9 Thoughts on When to Turn Down a Job Offer.

It’s a relief to receive job offers after a long search. Unfortunately, the job you are offered may not be right for you.

This happened to one of my clients—a recent graduate we’ll call Tom. His mother said Tom needed a job right away. But the first job offered to Tom was a role selling solar panels to apartment-dwellers. My client realized apartment residents have no place to install solar panels. They either would not buy, or they would complain after the sale. Tom turned down the offer.

Your situation probably is not going to be as dramatic. In fact, you may have several acceptable—or even wonderful—job offers to pick from. So, you will want to take systematic steps to make the best choice..

Below, we’ll discuss nine ideas to consider when you are deciding whether or not to accept a job offer.

Something about the company or the job makes you uneasy.

One of the purposes of the job interview is not only to find out if you’re a fit for the job, but also if the job and the company is a fit for you! A job interview can be like a date — maybe the spark just isn’t there for you. While the job offer is flattering, if you feel like it’s not going to work out, don’t “get married.” (Do not accept the job offer.)

Reviews from current and past employees give you pause.

Your due diligence prior to accepting a job offer may include reading employee and former employee reviews on Glassdoor.com or similar sites. While there will usually be some reviews from disgruntled former employees, when you see reviews from current employees that gripe about company culture, pay practices, or benefits, that’s a reason to give the job offer second thoughts. If you see online reviews that concern you, use your network to connect with current employees and see if you can get either confirmation or refute the information.

The company’s financial future is uncertain.

Part of doing your due diligence with a prospective employer is making sure they are on sound financial footing before accepting a job offer. If the company is a startup, for example, what is the source of their funding? Do they have sufficient reserves to weather the current business environment? Is the industry growing or declining? Do a Google search on the company name. See if there are any Reddit forums discussing the company. Research its Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating. And take the opportunity to use your network to vet information. Current employees are often aware of potential issues before they become public.

Of course, privately held companies don’t have to disclose their financial results. Current employees, and even former employees, may also be constrained by confidentiality agreements and NDAs, so you won’t always be able to get answers.

The total compensation package doesn’t match your current position.

Maybe the new job would offer a higher salary, but the health insurance offered is more expensive, or has a higher deductible and co-payments. Often you don’t find out all the details of the benefits package until you receive the job offer, so take a close look at the total compensation package when considering whether to accept the job offer. Also, make sure you’re fully aware of how the benefits package works. Is there a wait before you can contribute to the company retirement plan, or get a match?

The salary you were offered is lower than what you’re making now.

Unless you’re out of work, or there’s some other benefit the new company offers that would make it worthwhile, consider a move carefully when you would take a pay cut. You may decide to accept the job anyway if the role offers something you value, such as opportunities for remote work, better work hours, a shorter commute, or a chance to serve a population, or a cause you care about. Often, though, you may be better off in the long run by searching for a better opportunity.

Can you get what you were promised in writing?

One big red flag for potentially turning down a job offer is if you are given assurances about certain aspects of the job, but the hiring manager won’t put them in writing. For example, if you’re offered a remote or hybrid position, but the company won’t specifically define it as such, it’s possible that you’ll be asked to return to working from the office in the future. There’s a saying, “If it’s not in writing, it didn’t happen.”

The written offer does not match the verbal offer.

No matter what you discussed in the interview or what was listed in the job posting, it’s what’s in the job offer that matters. Make sure the written offer matches what you were offered verbally, and if the written document isn’t corrected, walk away.

You have other irons in the fire.

Don’t accept a job offer just because you’re not sure if you’ll get another job offer. If it doesn’t feel like a fit, don’t accept the job offer out of fear. It’s possible to set your job search back if you accept a job that isn’t right and end up quitting — or getting fired — and having to start all over again.

You have a gut feeling this isn’t the right fit.

Trust your feelings! This is often the most important reason not to accept a job offer. If it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.

For example, when you interview for a newly created position, the hieing manager may not be certain what the job will entail. It’s possible that the job will not match your skills.

Some years ago, I accepted a new position in a new employment program. My research suggested that program goals were unrealistic given the client-base we were to serve. I was correct—the program failed to meet its goals so I felt as if we were “tilting at windmills.”

Ultimately, you should make the final decision about a job offer. Although career management coaches recognize that everyone faces a unique situation, they will normally suggest making the braver choice based on your gut instinct, as well as your research. My client, Tom, accepted a job in the field he worked in during college after turning down the solar power sales job, and interviewing for several other positions.

Another challenge to deal with will be turning down the job offer in a professional manner that does not “burn bridges.” We’ll cover this next week.