The moment one receives a job offer is usually the time of excitement, especially if it is a genuinely desired position. However, the job description is usually different from the practical aspect of working in a day-to-day position. The mismatch between the expectations and the actual reality of the job may lead to quick frustration and burnout. To avoid it, one has to make their expectations as close to reality as possible.
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For that purpose, take some time to review every aspect of the job from all the facets. So, before saying a hard yes to the offer, think about the following things about your potential position.
1. Compensation
The salary is one of the most obvious benefits a position can offer. It is either the main decision-making factor for a candidate or a compromise they are willing to make in exchange for experience in their profession. It is difficult to define the perfect salary, as every individual knows better what salary they are comfortable with. If you are comfortable with the salary, there is no doubt about going for the job.
However, if the starting salary in the position feels like a compromise, it is crucial to discuss how it will progress along with your professional growth. Needless to say that one should not accept the offer if the amount they will be paid is not announced. However, professional resume writers in Skillhub.com also suggest discussing the company’s salary review policy right away. This way, you will know what to expect from your growth and have additional motivation to perform.
2. Growth prospects
A salary is not merely enough to do one’s job well these days. If you are a fresh professional, a new job is not only a source of money for you. Primarily, it is a source of experience and future growth. When you are presented with the job offer, make sure this position opens a space for you to grow.
Discuss the policies of raise with the HR, and do not be shy to ask about the future during the interview. Reputable companies are usually extremely interested in their employees’ growth. If you need to initiate such a conversation yourself, think twice before agreeing to the offer. Also, one should define the measure of growth for themselves. It can be either skill gained or the name of the position they grow to.
3. Responsibilities
Some jobs can hide more responsibilities than one agrees to. To prevent the overload, clarify this point of your professional relationships with HR beforehand. If some points that the employer mentions during the interview seem vague, make sure to ask what they mean.
Finally, if the document with the offer contains the responsibilities you have not discussed previously, clarify that in a written form. The clearer your scope of responsibilities is before you agree to the offer, the easier it will be for you to do your job.
4. Diversity of tasks
If one has to do the same activity every day without any intellectual or managerial challenge, they will be worn out too quickly. To ensure the job will keep you engaged, discuss the scope of tasks and their diversity before agreeing to the offer. It is clear that one position usually needs a worker to do repetitive activities. However, even within one position, there must be a way to engage in different activities to keep the versatility of one’s professional skills intact.
5. Company’s values
Even if the salary and the position look attractive, there is another aspect of the offer one should consider. You are going to dedicate the vast majority of your waking hours to the company; you need to make sure their values align with yours. Pay attention to the company’s track record, its media appearance, and the things its former employees say. Only after you ensure it will be a comfortable place for you to work can you be positive about your decision to say yes.
6. Benefits
Apart from the salary as it is, pay attention to the social benefits that the company can offer. For different employees, they may vary from medical insurance to the simple interior design in the office.
Usually, the attention that the company pays to the benefits they can provide represents its interest in keeping the employees engaged and motivated. The more they want you to feel like a part of the team, the better benefits they can provide. Sometimes, the benefits weigh as much as the salary, if not more. If the company communicates motivation with additional benefits, it may be decisive for many employees.
Bonus: Your offer checklist
To make it easier to decide on the offer, look through this list of questions and make sure you are informed about the answers to them. If you are satisfied with the answers, go for the offer.
- What is a common attribute that the top performers in the company have? Do you relate to it?
- Are you aware of the company’s culture? Does it appeal to you?
- If any, what kind of initiatives does this company support? Does it align with your interests or views?
- What kind of a long-term vision does the company have?
- Do you understand what you are expected to accomplish throughout your probation period?
- Are you informed about your growth prospects in this job?
- How did the company support its employees during COVID?
- Do you understand how success is measured in this company?
- What is the management style in this company?
These questions will help you see the big picture of what to expect from the offer. If you are comfortable with the answers, be sure to accept the offer.