-day work.

5. Will this job help me achieve my career goals?

Sometimes it’s hard to know if a new opportunity will help you achieve your career goals. To make sure you are choosing the right option, think about the following questions:

• What are the responsibilities of this new position? 

• Does this job offer a salary increase or a higher pay rate? 

• How has your workload changed since accepting the offer? 

• Will the company provide the resources necessary to complete your projects?

If you’re still unsure, ask yourself if you are making this decision for the right reasons. 

6. Have I negotiated this offer the best I can?

Negotiating a job offer is an integral part of the process. You'll want to negotiate a higher salary, better benefits, flexible work hours and anything else you'd like for yourself. It's essential to understand what's negotiable before going in. When negotiating salary, you might want to ask for more than you expect. 

When you first start in a new position, your employer has the upper hand and can afford to be flexible with your demands. If a company is interested in hiring you, they won't mind negotiating a little bit to get the deal done. Before accepting the offer, make sure that it comes with all the benefits you need and want. The package may be attractive on paper, but it may not be worth taking if it doesn't include paid vacation days or health insurance.

A job offer is a huge commitment, and it can be hard to decide whether or not to accept. Before accepting the offer, make sure that the company has the culture you're looking for and that you're committed to a long-term career there. If everything feels right, put in your two weeks' notice at work and start your new job knowing you’ve made the smart choice.

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This article reflects the views of the author and not necessarily those of Fairygodboss.

What’s your no. 1 piece of advice for deciding whether or not to take a job offer? Share your answer in the comments to help other Fairygodboss members!