Weighing the Job Offer
A number of factors come under consideration when you're making a decision about a job offer. Obviously there's "the package"-but putting the monetary value of the position aside for one moment, there are other aspects of the job to evaluate.
The position
Why it is available and how long has the position been open for?
What happened to the previous employee?
Have you seen a detailed job description?
What are the specific responsibilities?
Can you perform the responsibilities set out for the role?
Do the daily activities actually appeal to you?
Is there an opportunity for you to develop new skills?
Are the goals set for the position fair, realistic and achievable?
What is the growth potential in this role?
Will it be a stepping stone to your next desired role?
How does this position fit with your long-term career goals?
The company
Where does the company sit in its own market?
Who are its competitors?
What is its market share?
How is business?
Is the company growing, maintaining its size or shrinking?
What is the potential of the company, and how will that affect your role?
How experienced/respected are its management, and how long have they been there?
Does the company have a high retention of people, or is there a problem?
Is the company culture (and its values) compatible with your own?
Other factors to consider
How will this new role fit with your existing (or desired) lifestyle?
How will you cope with the stress and pressures of the new role, and of changing jobs?
How long do you think this job will keep you happy?
The boss
How long has this person been in this position, and what are his/her reporting lines (upwards)?
What is his/her background, including previous work experience?
What is his/her next likely career step?
Do you get along with this person, and do you think you could work effectively with him/her?