Finally!  The call you have been waiting for, an offer of employment.  You are over-whelmed with excitement and feel valued, but now you are faced with a difficult decision.  Do you accept or decline?  Fortunately, most companies will not expect you to make a decision the day you receive the offer.  You are normally given a week to make a decision.  There are many things to consider when evaluating a job offer.  Is this a good place to work?  Do I see myself there long-term?  Will there be opportunities for advancement?  Is the salary fair?  How much are the benefits? Now, you need to set-up criteria for judging job offers. 

Researching the company online can help you decide if this is a good place for you to work.  Take time to review financial conditions, size, location, how long they have been in business, etc.  In my past experience working with individuals seeking employment, I have seen more people be excited about working for a company where they have personal interest and beliefs.  Larger organizations also offer a greater career path and better employee benefits than a small company.  Larger companies may also have more advanced technology.  However, jobs in large companies may tend to specialize so you may not be exposed too as much.   If the job is in a new city, you will need to consider cost of living differences, click here for out easy to use calculator, and housing.  As for additional information on the company, you can review Dun & Bradstreet, Moody’s, Business Journals, or simply ask the hiring manager or human resources.  

Now review the nature of the work.  You want to ensure that the duties and responsibilities are explained in detail to ensure that this opportunity matches your interest and will make good use of your skills.  Ask yourself if you are comfortable working with the hiring manager? Ask about work hours, making sure they are in line with your schedule is very important. For example, is this job 40 hours a week, Mon – Fri, should I expect to work over time, if so how much? It is okay to ask about turnover.  If there is high turnover, this means dissatisfaction with the nature of the work or something else about the job. 

As for salary, it should be reviewed on a regular basis.  What you may start at is not what you will be making in 12 months.  Discuss company bonuses, employee evaluations, and ask the hiring manager or human resources when these are done each year.  These discussions can clear up some major questions for you and help you make a decision.

As a job seeker, you don’t want to be in the same situation a year from now, so asking yourself these questions can help you evaluate whether you are making the right career move.