You got the job. Congratulations! Now, you must decide if you will accept it. Occasionally, an offer is so good that the choice is obvious, but most of the time, that’s not the case. Each position has its benefits and drawbacks, and no two companies are exactly alike, but there are some common questions to ask and factors to consider before saying yes or no to an offer. Here are six key steps to consider.
1. Listen to your instinct.
Before you think about negotiating or even going into details, take a moment to consider your initial reaction to the offer and the job itself. During your interviews, did you expect things to go well? Or would you have been relieved if someone else had been chosen? Your instinct and intuition about whether or not a job is right for you are generally right. So ask yourself how you felt when you received the offer. Were you excited? Disappointed? Anything else? Your answer can be incredibly revealing as to whether or not this is the right opportunity for you.
2. Question yourself.
Before you dive into the numbers and other specific details of the offer, you should ask yourself the following: Are job duties and responsibilities something I want to do full-time? Did I find the team and the work environment pleasant? What sacrifices will I have to make, and am I willing to make them? Basically, you want to make sure that you will be happy with your daily life if you accept the job. If you feel good about your answers, then accept, and if not, request another meeting to get answers to your questions. The important thing is not to accept or negotiate an offer if you are not willing to work there.
3. Decide if the job will help you advance your career goals.
If you’re looking for a job, it’s probably because you have established career goals. How does this job offer compare in terms of opportunity to achieve these goals? And we are not talking about financial goals because, for long-term job happiness, these should not be the only thing you consider. Consider whether there is growth opportunity within the company, whether employees are supported and encouraged to continue learning, whether you will have time away from work to do other activities, and whether you will have a healthy level of stress.
4. Evaluate all benefits, not just salary.
When evaluating an offer, of course, you should think about the salary! We all have basic needs to satisfy, but it will also be of utmost importance to evaluate all the benefits. Do they offer bonuses or medical care? Is it close to your home, or can you do remote work? Is the schedule flexible? Do you have days off?
5. Know who you will be working with.
It’s easier said than done, but it’s important because you’ll be spending a lot of time with your new team. They will have a great impact on both your job satisfaction and your success.
6. Decide if the company is a place where you want to work.
What remains to be determined is how well the company fits into your life, not only in terms of location and size but also in terms of company culture. Another thing to consider is why the job is being offered in the first place. If the recruiter tells you that the company is growing, great! If the person you are replacing was promoted in the organization, that is also a positive sign. But if you frequently see job offers from this company, it may be a sign that it’s not a great place to work because there is a lot of employee turnover.
