Dear Experts,
I got offered a job last week and something doesn’t feel right about it. The people that work there are all very quiet and look almost scared. The boss seems serious, but didn’t act mean. However, when I asked why the position was open, he did comment the last person didn’t have a ‘strong enough personality’ for the job. That worries me.
I accepted the job and said I’d start this week, but now I don’t want to go! How should I decline the job?
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Here is how our T.A.P. experts answered this question:
Q#336 Polite “thanks, but circumstances have changed” suffices. Following UR gut wise. Good for U 4 listenting. (@dawnbugni)
Q#336 Sounds odd… Are you certain that this job isn’t a match for you or do you: http://wp.me/pwdoo-3f. (@MarySevinsky)
Q#336 @heatherhuhman‘s article is spot on:”Write brief, thoughtful (polite) note saying ur declining opportunity, etc.” (@ValueIntoWords)
Q#336 Because you already accepted & start this week, they’re going to be disappointed: http://bit.ly/1fNFuE. (@heatherhuhman)
Q#336 If u have no other prospects, keep the commitment and give the job a 30 -60 day probation & then decide. (@TaiGoodwin)
Q#336 If ur gut says “NO” say ur circumstances changed, no longer able 2 accept job, very disappointed/sorry. (@juliaerickson)
Q#336 I would go anyway. If you planned to turn down the offer, you have nothing to lose by leaving after 2 weeks. (@gradversity)
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3 Comments
Magnify your first sentence. That's where the dilemma is. “Something doesn't feel right about it.”
That is your emotional intelligence (body-oriented) speaking and not your academic intelligence (head-oriented). The reason why “something doesn't feel right,” in this case, is that your intuition is telling you to avoid danger signs from this company.
Two other danger signs that you should reconsider:” the people who work there almost look scared.”Again, the old adage that “you only have only have one chance to make a first impression” truly applies here.
You made an observation about the company culture. It doesn't appear to be healthy.
The third danger sign when the manager remarked that the former employee didn't have a “strong enough personality.” Examine that hidden agenda or message.
What is your work personality? This is one thing that a career professional tries to identify with you, before you embark on a job search or to accept a job offer. Will your job personality align with the company?
Unless you have a binding, legal job offer, think twice about accepting this job offer.
I believe that this is situation-specific.
If you are uneasy now and don't pay attention to the danger signs, you could be deadlocked with this company, which may wreak havoc for you professionally.
Go with your heart and use emotional intelligence (an extra energy source that we all all to some extent).
Some of the best career decisions involve more risks, but often they pay off handsomely.
We as humans just have to step out of our comfort zone and embrace risk, from time to time.
Wishing you the best in your career.
Melissa Martin
bilingual career coach
careercoachingbyphone.com
Magnify your first sentence. That's where the dilemma is. “Something doesn't feel right about it.”
That is your emotional intelligence (body-oriented) speaking and not your academic intelligence (head-oriented). The reason why “something doesn't feel right,” in this case, is that your intuition is telling you to avoid danger signs from this company.
Two other danger signs that you should reconsider:” the people who work there almost look scared.”Again, the old adage that “you only have only have one chance to make a first impression” truly applies here.
You made an observation about the company culture. It doesn't appear to be healthy.
The third danger sign when the manager remarked that the former employee didn't have a “strong enough personality.” Examine that hidden agenda or message.
What is your work personality? This is one thing that a career professional tries to identify with you, before you embark on a job search or to accept a job offer. Will your job personality align with the company?
Unless you have a binding, legal job offer, think twice about accepting this job offer.
I believe that this is situation-specific.
If you are uneasy now and don't pay attention to the danger signs, you could be deadlocked with this company, which may wreak havoc for you professionally.
Go with your heart and use emotional intelligence (an extra energy source that we all all to some extent).
Some of the best career decisions involve more risks, but often they pay off handsomely.
We as humans just have to step out of our comfort zone and embrace risk, from time to time.
Wishing you the best in your career.
Melissa Martin
bilingual career coach
careercoachingbyphone.com
Magnify your first sentence. That's where the dilemma is. “Something doesn't feel right about it.”
That is your emotional intelligence (body-oriented) speaking and not your academic intelligence (head-oriented). The reason why “something doesn't feel right,” in this case, is that your intuition is telling you to avoid danger signs from this company.
Two other danger signs that you should reconsider:” the people who work there almost look scared.”Again, the old adage that “you only have only have one chance to make a first impression” truly applies here.
You made an observation about the company culture. It doesn't appear to be healthy.
The third danger sign when the manager remarked that the former employee didn't have a “strong enough personality.” Examine that hidden agenda or message.
What is your work personality? This is one thing that a career professional tries to identify with you, before you embark on a job search or to accept a job offer. Will your job personality align with the company?
Unless you have a binding, legal job offer, think twice about accepting this job offer.
I believe that this is situation-specific.
If you are uneasy now and don't pay attention to the danger signs, you could be deadlocked with this company, which may wreak havoc for you professionally.
Go with your heart and use emotional intelligence (an extra energy source that we all all to some extent).
Some of the best career decisions involve more risks, but often they pay off handsomely.
We as humans just have to step out of our comfort zone and embrace risk, from time to time.
Wishing you the best in your career.
Melissa Martin
bilingual career coach
careercoachingbyphone.com