Five Things to Consider When You’re Evaluating a Job Offer

Obtaining an offer after a job search can be a huge relief. You may feel tempted to accept right away and celebrate your new employment. However, not every offer is worth taking. To avoid making a regrettable decision, you need to evaluate the offer with a clear head. Accepting a job can have a big impact on your life and your future, so it isn’t a decision you should rush. While you’re still in your job search, you should know what to look for in an offer.

When you’re deciding whether to accept or decline a job offer, consider more than just the salary. There are many elements of a job that can affect your life both personally and professionally. Here are five considerations to keep in mind:

1. Working Environment

The workplace environment can be just as important as the salary when it comes to assessing a job offer. Pay careful attention to how the team talks about the workplace during your interviews. Ask plenty of questions about the working environment and employee turnover. If possible, speak with employees about their opinions on the workplace.

2. Salary and Benefits

Consider the salary and benefits as one compensation package. A high salary with few benefits may not be as good as a lower salary with excellent healthcare, retirement, and paid time off. Decide what your priorities are regarding benefits. Knowing beforehand what you’re looking for will help you evaluate the offers as they come in.

3. Your Professional Goals

Where do you want to be in one year, five years, or ten years? Will this job get you closer to these goals? If the offer includes an appealing salary and benefits package, but it won’t propel you toward your future aspirations, it may not be worth it. Consider whether the position has room for growth. You can ask your prospective employers during your interview if they believe that the position has any upward momentum. If you see a potential to work toward additional opportunities with this employer, it’s a great sign that the offer is worthwhile.

4. The Company’s Financial History

Look at the company’s public financial reports for the last few years to determine their financial standing. If the company appears to be growing, you may get some great opportunities with them in the future. If they’re struggling, accepting the offer could be risky.

5. Hidden Costs

When weighing the financial aspects of the offer, you should also consider the hidden costs. Will your commuting expenses increase or decrease with this job? If accepting the offer requires you to move, compare the cost of relocating with your salary. Evaluate the health insurance costs too. If your premium or deductible is higher than it was with your previous plan, the offer may not be as competitive as it appears.

There are some steps you can take before you accept a job offer to get the best possible outcome.

1. Negotiate Your Salary

Effective negotiation can be tricky, but it’s worth the effort. Research the average salary for the position in your area and determine what people with comparable experience and qualifications make. Consider the benefits too. You may have better luck negotiating for a great benefits package than for a salary increase. Determine a specific, appropriate counteroffer. Then, to begin the negotiation, send a letter or email explaining the counteroffer and your reasoning.

2. Be Confident

Sometimes an attitude shift is all you need to close the deal with an excellent offer. You want to make a great impression, but don’t feel as though you should give up all control during the process.

3. Avoid Ultimatums

Neither you nor the employer should give ultimatums during negotiation. Understand the employer’s limitations, and don’t try to back them into a corner with your counteroffer.

You can make a confident and informed decision if you carefully consider all the available information. Most importantly, don’t rush into accepting or declining an offer. Take your time and listen to your gut to make the best possible decision.