Job seekers can get stressed at the thought of changing a career path. It's easy to understand why!
Accepting or Rejecting Job Offers
Congratulations! Your research, CV Resume and Interview Prep has succeeded! Suddenly job offers are on the table and you have choices to make. An enviable position to be in. However, it can be tricky knowing which one is best!
At this stage it is a good idea to reflect on how you felt immediately after the interview. Did you feel optimistic and hopeful, or anxious and uncertain? The likelihood is that if the job did not ignite your interest then the offer could be worth discounting.
One way forward in assessing a job offer is to create a "must have", "nice to have", "what is on offer" and "what is missing" checklist against each job offer. Key issues to consider may include the job role, location, organisational culture, position, people, salary and benefits, training and potential career opportunities.
Accepting a position for just two or three criteria is likely to lead to disaster! A position that fits all seven criteria is likely to lead to a career that is fulfilling, rewarding and offers opportunities for development, as opposed to one which is stressful, disheartening and heading for a dead-end.
The following check-list can help you to compare the pros and cons of each job offer with your ideal.
Job Offer Checklist
The Job - How does the job role fit with your career preferences?
Type of role
• What are the position’s key day to day responsibilities?
• Does the work play to your strengths or weaknesses?
• Will you develop new skills?
Status
• Where does the job fit into the organisational structure?
• What role will you play in achieving the organisation´s goals?
Location
• Is the location easily accessible?
• Is public transportation or car parking available?
Hours
• Will the working hours fit your personal schedule?
• Will you be required to work evenings or weekends?
• Does the company offer flexible or home working?
People
• Have you met your colleagues?
• Are they happy in their roles? Were they friendly?
• Have you met and could you work with his or her leadership style?
Career prospects
• Does the company enjoy good staff retention levels?
• Are there opportunities for promotion?
The Company´s Culture
Is the company a good fit with your values, attitudes and goals?
Company stability
• How old is the company?
• What is its financial condition?
Corporate philosophy
• Is the company employee and family friendly?
• Is it a place you would be proud to work?
Company product or service
• Does the company product or service appeal to you?
• Does it match your interests?
Organisational Size
• Would you like to work in a small or large company?
• Larger companies may be more structured and impersonal, smaller ones may offer opportunities for more responsibility - to be influential.
Management style
• Is the management style open and empowering, or autocratic?
• Does the company encourage creative flair and ideas to thrive?
• Is it compatible with your style of leadership?
Training Opportunities
• What types of training opportunities are available?
• Is there a professional development plan for employees?
Salary and Benefits
• Does the benefits package meet your needs?
• Salary - will you be paid a salary commensurate with your title and responsibilities?
• Is the salary performance-related? How often is the salary reviewed?
Holidays
• How much holiday entitlement will you be eligible for?
• Medical Insurance. Does the employer pay all or part of the premiums on the policy?
• What about coverage for family members?
• Life and Disability Insurance. Are they available? Can you buy added coverage at low cost?
Training
• Does the company support and pay for training programmes?
Child care
• Are there on site facilities or after school programs?
After considering the above, you will be in a more informed position to decide which job will fulfil your requirements.
It is possible that what is a `must-have´ might become a `nice-to-have´ and you discover exactly what is most important to you and what is not!
However, it is important not to accept an offer - and not to give notice to your present employer - until you have confirmation in writing.