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Think Before You Say Yes!

You did it! You beat out all the other job candidates. The employer wants you and the job offer is good. It's fantastic, it's a relief and (we're sorry to ruin your new hire high) it's not over yet.

The job offer is a giant step forward in the job search process, but it’s not the finish line. Next should come a critical period of pondering when you analyze the offer, the position, the long-term opportunity, the team and your goals. Now your job is to stop, step back and think before you rush to say yes.

No doubt, it is easy to run through the motions of considering an offer when you have a good one on the table. And when you are eager to leave your current job or have been on the hunt for a position for a very long time, it’s even easier. To help you step back and reflect on all aspects of the job and your career path, Harvey Nash offers you this list of 10 critical job offer considerations.

Some of these reflections you will have made prior to the application processes, but all of them are ones you should revisit before you accept. Use them as a check list to help you flush out any issues or roadblocks that could prove challenging once the job begins.

10 Critical Job Offer Considerations

1 - The Work
Are you excited by the work you will be doing? Will it be challenging and interesting day after day? It’s important to enjoy what you do, so ask yourself in earnest if this is work in which you can find satisfaction and continue over a long period of time.

2 - The Boss
Through the application and interview process you have hopefully had the chance to get to know your potential supervisor well and consider what working with and under her/him would be like. If not, ask for a meeting with your potential boss to further discuss the job offer and position. Try to get to know as much as you can about his/her management style so you can be sure this is a leader with whom you can work and succeed.

3 - The Team
It’s also important to look at the team you will be joining to make sure it’s one in which you will succeed and enjoy. While it’s rare for a job candidate to meet and interview with the entire team before starting, you should know something about the team structure and the skills of team members before you accept an offer. You should understand expectations in terms of your team interaction and reporting structures. Some people thrive in team environments and others struggle. Consider whether the team environment you would join is a fit.

4 - The Workplace
Your workplace is a second home where you will spend a substantial portion of your life. Take that fact into consideration as you analyze the opportunity. Is the commute reasonable and does the offer include any kind of support for commuters? Are there on-site resources such as a health club or day care that could benefit you now or later? While this is rarely the make or break point in a job offer, commutes and location affect your quality of life which will ultimately affect your quality of work.

5 - The Company
Never forget to consider the situation and stability of the company itself. Big change can translate into big job stress. Does the company have mergers in the works or major realignments? Could this affect the role you might accept? Consider what company changes might affect your job and whether that alters your enthusiasm for the role.

6 - The Salary
Money isn’t everything, but it’s important to analyze salary based on your needs, skills and experience. If you are considering moving markets for a job, be sure to analyze salary differences by geography to ensure you are getting a fair shake.

7 - The Benefits
Be sure to review benefits packages carefully and compare them to your current package and needs. In some cases, you may wish to speak with an HR representative to better understand how benefits work, when they kick in and any restrictions you should know about in advance.

8 - The Next Step
Do you see a long-term career path for yourself within the organization? Is there room for you to grow and take on greater responsibilities and challenges? Be sure to consider not only the work you will do now, but the opportunities and work you would like to have down the road.

9 - The Opportunity to Learn/Train
Will you be given opportunities to advance your skills and knowledge? Does the company support continuing education or seminars to advance your knowledge base? Evaluate the training opportunities available and how this position can help you grow as a professional.

10 - The Family & Work-life Balance
The happier you are in your work, the happier you will be in your home and personal life. Consider how this job could positively and/or negatively affect your family and personal life. Be sure you and those you love have thought about and are very willing to take on the hurdles and challenges that could come with the new job such as a move, salary change, commute, longer hours, etc.

After taking the time to contemplate each of these factors, you may have a different perspective on the opportunity. Then again, the consideration process may have reinforced what you already knew: this is a great opportunity. Either way, it never hurts to think things through--and good employers will expect that you do.

So go ahead and take the time you need to think, consider, question and make the right career choice.