The flipside of the market - when candidates reject employers

Often we read and hear stories in the media about how difficult it is for job seekers to find a job.  We read about the rejections that they face when undertaking a search.  Often job seekers will complain that they're told that they're under qualified, over qualified, too old, too young and a raft of other different comments that all amount to the same thing...you didn't get the job.

However there is a flipside to this as well.  If a job seeker is searching for a job the right way or simply, if they have a lot to offer and know what they want, they will find themselves putting on the other shoes.  They'll be the ones doing the rejecting.

So here are some tips if you do find yourself doing the rejecting and what might lead you to reject a company.

When you're job hunting you may find you ace the initial telephone screen and are invited to an interview.  As most of us would know, it's imperative to carry out research on a prospective company.

During this research you may discover something about the company that you do not like.  It's possible you'll discover that you find out they are only paying commission.  By taking a commission only job you're cutting yourself off from other opportunities and selling yourself short.  Sure, commission jobs can work out for some people, but for the majority they don't because of ongoing financial commitments.

It's also possible that you'll find upon reading the job description you're under or over qualified, in which case you will feel uncomfortable in the role and it's best in that case if you have any doubts about whether or not you can do the job that you do not take it.  Being over qualified is just as bad as being under qualified because no doubt you will find yourself getting bored and wanting more of a challenge.

Then there is the atmosphere that may cause you to reject a company.  You could find upon walking into the company's office that the company isn't the right fit.  Nobody wants to be going through the job hunting process every couple of months so it's best you hold off until you find the right job, especially if you don't need to worry about money.  When you don't need to worry about money you can really focus on finding the right opportunity.

So of course, given that, there are ways to reject a company if you progress to the next stage or are offered a job.

A lot of time and effort would have gone into reading your CV so it is best to thank the prospective employer for their time when you are rejecting them.

In addition, mention in your letter to them what you think is great about the company.  It never hurts to say something positive about them, even if you feel as if rejecting them really is the right thing to do and they wouldn't be a good place to work.

Just like employers do when they reject candidates, it doesn't hurt to wish the employer all the best in their future endeavours.  Ideally you want to reject the employer tactfully and not burn any bridges, so if you need to decline a second interview or reject an offer then send them an email or tell them when they call you.  Don't be someone who just doesn't show up.

An employment arrangement has to work for both parties and ideally that means a long term relationship rather than one that's over in a matter of weeks or months.

Happy hunting employers and candidates!