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You crushed it in your interview, sailed through the assignments, and you’ve just been offered the job. The compensation package looks great, but is that reason enough to accept the offer? Our very own Corrie Alexander offers some advice.
Even if everything looks good on paper, there may be red flags that are less obvious than salary or workload. Take the time to carefully evaluate all aspects of what accepting the position will really mean. Doing so will help you make the best decision for you, personally, as well as for your career.
Ask yourself the following questions first:
Is the offer what you expected?
Aside from salary and vacation, make sure you pay attention to the other details like work hours, benefits, and probation period. If there’s anything you’re not 100% clear on, ask for clarification.
Did your potential employer impress you?
Job interviews are as much an opportunity for you to appraise your employer as it is for them to appraise you. Obviously, they liked you, but do you like them? Is this a person you respect and can see yourself working for? It may be hard to gauge in one or two interviews, but if there was something about them that rubbed you the wrong way, that feeling is only going to intensify once you start working for them.
Is the office culture a good fit?
Too corporate? Not structured enough? Is it a noisy office or pin-drop quiet? Is it an environment where you can envision being a member of the team? Is your future workstation relatively spacious or are there two people crammed to a desk?
Even if everything looks good on paper, there may be red flags that are less obvious than salary or workload.
Is there natural light or is it a windowless, gloomy setting? It may seem like a lot of fussy questions, but it’s important to be comfortable with your workspace or you may find yourself facing each day with dread.
Can you handle the commute?
The transit time factor is often overlooked but it’s critical to consider if you’re accepting a long-term role. The 30 km drive that took you 20 minutes on your lunch break will take you 2-3 times longer during rush hour. Over time, a long commute can wear you down physically and emotionally, so consider if this aspect is in line with what you can realistically handle for the long-term.
Is there potential for growth?
Sure the position pays more than what you’re currently making, but is it a move that will help you to grow your skills or reach your long-term goals? If it’s not an opportunity that will challenge you or expand your skillset, you may find yourself looking for something else within weeks of taking the job.
What is your gut telling you?
If there’s a reason you’re hesitating to accept the offer, explore the reason honestly. It’s normal to hesitate from fear of the unknown and you shouldn’t let normal jitters prevent you from taking the position. However, if there’s something about the job that just doesn’t seem right, trust your instincts. Your subconscious has picked up on something and is trying to tell you to steer clear!
Corrie Alexander is a writer from Burlington Ontario. She enjoys writing about health-related topics such as work-life balance, running and yoga.
What are some of the things you consider before saying, “yes” to a gig? We’d like to hear from you! Leave your comments in the section below.