Your CV got you in the door for an interview, where you were a smash hit with the hiring manager, and just as impressive with a group of would-be co-workers in the second interview. And today you get a call for a job offer and you are very excited and thrilled that your search is over. You’ll agree to just about anything because the thought of going on one more informational interview or combing the job interview sites makes you want to cry.
When you receive a job offer, it’s important to take the time to carefully evaluate the offer so you are making an informed decision to accept, or to reject, the offer. The last thing you want to do is to make a hasty decision that you will regret later on. Consider the entire compensation package – salary, benefits, perks, work environment – not just your pay-check. Weigh the pros and cons and take some time to mull over the offer. It is perfectly acceptable to ask the employer for some time to think it over.
1. Money Matters- Everyone looks at this first and rightfully so. This is your take-home every month and is the bulk of your compensation. Is the offer what you expected? If not, is it a salary you can accept without feeling insulted? Will you be able to pay your bills? If your answer is no, then don’t accept the offer, at least right away. Make sure that you are getting paid what you’re worth and you are happy with the compensation. Nobody wants to be in a position where they realize that the salary isn’t enough – after they have accepted the job offer. If the compensation package isn’t what you expected, consider negotiating salary with your future employer.
2. Benefits and Perks- Find out what benefits are offered on top of the salary. If you’re not sure about the benefits that are offered, ask for additional information or clarification. The benefit package is part of your overall compensation and it is as important as what you get in your paycheck. Find out details on health and life insurance coverage, vacation, sick time, disability, and other benefit programs. Inquire about how much of the benefits costs are provided by the company, in full, and how much you are expected to contribute. If there are a variety of options available, request copies of the plan descriptions so you can compare benefit packages.
3. Company Culture- Culture is one of the most critical factors in my opinion. You want to make reasonably sure that you’re a good fit within the organization’s existing culture or else it’s only a matter of time before you’re unhappy and back to the job hunt again. It is also important to feel comfortable in the environment that you are going to be working in. One candidate for a hospitality job realized that there was no way she could accept it, despite the decent salary, when she was told she had to ask permission to use the restroom. Ask if you can spend sometime in the office, talking to potential co-workers and supervisors, if you’re not sure that the work environment and culture are a good fit.
4. Growth Opportunities- Availability of room for progress is another important aspect that cannot be ignored. There is no point considering a company that does not offer room for your professional growth. The training opportunities available within a company should also be given careful consideration, as these are often key influences of your career path. Also, for starters, consider if there is potential to move up within the organization to your ideal position. Can you be content in the job until there’s the opportunity to move into your dream job? If it an organization where you would love to work, then it might just be worth taking a chance and accepting the position.
5. Hours and Travel – Make sure that you are clear on the hours and schedule you need to work before accepting a job. With some jobs requiring travelling multiple weeks in a row, confirm what, if any, travel is involved. If the position requires 45 hours of work a week and you’re used to working 35 hours, consider whether you will have difficulty committing to the schedule. If the nature of the job requires that you will need to be on the road three days a week, be sure that you can commit to that, as well. Also, consider travel time to and from work. Is the commute going to take an extra hour or will there be parking fees you’re not paying now?
6. Your Personal Circumstances- The bottom line in accepting a job offer, is that there really isn't one. Everyone has a different set of personal circumstances. What might be the perfect job for you could be an awful job for someone else. Take the time to review the pros and cons. making a list is always helpful. Also, listen to your gut – if it’s telling you not to take the job, there just might be something there. Keep in mind, that if this isn't the right job for you, it’s not the end of the world. The next offer might just be that perfect match.
It’s much easier to turn down an offer than it is to leave a job that you have already started. The employer would prefer that you decline, rather than having to start over the hiring process a couple of weeks down the road if you don’t work out. So, do take the time to thoroughly evaluate the offer. When interviewing for jobs, do not only focus on what the organization or hiring manager thinks of you. It is equally important to evaluate what you think of the organization. And it’s even more important when they've offered you the position, and now it’s time to decide whether or not to accept it. Take the time you need to make an educated, informed decision so you feel as sure as possible that you, and the company, have made an excellent match.
It’s much easier to turn down an offer than it is to leave a job that you have already started. The employer would prefer that you decline, rather than having to start over the hiring process a couple of weeks down the road if you don’t work out. So, do take the time to thoroughly evaluate the offer. When interviewing for jobs, do not only focus on what the organization or hiring manager thinks of you. It is equally important to evaluate what you think of the organization. And it’s even more important when they've offered you the position, and now it’s time to decide whether or not to accept it. Take the time you need to make an educated, informed decision so you feel as sure as possible that you, and the company, have made an excellent match.
Credit: Career Point Kenya
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