Last Updated on July 31, 2022 by
A job search can be a draining process. And when you finally land one, the excitement can take your mind away from the logic. Decisions taken in such haste can go wrong. And it is essential to be careful when saying yes to a job offer you received after a tedious interview process at several companies.
This article will help you understand why it is crucial to think before accepting a job offer and what factors you can consider before moving from your current position.
9 Factors to Help You Decide If a Job Is Right for You
To help you determine whether the job offer you received is going to be a good fit for you or not, we have devised a list of factors. Here are the 9 factors to remember:
1. Does This Job Align With My Values?
Everyone has a motto, a set of corporate values that they consider crucial to them on the professional front. And there are no set values, and each has its own.
You may like having a fixed structure in the organization to perform the tasks in your current role, while someone else may prefer a company that allows free will when it comes to working on projects.
Hence, think about what is important to you and if that is something you can find in this new job. If the answer is yes, it is a good sign and you should accept the offer for the next job.
2. Does This Job Allow for the Lifestyle or Salary I Want?
If you have a specific choice in lifestyle, consider following that with the new job. If that is possible, the job is what you need precisely.
Let’s say if the profile requires you to stay at home more than in the office, but you prefer a workplace culture to function professionally, that job may not be a great option.
Similarly, if the right job offers on-job training for projects or courses you want to develop your skills in, going with this offer only makes sense and allows you to have a student-employee life while earning a regular income.
3. Will I Like My Boss and Co-Workers?
Most people have difficulty gelling up with people outside their circle. It is especially true in a new workplace, and it is normal.
You can try to break the ice with your boss and colleagues by striking up conversations about everyday topics or asking them about their likes and interests. However, you should know that people will treat you based on how you treat them.
If you are friendly and genuine, they will surely reciprocate. Also, your colleagues will only support you if you are at your professional best and perform your job responsibilities with utmost care. Rest will follow.
4. Does This Job Fit Into My Career Narrative?
Very crucial to understand if the profile you have said yes to aligns with career goals and aspirations. It is easier to say yes to jobs that offers all the comfort, but finding the right fit for yourself is also essential.
Because eventually, you will end up thinking about your career path, and if this is not what you need to grow professionally, you may again have to go through the tedious process of finding a new job.
Be clear on your aspirations and filter out different opportunities that do not align with these aspirations.
5. Does This Job Location is Good For Me?
Another vital matter when accepting a job offer can be the office location. For example, imagine finding the perfect profile that aligns with your career goals and offers a good salary but is miles away from your residence.
You now can commute long hours every day or relocate to a place nearer to your new office location. If you think of it, the offer does not seem significant if you have to pay for the commute or relocation.
You would want something accessible from your current home address while not adding to your current expenses. There is no point in taking a position with an increased salary if you are going to spend the money traveling every day.
So, think about the time, money, and energy you will spend doing to and fro between the office and home.
6. The Mission and Culture of the Organization
What the company stands for, its core values, and how the leaders treat their employees are essential details to be known before joining them.
You should ask about the work culture and check with ex-employees or friends who have connections with the existing staff. The more questions you ask, the better. It will give you clarity on how the employer functions and allows work-life balance for its employees.
You should ask these four questions:
- How are the employees treated? Are there any rewards, benefits, or compensation plans for achievers?
- What did you like and didn’t like at your job?
- What are the site work ethics followed here?
- Is there any scope of career learning or professional development plans offered?
These questions will help you assess whether the company’s culture will align with your career path and benefit you in maintaining the work-life balance. If the answers do not satisfy you, it might be good to think before making a decision.
7. Can I Be Productive In The Work Environment?
The work environment is very crucial for anyone to be productive. Some like stressful deadline-based jobs, while others prefer a relaxed approach with set guidelines to allow you to work in a defined workspace.
If the approach followed at the new company seems like a good match for your style, it will also help you be productive and grow within the job. You may also get the opportunity to find better options within the company later on if all goes well.
8. Does This Job Provide Job Security?
Before saying yes to any jobs, it is imperative that you ask about the termination policy and if the company follows a hire and fire rule.
For example, some companies follow a hire and fire policy and can terminate an employee as and when they deem suitable, basis evidence that may not be relevant.
If the information provided to you does not feel satisfactory, check with ex-employees who may have left abruptly or a friend who has a current job in that company. Job security is crucial; you must not accept an offer you will regret later without proper knowledge.
9. Will I Feel Professionally Satisfied?
Understanding what you want to do professionally helps identify whether a job is meant for you. You must check if the job responsibilities mentioned as a part of the job offer align with what you plan to do.
For example, if a communications job requires you to do everything other than writing, it may not suit you best and result in you becoming dissatisfied.
On the contrary, if a managerial job position turns out to be an on-ground job, it may affect your personal growth since you would not have any hands-on experience as a leader.
Analyze the Job and the Employer
The above tip will prove beneficial when you wish to analyze the job being offered and the company where you are about to start work.
Accepting offers without making prior observations and checks could end up in soup. And this would affect your position and work productivity if you wish to stay and work through the difficulties.
It could also be a problem if you decide to leave within the probation period and be answerable to the next potential boss about you quitting within such a short duration.
Don’t Be Afraid to Say No (Thank You)
Saying no is essential, especially if it is about a job offer you do not wish to accept. The best way to do it is to apologize for having wasted the hiring managers’ and the company’s time and inform them about your decision with an appropriate reason.
You do not wish to disclose the actual reason as it may seem offensive to the hiring manager. It is suggested to give a diplomatic reason, such as the job description not aligning with your future goals or that you are in search for something close to your home.
Whatever reason you give, ensure it is valid, genuine, and does not hurt the employer’s feelings. And do not forget to be grateful for the opportunity given to you. That is the least you could do after wasting their time and making them tailor-fit the offer for you.
When to Withdraw or Decline
Although it is best to search for information on the potential employer right after the hiring process has been completed, you can turn down a job without burning a bridge after taking a week. Once you have the job offer readily available, you have the choice of accepting or rejecting the offer in the near future.
So, when you decide to search for more information about the organization, you will be thorough. It is best to determine if the organization helps you develop new skills first.
If there is anything that does not match your professional goals or aligns with your profile, it is best to decline the offer when you have the time. Taking too long to weigh the offer may also negatively impact, so be sure and respond quickly.