4 Practical Things to Consider Before Accepting a Job Offer

There’s plenty to think about when you’re considering a new job opportunity. Once you’ve received an offer, it’s likely you’ve already discussed the salary, but you may still want to think about factors such as career advancement opportunities, commute time, flexibility, paid time off, and more. You may already be familiar with the company’s benefits including vision, dental and life insurance (you may already have your own whole life insurance policy, but many organizations will offer a group policy to employees), but other benefits aren’t always evident in an offer letter. Here are a few practical benefits to ask about and consider.

Career advancement opportunities

You’ll want to consider what a new job may mean for your long-term career. Some candidates prefer to take on a new opportunity only if the role is a promotion over their current job. Others may be content to wait a year or two for a promotion if the job is a good fit. Ask yourself, is it aligned with your professional goals? Do you see a clear track to the positions you hope to have in the future? Will there be opportunities to upskill and take on new responsibilities? These are important things to consider while evaluating an offer.

Daily commute

Is the office close by or will you have a long commute every day? A short commute may mean you have more energy and free time after work, but a long commute may be enjoyable if you’re carpooling with a friend. If the workplace is not conveniently located, there’s not much you can do about it once you’ve accepted the job, so it’s a good idea to consider how you feel about the daily commute beforehand. It’s more common now for companies to hire candidates to work remotely, so ask if working from home is an option.

Vacation time

Companies often try to win over candidates through generous PTO policies, so don’t miss a chance to ask what your vacation time will be and whether there’s any flexibility. Most organizations offer paid vacation leave, parental leave, and sick leave; some may have other options such as sabbaticals after a certain number of years. You can also ask about whether your leave accrues over time or if it’s all available at once, and if vacation days carry over or lapse at the end of the year.

Company culture

Hiring managers usually ask specific questions during an interview to see if a candidate is a cultural fit for the company. This is an important consideration for you, too. Are you looking for a traditional, more formal workplace? Or would you prefer a more relaxed, informal atmosphere? Company culture can play a major role in determining your job satisfaction, so don’t hesitate to ask questions about it. Some companies may offer the chance to talk to current employees who can help you understand if the organization’s culture is aligned with what you’re seeking. You can also use your professional networking sites to contact current or former employees and ask about their experience.

Source: iQuanti