So you got the job offer? Nice! But should you say YES?
You’ve been applying and interviewing like mad for a few weeks, maybe even months (groan), and it’s finally paid off! You got an offer! Feels good, doesn’t it? But don’t be tempted to say yes to the very first thing you’re offered. Allow some time for the instant gratification to wear off so you can assess the offer with your head not your heart.
There are some questions you should ask yourself (or the recruiter) before you sign on the dotted line. Particularly if you’re already in a decent job. Nobody wants to find themselves waving a smug farewell to their old colleagues and then realising a month later that you wish you’d stayed put.
Nothing makes us sadder than seeing people in jobs they don’t like. So, here are some questions you should ask yourself before you even think about signing on the dotted line.
Does the job offer add up?
There can be a big difference between what gets mentioned in interview and what makes it into the contract’s small print. Double check things like job title, benefits package, working hours and holiday entitlement. And anything else that’s important to you. If there’s anything that makes you think “huh?”, don’t be afraid to go back for clarification.
Is the salary what you want (and deserve)?
Ok so we all know there’s more to life than money, but until you can finally grow that money tree, it still matters. And, seriously, you do need to be sure the salary reflects your worth and experience. Even if the salary is more than you’re on now, check how it stacks up against similar roles you’ve seen out there. Is there a good bonus or benefits package? Is it performance based? Are annual reviews built in?
Make sure you’re happy with the pay now and find out when the next pay review will be. The package you start with has to keep you (and your bank account) happy until the next pay hike.
Does the work location work for you?
Maybe you’d rather stick pins in your eyes than work in a big open-plan office? Or does the hustle and bustle of a collaborative environment get your brain fizzing with excitement? Is an hour’s commute the perfect opportunity to catch up on some podcasts? Or do you feel like a minute spent commuting is a minute you’ll never get back? Maybe you can’t be parted from your sunny home office and its proximity to your very nice espresso machine? Whatever your bag, make sure this role matches. And if it doesn’t, find out if there’s any flexibility on any of it. It’s important to be happy in your working environment.
Will you like the people?
At some point during interview, you might have been given a whistle stop tour of the workplace. (This is the kitchen, here’s Geoff from accounting…). You probably had other things on your mind at the time but try to think back. Did the team and boss seem happy to be there? Was there friendly chatter or a sea of silent, glum faces? You can often get a feel for a working atmosphere by looking at people’s expressions and how they interact.
Company culture is a big part of this. A positive working atmosphere that fosters a happy, healthy workplace comes from the top and trickles down through the ranks. So, does the company culture line up with your own values and ideas? If you have a similar outlook, it’s likely the people working there will too, which will make it much easier to bond with your new team and make your move smoother.
Are you clear on exactly what your role will be?
This may seem like an odd question considering you’ve read the job spec and had at least one interview, possibly more. But it’s worth being sure of the details. Knowing what’s expected of you is a crucial part of proving your value during your probation period – and beyond. (Did someone say pay review?) If you’re not sure, ask for a document that lays out your tasks and responsibilities. Your workload should be realistic and worth the compensation you get for it.
Is there a clear career path?
Will you be in this role for the next five years or are you expected to move up a rung on the ladder every year? You may not want to progress your career beyond this role, and that’s fine – but its best to be on the same page with your employer. If you’re looking to be promoted, ask for some examples of previous employees that started out in your role to see what they did to get bumped up.
How does it compare to the job you have now?
If you’re in a job already, do you know what the odds are of being promoted if you stay? Could you get more money or flexible working if you asked your boss? If these are the reasons you’re looking to move, it’s worth having a chat with your manager before jumping ship. You don’t need to threaten your boss with the fact that you’ve been offered something new but there’s no harm in asking.
So, ask yourself these questions, weigh up the pros and cons and then sleep on it before you sign anything. Fundamentally, it boils down to one thing. Can you picture yourself doing this job every day for the next few years? How does that make you feel? There’s your answer.
If you’re still unsure, take a look at some of the great roles we currently have available here. It doesn’t hurt to know what’s still out there.
