Consider a Job Offer

A job offer is an exciting chance at a new opportunity, but it can also be stressful. Every offer comes with a lot to consider. If you’re thinking of accepting, do plenty of research on the work and what it has to offer you. That includes everything from the office environment to pay and other benefits. Relocating brings on its own unique challenges, such as traveling expenses and finding a new home. Even if the decision feels tough at first, research and discuss the offer before responding to it so you can make the right choice for your career.

Steps

Choosing a Rewarding Job

1. Find out what kind of skills you can develop on the job. Many jobs are opportunities for you to learn and grow as a person. A lot of that depends on what skills you put into practice at work. If a job doesn’t give you the chance to improve your existing skills or master new ones, then it may not be very beneficial for your career. For that reason, read over the job description carefully and ask about your job duties.
   • For example, you may not wish to work a customer service job, but it is a way to learn communication skills that come in handy for many other jobs.
   • Talk to your employer about training programs and other opportunities. For instance, ask, “What are the requirements for starting any training or certification programs you offer?”
2. Ask what kind of advancement opportunities the job offers. The job you take may not be where you want to end up, but it lets you get your foot in the door. A lot of companies promote internally. It’s helpful to see if the company has a track record of rewarding its most skilled, hardworking employees. Find out what qualifications you need to improve your positioning in the company.
   • Ask yourself if this job will set you on a career path you want to pursue. It depends on how important the work is to you and what you have to gain by doing it. If you’re not interested in what your supervisor does, then that promotion won’t mean much to you.
   • Simply ask, “Are there opportunities to work my way up in the company? What requirements are needed to be considered for advancement?”
3. Pick work that feels personally challenging and meaningful. A job is a big part of your everyday life, so you might as well get the most out of it. If you want to be stimulated by your work, find out what your day to day responsibilities are. Make sure the overall goal of your work is something you’re on board with so you are able to stay motivated.
   • Check out what kind of projects the company handles and what role you will play. If you’re not excited by the job, there is a good chance you will get bored doing it.
   • Ask other people, “How do you view your work? Is it interesting? Do you enjoy working here?”
4. Factor in job flexibility to see how it will affect your lifestyle. Quite a few jobs don’t have set schedules, and not everyone is cut out for that lifestyle. It could be a hurdle if you’re someone who prefers to work by the clock. On the other hand, a strict schedule could impact your free time. It’s important to know how long you’re expected to stay at work.
   • Jobs that offer a lot of flexibility also depend on you being a self-starter. You are responsible for managing your time, which isn’t right for everyone.
   • Try asking your employer, “Can I set my own deadlines or working hours without asking a supervisor?”
5. Read about the company culture you would be joining. Do a quick online search to read up on the company’s operations. Check its website for a mission statement, its structure, and news about how it treats its employees. You may also be able to find insight on social media or in the news. Also, consider coming in for a day to see the work environment for yourself.
   • The best way to get a taste of the company’s culture is to speak with past and current employees. One place to look is at a review site like https://www.glassdoor.com/Reviews/index.htm.
   • Some aspects to consider include an emphasis on teamwork, professionalism, and creativity. Also, find out how fast-paced the job is and how demanding the bosses are.
   • Try asking, “Does the company listen to its employees and welcome new ideas? Do people work in teams or individually?”

