From The Straits Times    |
t

Image: 123rf.com

You’ve applied for the job, aced the interviews and now you’ve got an offer on the table. Even though it’s a job you’re really keen on – you applied for it, after all, didn’t you – there are several things to consider before you say yes. Here are seven factors to take into account to help you to make the final decision:

Job Details

It’s not enough to just know your future job title – you need to drill down into your day-to-day tasks so you’re better prepared should you decide to take the plunge. Ask questions to pinpoint which of your specific skills will be required of the role. You also need to know what your precise position will be in the organisation. Believing in what the company stands for is pretty important, too, as you’ll be more motivated to start work every day, as opposed to forcing yourself to go through the motions for eight (or more) hours a day, five days a week. 

Money, Money, Money

Unless you’re a poufy-haired socialite who’s taking on a ‘job’ just to kill time, the salary is going to be one of the biggest factors to mull over. Ask yourself if you’re able to afford reneging on this offer if the money isn’t enough. Look at your personal financial situation – if you’re between jobs, you may want to consider accepting something that’s a tad lower. You should also decide if the pay is enough to compensate for other less-than-satisfactory factors, such as an office location that’s out of the way.

More than Dollars and Cents

Pay attention to other benefits of the job too. Does it offer any sort of medical insurance or compensation? How many days of annual and medical leave will you be entitled to? Will you get paid for overtime work or be given a transport allowance? And what about the bonuses – will they be enough for you to accept less for your monthly basic salary? Look beyond your pay and see if there are other perks that could make you save or even earn money in the long run. A company that doesn’t offer any benefits could also mean they aren’t doing well on the financial front, so choose carefully.

Company Culture

It’s important to be aligned with how the company operates so you know if you’ll fit in with your future colleagues. For example, if you’re an introvert, you probably won’t want to work for an organisation that imposes mandatory drinks every Friday and company BBQs each month. Yes, it’s hard to know how a company functions before you actually work there, but if you ask questions and pay attention to your surroundings, you’ll have a better idea. And if you know anyone who’s working for the company, get insider insights from them, too.

Who’s The Boss?

Chances are you’d have met your future boss by now, so you’ll have some idea of what he or she is like. Pay attention to the vibes you get from them – sometimes gut feeling goes a long way. If possible, arrange a one-to-one meeting with them to find out more about the job and expectations, which will give you a better idea of what your superior is like, too.

In Good Company

You certainly don’t want to work for a company that will fold in a year or two. Do your research and find out how it’s been doing. What’s its reputation like? Ask around if you know people in the industry and get their first-hand impressions.

Future Prospects

You should also find out what your prospects are if you take on the job. Do they promote staff often or do people work at one level for decades before throwing in the towel? Do they offer training opportunities? How will working here benefit your resume? Will it make you more marketable in the future? Look at it as not just a job but a rung on your career ladder and envision how far this strategic step will be able to take you.