It sounds so simple doesn’t it? If something doesn’t feel right or it’s not what you had in mind, then say no. Easy. Or is it?. You might have spent weeks chasing particular role, perfected your skills on how to make a resume, waited for the recruiters or head of HR, had an interview and then another. Great! You got the job! But something doesn’t gel. You are not sure what, but you don’t feel like accepting the role now. You feel like you should, however, do the job anyway because of the effort invested by both sides.

Stop right there. It is a hassle for all concerned and time wasted, but it’s far more important to work in a job you want to be in, for employers who deserve you. There are a few valid reasons for declining job offers;

Keep your ears open. Anything can happen in the business world, and often does. Even large organisations can rumble with little public warning – Look at Lehman Brothers as an example. If you start work with a company that may be restructuring or part of a merger, your job may not exist by the time you have barely started. Listen to the ‘rumours’ and assess their credibility before you take the plunge. Do your full ‘due diligence’ and take advice if unsure.

Watch the comings and goings. All business shed staff, but if during your due diligence you discover the company sheds rather more than you’d like, and at a steady rate, you may want to think again. Also, be sure to listen carefully during the hiring process. Do interviewers keep referring to folks who’ve left the company or mentioning a total lack of redundancy? These could be signs that people are leaving faster than replacements can be recruited.

All about the money. What is your REAL motivating factor behind taking the job? Cash is not the right answer. Seriously. Unless you are in dire need of finance, the salary check isn’t the reason to work somewhere. A few months down the line you’ll regret it. It’s nice to feel comfortable with your salary, but the amount of time you put in at work; you really need to at least like what you do!

It’s all work, work, work. Really think about your circumstances. There are some industries where working 18 hour days are the norm. I’ve turned down jobs for this reason. If you have children or other commitments, it just might not be possible, however rosy the company makes it look. It won’t be, it will be stressful and make you resentful of your employer. If it’s a first job and you need to work up the ladder, all well and good. There is a period during your career when we all have to ‘put the time in’ to get a foothold. If you are mid career and with a family, this might not be the time for you.

Bad news. Not all publicity is good publicity believe me. If your company has a bad reputation, this can reflect badly on yourself. Any public scandal or badly respected business can sully your resume. You are better off in a lower position of a well thought of company than the boss of a bad one.