Selecting Useful Benefts

1. Find out how much of a salary the company is offering you. Payment is the first thing everyone thinks about when it comes to accepting a job. Start by asking about the base payment before getting into details about how often to expect raises. Try searching online for information on what other people in your position are earning. You can’t always expect to get the same pay, but it can give you an idea of what to ask.
   • For example, do a quick search for your job title and its average salary. Also, ask other people in the same kind of role and go onto salary tracking websites such as https://www.payscale.com/.
   • Compare the salary to what you need. If you’re unhappy, try negotiating with the company before accepting the offer.
   • Some questions to ask your employer include, “How does the payment system work here? Are there chances for me to get a raise?”
2. Monitor what kind of bonuses your employer has to offer. Some companies have signing bonuses, performance-based incentives, sales commissions, and other types of bonuses for meeting certain goals. Establish what these goals are before taking the job. They make a big difference in your income and even your work. If you don’t know what they are, you won’t get a complete picture of what the job has to offer.
   • For example, ask your employer, “What kind of bonuses or incentives do you offer and when are they given out?” Discuss how these bonuses are calculated and added to your base salary.
3. Account for the amount of vacation time and other days off you get. Speak with your employer to clarify the company’s policies on requesting time off. Some companies have weird policies that limit how much time you’re allowed to be away from work. Find out if you have to work on holidays, weekends, or during odd hours of the night. Some companies may even offer paid vacations, sick days, and maternity or paternity time off.
   • Some jobs come with little to no time off. You may be on-call during your off hours. Clarify this in advance so you aren’t stuck working when you need to be somewhere else.
   • Ask about the protocol for requesting time off. For example, in a lot of service jobs, it is your responsibility to request days off in advance and find someone to cover your shift when you need to change the schedule.
4. See what kind of health insurance plans are available if you need one. Many people depend on their employer for health insurance, so get the details if you plan on sticking with the company for a while. Look for information about what a work insurance plan covers and if it fits your needs. That includes doctor visits, dental work, eye exams, medication, and medical devices. These aren’t always covered, so you may need to look elsewhere to get what you need to succeed.
   • If your employer offers insurance and you don’t need it, you can opt out. You will need to find coverage on your own through a separate insurance company or the government. Another option is to find supplemental policies that cover what your employer doesn’t.
5. Ask about what kind of retirement saving opportunities are available. You are never too young to start saving for the future. Many companies offer benefits like investment accounts and match at least part of what you put in. Some companies also have long-term policies, like stock options or a pension, that come in handy if you’re planning on sticking with the job for a while. Take advantage of these perks to save up for a rainy day.
   • Ask your employer to describe their retirement or pension plan and how it works. Find out how much of an income you get when you retire if it’s relevant to you.
6. Discuss job-specific benefits if they are relevant to your position. There are many different specialized benefits a job could offer you. That includes having people work under you, getting your own office, or borrowing a company car. If you travel for work, determine how much your potential employer puts toward travel and food expenses. Settle on these perks before deciding on whether or not to take the job.
   • For instance, if you are asked to use a company car, find out what kind of car it is and if you will be reimbursed for fuel expenses. Make sure the company has a good insurance policy covering accidents.
   • Many of these perks are negotiable and differ from place to place. Some places have personalized parking and some don’t. Others have fitness rooms, cafeterias, club memberships, and other features you wouldn’t otherwise expect.
7. Discuss the terms of any contracts you are asked to sign. Clarify the scope of your work and any reimbursements you get for it. Contracts are legally binding, so take your time when signing them. If you have any questions, speak with your employer. Consider having a contract lawyer look at it if you’re still uncertain.
   • The contract might list a start and end date for your work tasks. Discuss if you will get a chance to continue working after the contract ends.
   • Talk about what happens if you need to leave work. Breaking the contract could be trouble and come with a penalty.

Scoping out the Workspace

1. Travel to the office to see what the commute is like. Schedule a trip around the hours you expect to travel to and from your potential workplace. Take the trip a couple of times to get a good sense of what it is like. Besides time, long trips bring hidden costs like mental stress and wear and tear on your vehicle. Consider how far you’re willing to travel for this particular job.
   • Sometimes taking a lower-paying job closer to home is better than sitting in traffic every day.
   • Ask your employer about flexible hours or working from home to avoid daily drives. Relocation may also be worth considering.
   • Check out alternative transportation options. Public transportation and carpooling are a few ways to break up the routine.
2. Take a tour of the work environment to find out if it suits your needs. Ask your potential employer for a tour of the workspace. All workspaces are different, from open office plans to individual cubicles. Factor in features like a cozy breakroom, accessible bathrooms, protected parking garages, and anything else you think you will need. If you’re not comfortable at work, then you’re probably not going to be happy there long-term.
   • If you’re disabled, check that the company has the right tools in place to accommodate you. You may need to request accommodations, which could tell you a lot about how receptive the employer is to change.
   • Ask the employer questions like, “What kind of space do you have for breaks? What kind of security is there?”
3. Speak with your potential coworkers to see how well you fit in with them. Meet your potential team before starting work, if possible. You better be able to get along with them if you’re going to be spending so much time with them. Talk to them, ask questions about the job, and find out how well everyone works together. A dysfunctional team could be a strain on your well-being.
   • Get a sense of the office personalities by talking to everyone you see. Watch how they respond to one another. That includes your supervisors as well.
   • Try asking yourself what kind of team you work well with and what role you take.
   • Ask your coworkers, “How long have you been working together? Do you feel like you have learned and accomplished a lot here?”
4. Ask about how financially stable the company is. Without stability, you might find yourself looking for another opportunity before long. Visit the company to get a sense of the atmosphere in the workplace. Some companies also make financial and workplace information available online. You may also need to search public financial records and business bureaus for more information.
   • Watch the news and social media sites for any mention of the company.
   • If the company is new, research similar companies to see how profitable they are.
   • Some important information to consider includes when the company was established, how successful it has been, and how it treats its employees.

