What to Consider Before Accepting a Job Offer

Job seekers are often prepared to take the first offer without considering other options or negotiating the offer. As someone who entered the program as a career changer, I had a different perspective on the job criteria in mind; I wanted to work for a company that valued my unique background and provided opportunities for continual learning. At Accenture, I felt that it met my professional goals and desire for career advancement opportunities. Before accepting the job offer, I made sure to evaluate the following considerations.

• Base pay & benefit package
  • The first consideration to reviewing a job offer is usually the salary or hourly wage. It is important to evaluate the competitiveness of the offer and compare it to your financial needs. You may be able to negotiate a higher pay or benefit package.  
• Working hours & work style
  • The required number of hours worked per week is another important aspect of the job that needs to be evaluated. Salaried positions may not always be accounted for overtime work. In addition, the style of work is important to consider whether it is the work environment or type of skills needed. Understanding how you like to work and finding a work style that aligns with your preferences can have a positive impact on your overall workplace happiness.
• Career advancement opportunities
  • When starting a new position, it may be helpful to consider what it can do to your career in the long term. This can be evaluated in several different ways. The first being to assess whether the job is a promotion from your current position. A second way is to examine the company's record of internal promotions. Finding a job that can help you build your skills can be advantageous to your career trajectory.
• Company culture
  • Whether you prefer a more relaxed or fast-paced work environment, it can be helpful to assess the culture of your current employer to determine the type of approach you enjoy. By working at a company that matches your personal style and preferences, it can play a major role in your workplace happiness.
• Professional challenge
  • A job that requires you to grow professionally and develop new skills allows you to experience career advancements. In addition, having a healthy dose of challenge at work can prevent you from feeling stagnant or bored.

You can also find more information regarding career search and negotiation at Fisher’s Office of Career Management.