Weighing the Job Offer

  • Weighing the Job Offer

    Weighing the Job Offer

    A number of factors come under consideration when you’re making a decision about a job offer. Obviously there’s “the package,” but putting the monetary value of the position aside for one moment, there are other aspects of the job to evaluate.

    The Position
    » Why is it available and how long has the position been open for?
    » What happened to the previous employee?
    » Have you seen a detailed job description? What are the specific responsibilities?
    » Can you perform the responsibilities set out for the role?
    » Do the daily activities actually appeal to you?
    » Is there an opportunity for you to develop new skills?
    » Are the goals set for the position fair, realistic and achievable?
    » What is the growth potential in this role? Will it be a stepping stone to your next desired role? How does this position fit with your long-term career goals?

    The Company
    » Where does the company sit in its own market? Who are its competitors? What is its market share?
    » How is business? Is the company growing, maintaining its size or shrinking? What is the potential of the company, and how will that affect your role?
    » How experienced/respected are its management, and how long have they been there?
    » Does the company have a high retention of people, or is there a problem?
    » Is the company culture (and its values) compatible with your own?

    The Boss
    » How long has this person been in this position, and what are his/her reporting lines (upwards)?
    » What is his/her background, including previous work experience?
    » What is his/her next likely career step?
    » Do you get along with this person, and do you think you could work effectively with him/her?

    Other Factors to Consider
    » How will this new role fit with your existing (or desired) lifestyle?
    » How will you cope with the stress and pressures of the new role, and of changing jobs?
    » How long do you think this job will keep you happy?

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