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There are times you absolutely have to take any job offer you can get, even when you’re not thrilled about it.

But there are also times when you can afford to hold out for something better. If you can afford to say ‘no,’ but aren’t sure if it’s the right move, you need to assess the situation carefully and make an educated decision.

Consider Your Prospects

Most job seekers don’t allow you to contrast multiple offers at once. Typically, you’ll get your first offer when you are still being considered by other companies.

You have to be realistic regarding what might be coming down the line. Consider any other applications you have out there and realistically evaluate which, if any, might bear fruit. Then, contrast the offer you have against what you really want in a job.

At times, “good enough” will have to be enough. Don’t hold out for something perfect out there. While a job may not offer you everything you want right now, you may be able to take the job if it offers something else that wasn’t on your radar, like new skills or a foot in the door at the company.

Consider the Costs of Taking the Job

While you might be able to convince yourself to take a job for the short term and look for something else, you still need to think about the costs associated with accepting a new job.

For one, the disruption of switching jobs can affect your family and shake up your professional network. Be sure your family life is at a point where a job change won’t be overwhelming. Also, if you lose valuable contacts in switching jobs, be sure you have a plan for making up the difference as soon as possible.

Second, taking a job for the short term and then taking another one right after that might look like job hopping to potential employers in the future. You need to consider how changing job so quickly will look on a resume and sound in an interview.

Third, taking a job that is a step sideways or even a step backwards can look bad on a resume as well. Ideally, the job should somehow further your career. For instance, if you quit your office job to wait tables, it makes more sense if your career goal is to work in the hospitality industry.

Finally, you need to realize the toll the job might take on your psyche. If the job has harsh working conditions or a culture that has a reputation for being hostile, you may want to turn down the offer in order to avoid the crushing stress. Or, if the job requires you to compromise your values and ethics, you may want to turn it down to avoid doing work you later regret.


At Action Group, we work hard to connect people with job offers they are thrilled to accept. If you’re curious about what we have in store, please contact us today.


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