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?