5 Things to Consider When Deciding Whether to Accept a Job Offer

Relax. You can finally let out that breath you were holding. After countless job interviews and resume submissions, you have a job offer in hand.

But now you’re stumped and asking yourself, Should I take the job?

Hesitation is reasonable, good even. Whether you have multiple offers or just one, there are countless factors to consider once a job offer is on the table. Some are obvious, like salary. Others, like benefits, not so much.

The Company

Take time to research the prospective company. During the interview process, you probably already took a gander at the company’s website and social media to understand what exactly the company does or what services it provides.

Now, however, is the time for a deep dive into the company. We recommend that you assess the work culture. Is it a relaxed workplace or traditional? Remote or in-person? Do most employees use their time off? What are the company’s values? What are your values? Is there a suitable work-life balance? What are the expectations for holidays? Are there educational opportunities available?

The Role

When you applied, you most likely could see the title you were applying for and its description. Take the time to discuss with your prospective employer all duties and responsibilities. It’s also a good idea to discuss who you would work under or the chain of command.

Other factors to examine are workload, expected proficiency in specific programs or project management tools, and personal understanding of the workload to determine if it is reasonable or beyond your capabilities.

Benefits/Perks

For many, benefits and perks may make or break a job offer. According to the National Association of Plan Advisors, 64 percent of respondents are looking for more out of their benefits than their employers currently offer. Benefits are perhaps the most critical consideration after salary.

Typical benefits and perks range from bonuses, education, insurance premiums, insurance options, loan assistance, parental leave, sick pay, stock options, tuition reimbursement, vacation pay and more.

Salary

Honestly, salary is a no-brainer. Salary is one of the most critical considerations for accepting or declining a job offer. However, salary is a small part of one’s happiness at work.

During your analysis, determine if the range of pay you would receive is fair compensation for your work (and experience) and what you would generally be happy with. Salary is always up for negotiation between you and your employer, and it’s up to you to fight for what you deserve. Websites like Glassdoor have powerful tools that can show you average salaries depending on experience, the company, the position and more. If you’re working with a recruiter, they are a great resource for salary negotiation strategies and insights.

Your potential position is more than a paycheck, so remember to look at the whole package.

Career Advancement

No one wants to remain stagnant in their position (not to be confused with stability, of course). Investigate your prospective organization to see if they offer mentorships and consistent opportunities for you to grow within the company. Maybe the company provides a recent graduate program.

Here are a few questions you can ask yourself as you’re researching:

• Does the company have a record of internal hires for promotions?
• Is there a mentorship program in place? A recent college graduate program?
• Are there networking opportunities available to employees?
• How often does upper management interact with employees?

Honorable Mentions

While the above points are commonly essential considerations for accepting a job offer, we’ve added a short list of honorable mentions below.

• Commute
• Company stability
• Working hours/Flexibility
• Potential co-workers and supervisors

Cameron Smith & Associates wants to lead you to new opportunities and growth. Your success is our success. Contact us today to see what we can do for you.