Handling a Job Relocation

1. Ask what kind of assistance the company offers if you have to relocate. Not all companies offer relocation assistance, but some foot the bill for a candidate they like. If the company is not in your area and they won’t let you telecommute, see if they will help you move. Moving is a big, time-consuming process that can get very expensive.
   • Some companies offer benefits like payment for moving costs and house hunting. This will vary from place to place, so talk to your employer about it.
   • Remember the date you’re supposed to start work if you accept the job. Then, determine if you’re willing to move to a new area and able to afford it if the company won’t help.
2. Find potential homes in the area around the job. House hunting is easier when you look in person instead of online. Research the price of homes in various neighborhoods around your place of employment. Figure out which neighborhoods are affordable for your budget and how far away they are from work. When you’re able to, take a trip out to get a sense of how you like the area.
   • Consider what you want out of your environment. If you’re looking for a trendy place with a decent nightlife, a rural location probably isn’t going to cut it. Depending on your line of work, you may not be able to find many other opportunities in your field at your destination.
   • Start plotting out potential places to live and your route to work. You don’t have to settle on anything until you’re sure you’re going to accept the job offer, but get familiar with the area to make the best possible decision.
3. Locate temporary housing options close to your work. Anticipate the possibility that you won’t be able to find a good home before you begin at your new job. You could book an extended stay at a hotel, but that gets expensive. While you’re considering the company’s offer, search for places to rent. Also, ask the company how they handle temporary housing, since they may help pay for it as a relocation expense.
   • Most people aren’t lucky enough to have a friend or relative to crash with wherever they go. For that reason, scope out affordable options in the area online. Call your employer and nearby real estate offices for advice.
   • Remember to include additional expenses like food and travel costs. If you’re bringing a partner, child, or pet with you, budget for them as well.
4. Make travel arrangements to prepare for the move. When you do find a home, you still have to deal with the long process of getting to it. This can be quite expensive, so select a potential move-in date and begin researching ways to get there. Call moving companies to compare service costs. Then, plot out your own route so you’re ready to go if you take the job.
   • Consider the preparation involved in moving. It gets expensive, but it also means packing up and starting anew somewhere else. You may decide that this isn’t for you, or you may like the thought of going somewhere else.
   • Remember to ask your employer if the company covers moving expenses. Many don’t, so you’re going to have to work out the details yourself.

Tips

• You don’t have to accept a job offer on the spot, so don’t feel pressured to do so. Take your time to figure out if it’s right for you.
• Give a list of benefits, accommodations, or flexibility options you need. Employers are generally receptive to your needs, so don’t be afraid to ask for what you want.
• Tell your employer if you need more information or time to think. Any good employer will help you get what you need to make a decision since your choice affects the business as well.
• You have at least 24 hours to consider an offer and can usually request up to 72 hours to decide. Acknowledge the offer right away, then come to a decision as soon as possible.
• If you don’t like an offer, politely decline it. Some jobs aren’t a good fit, but it’s okay to do what is best for you.

Warnings

• Some job offers aren’t as good as they sound or are even fake. Careful research and questioning will help you avoid these.
• No matter how much research you do, there is always a chance things don’t work out. Hold your head up and keep searching for new opportunities.

References

See also

• Negotiate Pay
• Make a Job Offer to Prospective Candidates
• Respond to a Job Offer
• Negotiate Locum Pay
• Evaluate Employee Benefits of a Potential Job
• Confirm a Job Offer from Another City
• Write an Acceptance Letter
• Advertise Job Openings
• Negotiate a Job Offer That Involves Relocation
• Turn Down a Job Offer After Acceptance

Read more ...