By Kathleen Furore
I recently spoke with someone who turned down one job offer with a company he greatly respects in favor of another job that will help him expand his skill set and ultimately enhance his resume. Now he’s wondering if he has any chance of being hired by the first company at some point in the future if there is a new opening for which he qualifies.
The answer is yes, according to Tiffani Murray, owner of Personality On a Page resume and career consulting services and director of people services/HR for a national furniture retailer.
“I can speak as a former hiring manager, a career consultant and a former applicant on this topic,” Murray says. “Personally, I have declined an offer, only to be called back three months later about the opportunity. They had upgraded the position and it was more aligned with my career goals.”
Her advice is to never assume saying “no” permanently closes doors.
“Turning down a job offer is never something anyone takes lightly, and organizations know that. If you have valid reasons and express those at the time you turn the offer down, a well-functioning HR department and hiring manager won’t use that against you,” she explains.
There are many reasons to turn down a job for an opportunity that seemed a better fit. And whether it had to do with growth potential, salary structure, level within the organization or location, Murray says she always tells her resume clients to keep in touch with the recruiting team and/or hiring manager.
“If a few years later, you see a role that is aligned with where you are at the time, reach out,” she says. “I don’t think there is a crystal ball for this scenario; but keep in mind that while you were at another job, things changed in that company also. There may have been growth, changes in leadership, compensation evaluations, restructures, etc., that just make it a better alignment for both you and the employer. Never be afraid to throw your hat back in the ring!”
Kathleen Furore is a Chicago-based writer and editor who has covered personal finance and other business-related topics for a variety of trade and consumer publications. You can email her your career questions at kfurore@yahoo.com.
Initiative – The Key to Achieving HTM Career Goals
In order to advance anything in any direction, you need a clear goal.
The HTM Profession – Extra-Ordinary Possibilities- in-house or field-service?
There’s more to choosing a career path than the types of technology that interest you. What lifestyle is right for you? Where do you want HTM to take you?
Preparing for Uncertain Times
How can spouses balance their careers? It’s a topic that came to mind when a friend’s successful, recently married daughter started looking for a new job.
Should you Bring up your Spouse’s Job Search During an Interview?
How can spouses balance their careers? It’s a topic that came to mind when a friend’s successful, recently married daughter started looking for a new job.
How to Decide Between Two Job Offers
I recently spoke with a friend whose daughter has to decide between two job offers very soon. One is a very good position at a very reputable firm in the town she most wants to settle in. The other is a similar position at what is considered to be a more prestigious company – but it is in a different state
How to Handle When your Boss Takes Credit for your Work
I recently read about a survey from BambooHR that asked employees what they consider unacceptable boss behaviors. I was surprised that it wasn’t something like “my boss overloads me with work” or “my boss constantly criticizes what I do.”
How to Recruit and Retain BMET Career Changers, Prep for Gen Z Workforce
For the past decade, the looming retirement crisis for BMETs has been at the forefront of the industry’s mind. It is apparent that there are multiple ways in which we need to recruit talent to sustain our field for the long term. Perhaps the key to attracting more people lies in the many different paths individuals can take to become a BMET.
Can You Hold Off on Accepting a Job Offer?
You get a job offer almost immediately after an interview, but have interviews lined up with other companies. How long can you wait before giving an answer? And should you mention you’re also interviewing for other positions?
How Honest Should You be in an Exit Interview?
Preparing for an interview is something most job seekers are always a bit nervous about, so it’s something they take time to prepare for. But what about an exit interview?
What Should You Do After Sending the Wrong Resume?
Resumes and cover letters are usually tailored specifically to each individual job listing. What happens when an applicant hits “send” and realizes soon after that they’ve attached the wrong resume or cover letter?
