Getting an unexpected job offer might seem great at first. However, there are plenty of factors to consider before you decide to leave the position you're already in, especially for another company that contacted you when weren't even looking for new opportunities. Before jumping ship, there are several things to ask your potential employer about.
1. Short-Term and Long-Term Pay
The most obvious thing to consider with almost any job offer is the pay. Can you make more than you're making now? However, your pay increase may not be enough of a bump to lure you away from your current position. Do you have performance-based pay that includes bonuses and commissions? All of these unknown factors may keep you at a more stable job. You also must take into account future potential income with promotions, performance reviews and ways to advance your career within the same firm over many years.
2. Benefits
What benefits does your new firm have for employees? These benefits add value to a job offer. Does the company have flexible scheduling, extended family leave or gym membership offers? How does this company's benefits package compare to the one you already have in hand?
3. Plan for Success
Know what the plan for success is before you accept the job offer. What can you expect from your first annual review if you exceed the company's expectations and benchmarks? How do you know you are successful? What obstacles may stand in your way of having a dynamite first year? These types of questions are important because you want to know how high the bar is set. Do you have to come in and fix things before getting your department on track, or can you hit the ground running and start increasing the company's revenue immediately?
4. Corporate Structure
Once you receive a job offer, ask about the company's structure. Who do you report to, and who works for you? How large is your team? Do you oversee a team of five, 10 or 25 people? Make sure your pay is commensurate with the time and effort involved in managing others.
5. Your Predecessor
Knowing what happened to your predecessor is one of the key factors to consider in this entire equation. Did the person who held this position before you leave on good terms, or was he fired? What do his co-workers and colleagues think of him? Finding relevant answers to these questions may take a little more digging than just asking your future supervisor, as higher-ups in the company may have a jaded view of what happened to the person you're replacing. Talk to your potential team, and ask what happened.
6. Negotiating
Don't be afraid to negotiate and ask for something better than what you have already. This means research your market value based on similar positions. Delve into your network, and ask how much other people think the position is worth.
A surprise job offer is something to seriously think about because it could move your career in a new direction. It all comes down to whether or not you think you land in a better place than where you are right now.
Photo courtesy of Ambro at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Become a member to take advantage of more features, like commenting and voting.
Register or sign in today!