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

  1. How long has this person been in this position, and what are his/her reporting lines (upwards)?

  2. What is his/her background, including previous work experience?

  3. What is his/her next likely career step?

  4. Do you get along with this person, and do you think you could work effectively with him/her?