Should You Accept a Job That You Really Don’t Want?

In an ideal world, you wouldn’t ever have to decide whether to accept a job you don’t want. In the real world, things can occasionally become challenging.

Should You Accept a Job That You Really Don’t Want?

No, you shouldn’t take a job offer you don’t desire in an ideal world. But because life is messy, there are times when it is the only way to reach where we want to go. 

It is quite acceptable to accept a job you don’t want if it means getting the experience or pay you need, but it is equally acceptable to decline a job offer if it means getting a position you don’t want. While choosing whether to accept a job you don’t want can be challenging, the following advice can help.

When Do You Accept a Job That You Don’t Want?

1. If You Need it Immediately

Whether it was their first paying employment in high school or a job that acted as a stepping stone to the job they wanted, most people have worked a job they weren’t fully delighted about. 

Even if you’re hoping it’s just a short-term chance, you should still accept the job if you need the money, benefits, or any other incentives it might offer. This employment might give you work experience in addition to giving you what you need. 

Think about the numerous ways this job might have an impact on your professional path. Any job you work in might leave you with beneficial experience that can help enrich your professional career in the future.

2. If it’s a Way to a Means

Accept the work if it has a clear trail of prospects that will lead you in the direction you wish to go. You don’t have a lot of leeway to be choosy when you don’t have much experience. Large professional dreams are feasible, but you must be clear about the type of experience you possess to qualify for your dream position. 

Don’t discard a job you don’t want too hastily if you can see it opening doors to a future position you do want. Accepting a lesser position job in the field you aspire to work in can open up the right experience to pave the road to your ideal job.

When Do You NOT Accept a Job That You Don’t Want

1. If You Don’t Like the Company Culture

It’s acceptable to decline the offer and express your concerns to the interviewer if, after several rounds of interviews for a position you believe would be a good fit, you simply feel that you would not fit in well with the company culture. 

It’s preferable to explain why you’re declining the position now rather than accepting it and departing shortly after if you can tell there won’t be a strong cultural fit from the start.

2. If You Don’t See Any Scope for Professional Development

It’s likely that if you’re applying for entry-level jobs, you want to improve professionally and perhaps even receive a promotion to a more senior position in the future. 

It’s acceptable to discuss this worry with the hiring manager as a cause to reject a job offer if you learn through your interviews that the company either rarely promotes these jobs or has little to no room for development.

3. If the Compensation is Not as Expected

Many job offers are turned down due to conflicting expectations regarding pay and benefits. It’s not unusual for you to reject the offer because you won’t often learn the specifics of your pay or perks until the employment offer is extended to you. 

The hiring manager should understand if you are honest with them about your expectations versus the actual income and benefits of the position. Moreover, he may even be able to alter something to suit your needs!

Conclusion

Deciding to accept a job offer you don’t truly want might be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. Knowing what you want in a job before the interview can help you be as honest as you can be with the interviewer right away. 

Recognize that a lot of work goes into selecting a candidate for a position, and show your appreciation for the company’s time and the chances it provided. By doing this, you prevent the employer from feeling as though they wasted their time, regardless of whether you choose to accept the employment or not.

About the Author

 BCjobs.ca is Western Canada’s largest job board, with majority of the jobs coming from Vancouver. For nearly 20 years, BC Jobs has connected job candidates with companies looking to add talent to their team. Here at BCJobs, we understand that looking for a job is difficult. To support our candidates, we recently launched a podcast to help you stand out during your job application. Listen to weekly episodes on our podcast to hear what recruiters are thinking and what companies look for when considering their next hire.