Job Offers: Details to Consider Before You Accept or Decline

Receiving job offers is the culmination of your hard work. Now the ball is in your court. Learn what to look for and how to handle the issues that may come up as you consider your options.

Once you have thought through potential roadblocks at a high level, it’s time to focus on the tangible aspects of the job, the offer, and whether or not you’re going to accept of decline. Always consider these things when reviewing a job offer:

1. Compensation: Is the compensation appropriate? Are you proud of what they offered you? Does it accurately reflect your career level and title? If you’re going backwards in salary, does it make sense why? Are you going to get something else out of this job that money can’t buy? Is the salary you’re offered on par with market salaries for your experience and your geographic region?
2. Benefits and Vacation: Monetary compensation is just one aspect of job offers. The cost of benefits is directly related to your take home pay and the amount you have to pay in rent, bills, etc. Be sure that you understand the benefits; get a list of benefits and any associated costs prior to accepting an offer. In addition, be sure vacation time and sick days are spelled out clearly as well. If there are other benefits such as stock options, expenses that are reimbursed or 401k/pension plans, be sure to get the details in writing explaining how they work.
3. Company Culture: A company’s shared values, goals and general practices is as important in your future success as the company as the job responsibilities themselves. Do your best to thoroughly understand how you will fit into the company as you evaluate job offers. Is it customary to work long hours? What is the dress code? Formal attire five days a week? Company culture is an intangible but critical aspect of your potential new job that will affect you every day, so take time to consider it now.
4. Commute: Without a doubt you have to consider commute time. Especially in heavily congested areas, this can be a crucial factor relating to your long term commitment. When considering an offer, always consider what traffic conditions will be like during prime driving time. If you only made the commute to the company for interviews between 10 and 2, you should seriously consider making the drive at rush hour. Remember, this is going to be something you do every day, twice a day. Are you sure you’re up for it and will you feel the same in 12-15 months? My suggestion is to take it to the extreme: Consider drive time traffic and ask yourself if you’re prepared to make that commute for the next five years? If the answer is yes, you’ve given it careful enough consideration.
5. Your Boss as a Mentor: Having a manager who has skill and experience you’d like to get as well as the ability to be a mentor is immeasurable. While not seeing your future boss as someone who could ultimately be your mentor may not be reason in itself to accept or reject an offer, it can certainly influence your decision. My personal opinion is that I’d be willing to give up some other things (a few thousand in salary, a little bit longer commute time, etc.) to have the chance to work for someone I respected and who was interested in my growth as a professional. It’s doubtful you’ll be able to fully evaluate the potential a future boss has to become your mentor, but if there are signs it’s their objective, give this extra weight when deciding to accept an offer.
6. Professional Growth Opportunities: Everyone would like to move up and excel professionally in an organization. It’s up to you to decide in an interview if it’s likely you’ll get that opportunity or not. Look for signs of the complete absence of opportunities for growth and advancement. Ask why the position is open and give careful consideration when evaluating job offers to the answer you’re given. If someone was promoted versus retired after twenty years in the position, it’s pretty obvious there are opportunities for growth. If there has been high turnover in the position, it’s not likely you’re going to grow into another role. However, growth can also mean learning new things and if the position is going to help your marketability, it’s definitely worth considering. There are many kinds of professional growth opportunities and when evaluating job offers, don’t forget to consider this important aspect.

Good Luck!

Other articles you might enjoy:
Evaluating an Offer – Part 1
How to Resign

Return from Evaluating Job Offers Part 2 to Job Offer Letter Part 1