For job seekers, the challenges of a job search do not end with writing resumes and attending interviews. It is also essential for job seekers to know how to evaluate job offers wisely, so that they can make informed decisions on whether to accept, decline or negotiate them. After all, a job can greatly impact various aspects of one’s life such as happiness, health, relationships, career prospects, and mobility.
Here are eight things to consider when evaluating a job offer.
1) Company Reputation and Corporate Culture
A company’s reputation is important because it can affect your morale once you start working. A company that has a positive reputation can boost your enthusiasm at work, while a negative one can cause you anxiety and stress.
Corporate culture should also be a factor to consider when accepting a job offer. Study the company’s vision and mission statements, and its core values. Ask yourself if these values match yours. Employees tend to enjoy their work more when their goals and values are consistent with those of the company.
2) Rapport with Your Future Supervisor and Colleagues
Chemistry is crucial to achieve satisfaction in your job. When evaluating an offer, try to recall how well you connected with your potential supervisor during the interview. Are you comfortable with their interpersonal and management style? Ask about the team that you will be working with and find out more about the work culture, as well as the personalities of your future colleagues.
3) Job Description
Make sure you understand clearly what is expected of you in the position. Before you sign the contract, verify that the duties and responsibilities were accurately conveyed to you during the interview.
4) Salary
Check the offered salary against market pay rates. Ask yourself how much of a motivator salary is when it comes to your decision, and set a minimum amount that you will accept and stick to it.
5) Benefits and Perks
Assess your total compensation package not only in terms of salary, but also the benefits that come with the position. Perks such as transportation allowance, health insurance, flexible work hours, and stock options matter, especially in the long run.
Ask how much paid vacation and how many days of sick leave a regular employee is entitled to every month. These can indicate whether a company values work-life balance and the overall well-being of its employees.
6) Impact of Job on Savings and Expenses
We sometimes forget the hidden costs of a job. Be realistic when assessing the impact of the job on your savings and expenses.
How long is the commute to your new office? Will accepting the job offer mean additional travel expenses? Does the job require you to relocate and spend on rent or a new house? Will a work shift in the wee hours of the morning take a toll on your health, thus possibly increasing your medical expenses?
7) Volume of Work vs Salary and Work-life Balance
The job may come with a lucrative salary, but the workload may leave you no quality personal time. Sometimes, flexible work hours and substantial leave allowances can be equally beneficial, if not more valuable than a handsome paycheck.
8) Career Path
Know the career prospects of the position being offered to you. Is it a climb up the career ladder or a lateral move? If this is your first job, how will the position bring you closer to achieving your career goals?
Try Negotiating
It can be difficult to decide on whether to accept or decline a job offer. In this situation, do not forget that you can attempt to negotiate your contract. Contrary to what most job seekers think, it is not only salary that can be negotiated. Benefits such as days of leave, signing bonuses, relocation expenses, gas allowances, stock options, and flexible work schedules can also be discussed.
The key to negotiating with a potential employer is preparation. Identify benefits that matter to you. Do your homework and understand the appropriate salary range. Prepare your negotiation spiels and have the proper mindset: view the potential employer as a negotiating partner and not as an antagonist.
If you accept an offer on impulse, you might find yourself desperate to leave, repeat the same mistakes, and end up with a resume of short-lived jobs. Taking the time to evaluate a job offer and not being afraid to negotiate can bring you closer to your dream job.
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