Reasons you should not accept a job
Understanding the signs you should not accept a job offer can help you avoid a negative work experience and find a position that meets your requirements and career goals. These signs can vary from one person to another therefore it might be beneficial to consider as many factors as possible when deciding whether to accept a job or not. Here are some signs that could tell you not to accept the role as it won’t work out for you:
Lack of positive online reviews
One of the most obvious warning signs is negative online reviews of the organization. The service employers offer their customers is indicative of how they treat their employees, so if their customers are saying they are rubbish believe me it is most likely that what their employees are saying as well.
Vague job description
A vague job description is another potential warning sign. This indicates that the employer hasn’t yet formed a list of duties you will perform in the job. It probably means that they are not sure what you are going to do on a day-to-day basis and will make it up as they go along.
Limited career opportunities
Career growth opportunities represent a significant factor when most people are looking for a job. Companies that offer career growth opportunities tend to provide employees with additional training and support professional development. You may wish to avoid working for a business that doesn’t offer such possibilities, afterall you don’t want to be in a dead-end job.
There is a high turnover of staff
A Company who is constantly advertising for staff most likely has a high turnover and this can be an indicator of an unhealthy working environment. Employees leave jobs they are unhappy in or there are no growth opportunities in. It’s best to avoid a Company like this unless you want to become another statistic.
The job is beyond your capabilities
Another warning sign you should consider is the scope of responsibility of a job. Some jobs may require you to learn new skills fast which takes effort and time. Whilst learning new skills may allow you to advance in your career unless you are getting paid for it don’t go there. If an employer is advertising for a secretary but the job turns out to be for an Executive Assistant be wary, the employer probably just wants to get someone on the cheap.
Work-life balance
Work-life balance is one of the key elements that determine job satisfaction and help employees stay productive. Find a role that offers a work-life balance that suits your personal goals and life values. For example you may consider rejecting a job offer that requests you to work late in the evenings if you want to spend more time with your family.
Salary is not right
Another factor in deciding whether or not to accept a job is the salary. If the amount offered is way below that which was advertised and you have the skills and experience required for the role then you really need to consider whether it is the right Company for you. Are they trying their luck and offering you a poor salary because they think you are so desperate for their position you’ll accept any role. Don’t undervalue yourself.
Avoid an employer who wants payment
In some cases employers may require candidates to pay for training or background checks. If you are asked for payment for any reason then this should serve as a significant warning as a reputable business will never ask you to pay for anything. Avoid this employer at all costs.
You didn’t meet a senior staff member
Even though it might not always be possible for the senior management team to be involved in the recruitment process it represents a significant factor if they are. If Senior Managers don’t participate in the day-to-day business process, this may act as a warning to you not to accept the job. Companies that have a marked gap between different elements of their management structure tend to have less career growth opportunities.
Lots of Agencies are advertising this job
Although it may not always serve as a warning sign if the job you have been offered is being advertised excessively by many Agencies it’s a fact worth considering. Employers using more than one Agency to recruit through are either desperate for someone or they are a Company who constantly has vacancies and is in contact with Agencies all the time. It is often a sign that the employer has a high staff turnover and at the end of the day you don’t want to be another statistic.
To finalise the moral of this blog is that you should not feel compelled to accept any job that is offered you, it has to be the right job. By accepting the job you are entering into a contact with the Company and should feel totally committed, if you have any reservations you need to consider these really seriously after all you don’t want to be unhappy and you want to obtain a job which is going to be a really good career move.
Good luck
Angela Burton