After several job applications and a number of interviews, your job search is finally over and you have been offered the job. But does the offer meet your expectations? At this stage it’s easy to get carried away in the euphoria but you need to keep a clear head. Think carefully if the position and the company meet your current and future needs & aspirations.
Before you make a decision on the offer letter, be prepared to ask yourself a few important questions. Our recruiters at Quest list down significant points you must consider before accepting the job offer. It is essential that the job offer fulfills your career objectives, aspirations and goals.
Does the new position match your career objectives?
When considering this, some of the following factors may be helpful:
- Can you fulfill key responsibilities and aspects of the role?
- Does the salary fulfill the expectations from the role?
- Are you being offered the right salary for the position?
- Is the level of the new position suitable to your expectation?
- Is the location of the office convenient for you? Think long term.
- Is there a long term potential to develop your career with this role?
- How is the company’s brand, reputation and status?
- How is the culture in the company? Can you adapt to it?
- How is the stability of the industry and the company?
- Is there an opportunity to progress in the role within the company?
- Any advancement and training offered?
- Are the working hours too long?
- Do you have a good package of benefits and holidays?
- Will you get along with the new colleagues?
- Do you like your new manager?
- Will you have to relocate? How does that affect your family?
- Will you have freedom?
There could be a lot of confusion over if you should accept the offer and what can be the consequences if the job doesn’t meet your expectations. Make sure that you ask yourself all the above questions before deciding. It will give you a glimpse around your future workplace and help you decide on if you can really handle the negatives. If there are too many negatives or the offer doesn’t match your skill sets and expertise, you should try to negotiate with the employer.
Whilst it’s not possible to have a 100% clear picture about your new company, it’s normal and reasonable for applicants who are ‘under offer’ to have additional questions. You can call one of the interviewers or ask your recruitment consultant to field some extra questions.
The above questions can also be useful to decide between two job offers. You can draw up two columns and list down the most important attributes to you. Then, rate each attribute from 1-5 on how best it matches your expectations. Finally, total the score and the best score wins you!
Once you’ve made your decision you must let the company know within the time limit stated. If the offer was made verbally and you’ve accepted verbally, it’s essential you receive the full offer in writing as soon as possible. You will then need to respond to this letter in writing within the time limits stated.