Now that you’ve made it through the job search process, take a deep breath and congratulate yourself! It’s time to decide whether or not to accept the offer extended to you, but where do you start?
As tempting as it may seem to sign the dotted line right away, it’s important to evaluate the role in front of you and see if it’s the right fit. You’ll likely be spending a significant amount of time at this new job and you want to make sure that this journey will benefit you in the right way.
Ask yourself these questions before you jumpstart the next chapter in your career:
Will I enjoy it?
Identify if you’ll enjoy the job or not. Think back to when you got the offer and how it made you feel. If you were immediately excited, that’s usually a good sign. You’ll want to go into a new job with a positive attitude, and liking the role will definitely reflect that.
Knowing whether or not you’ll enjoy the work is something you can typically grasp during the first initial interview. But, in some cases you might not actually know until you start the job, especially if you’re making a career switch.
Is it a good culture fit?
Every company has its own culture and this is what makes each one unique. Pay close attention to the people at the company. After your interviews, you can probably tell if you will mesh well with the co-workers you see on a daily basis. You’ll want to feel comfortable in your new role, so be sure the culture is the best fit for you.
Is the pay fair?
While pay isn’t the most important thing, it does have a significant impact on whether you accept a position or not. The compensation offered should accurately reflect your experience and skillset.
What are my non-negotiables?
This is a question you should ask yourself before you begin your job search. Now, with a job offer on the table, it could be beneficial to reevaluate the most important qualities you’re looking for. In some cases you may have to pick and choose, however, make sure your needs are met. Whether it’s career growth, flexible scheduling, PTO, benefits, or work/life balance – these are all equally valuable, but it’s up to you to decide which are at the top of your list.
Can I add significant value to the company?
When you’re hyper-focused in your career search, it can be easy to forget how you will benefit the company. Evaluate your strengths and weaknesses, and make sure your skillset aligns with the role. Jobs are a two-way relationship, and you will need to add value to their workforce.
Do I have a solid understanding of the work I’ll be doing every day?
You should know what you’re getting yourself into before accepting a job offer. What do your everyday tasks look like? Will they be stepping stones toward growth and knowledge? You are about to take the next step in your career path, so make sure that you understand the new role and its responsibilities.
Next time you’re considering a job offer, ask yourself these questions and listen to your gut. Subconsciously you probably already know the right answer.
If you partner with our recruiters at ETS, they will guide you through every step of the job search process. They can identify your needs and offer a different perspective when there’s an offer on the table. Live chat with our team today to find the right fit for you!