Considering a Job Offer - Part 2

In my blog posting a week ago, I wrote about some important practices to consider before accepting a job, and I would like to resume with some further points to consider. I touched briefly on considering things that may change your view of the job further down the road, such as commute distance, traffic patterns, normal work hours/days and overtime, etc., but there are aspects of the actual job that need to be considered too.

Take a hard look at the job and the daily functions you will perform each day. A career is made up of more than just a salary and benefits. You need to look at the job in like fives, maybe even ten years. Is this a position you could see yourself in over a long period, and if so, would you enjoy the position, or would it be frustrating day after day?

Consider all of the various aspects of the position, including all of the things mentioned already, and think about the future. Is there a good potential for growth so you can learn more and move up to other more challenging positions? Does the company provide for additional education of the staff, and will it allow you to move up into other positions? Some companies have limited opportunities for being promoted, or cross training into new positions. Ask some of these questions up front, so you know what you may be in for in five years or so.

Have in your mind that this position could be your career and not just a temporary job, and be sure you would be satisfied in the position and company. If you are being offered a position, chances are you will be given a brief tour of the work place. Take note of the surroundings, and consider if you have an issues with working in the position each day. Will it be too noisy for you? Is it too cramped? Do the co-workers seem friendly (and happy with their jobs)? If you are looking at the position as just a short term stepping-stone, then many of these tips may not apply to you. However, if you are seeking a career, a long term employment situation, then these should be some of the things you would want to consider. Also, there are plenty of people who approach a position with a short-term mentality, only to find themselves five years down the road still stuck in a dead-end frustrating job. Considering some of these issues may help you to not be such a person.

Jeff McCormack resides in Virginia Beach, VA. where he works as a web designer by day. In his off time he is a husband, father, mail order book store manager, and musician. Aside from being a freelance writer for this Tech Careers blog, he also seeks to assist in career choices and information by contributing to other Nexxt blog sites.