Moment of truth

Deciding whether to accept or reject a job offer when it’s not really what you want

What happens when you’re offered a job — but it’s not exactly the one you applied for or anticipated being offered?

It’s very common for a job seeker to be offered a job that doesn’t quite fulfill his or her interest or desire. The position may not have the title, responsibilities, pay scale or prestige fulfillment one hoped for.

However, it is a job — and let’s assume that the company seems like a solid one and appears to offer potential down the road to provide you with ample opportunity to advance.

Now you’re torn between accepting the less-desired position or turning it down, knowing that if you do, you’ll probably never have another chance to join that organization.

The dilemma is a delicate one. You don’t want to appear ungrateful or uninterested in the position. At the same time, you don’t want to get stuck in a less-than-desirable job. What should you do? Here’s a thought for you to consider.

Thank the hiring manager for the offer, and let him or her know you have some questions. Those questions can be along the following lines:

Is it reasonable to expect an opportunity for advancement once I perform the job to your satisfaction?

How many months do you like for an individual to be in a position before you feel comfortable with him or her?

What skill sets do I currently lack for consideration for the next job?

Be sure to ask these questions politely and not in a demanding manner. Once you hear the responses, it should be clear to you whether it’s to your advantage to accept the position.

Keep in mind that the prospective employer is far more interested in filling the position you’ve been offered than in giving you a promotion. Any job seeker who is offered a position should respond appreciatively and respectfully. Even if you turn down a job offer, you never know when you may run into a person with whom you’ve interviewed.

There is nothing wrong with ambition. However, your career drive should never appear to be so selffocused that it brings into question to a prospective employer that you only care about yourself.

Remember, employers want to hire team members who also care about the company they work for, the customers they serve and the peers they work alongside.

Gary Moore is president of Insight Edge and the Persogenics Corp. He has more than 30 years of experience in the hiring process, sales and leadership training. To find out more about Moore, visit www.insightedge.com or www.persogenics.com. on your toes throughout your work day.

Photo by iStock Accepting an alternative position with a stable company that offers opportunities for advancement can be a wise move for some job seekers.