You got a job offer? Congrats! But before you accept the job, there are some important things you should think about before you accept a new job. It may seem that right now, any job will do. However, if you take a job that isn't right for you, the risk isn't just to your future happiness. If you aren't able to do the job you are hired for, or it isn't the right job for you, you will be risking your future career prospects. Failing to perform well and perhaps even being fired, will make your next job search even more difficult.
With that in mind, here are 5 things to think about before accepting a job offer:
The company's corporate culture - Every company has a culture, some just make a bigger point out of theirs. Be sure to research the company to find out what their culture is and see how you fit in with it. For example, a company like Lands End, who sell outdoor lifestyle supplies, has a clearly defined culture of sports and outdoor adventuring. One of the perks for working there is free use of camping supplies and other Lands End products. If you are not someone who enjoys these activities, you probably won't be happy working there.
Check the employee retention rate - If possible, you should find out the retention rate for the company overall and also find out about the turnover rate within the department you would be working. If the rate is extremely high, it's a good sign that they have a track record for hiring people and failing to provide a work environment that keeps them happy. Although not the kiss of death, it's a strong clue that the department may have poor management, low salaries or other undesirable working conditions.
Are you capable of doing the job? - Although you want to use your resume as a marketing tool, it's important not to lie or misrepresent your skills. If you've embellished a little during the application and interview process, ask yourself if you have what it takes to be successful in the position. Getting a job and doing it poorly will definitely make looking for your next job more difficult.
What are the growth opportunities? - Even if you aren't interested in advancement just yet, finding out if the company tends to promote from within is really important. When a company allows employees to grow with them, they are more likely to invest in cultivating and developing their employees. If they almost always hire from outside, it's a red flag that they may not be interested in building real partnerships with their employees.
What are the job hours? - This might seem like a no-brainer, but you'd be surprised at how many people accept jobs that require them to work hours that are either difficult or impractical for their lives. The hope is that after they have been there for a while, they can try to get more acceptable hours. This rarely happens. If the job requires nights or weekend and you don't want to have to work during those times, don't accept the position. There's no guarantee that you will be able to change shifts somewhere down the road, so don't count on it.
When you accept a job, you are making a commitment to perform the job to the best of your abilities and you are agreeing to the terms of the job. Make sure that you know what you are agreeing to before you end up with a job you hate.
What other things do you think you should consider before accepting a new job? Please share your thoughts in the comments.
The company's corporate culture - Every company has a culture, some just make a bigger point out of theirs. Be sure to research the company to find out what their culture is and see how you fit in with it. For example, a company like Lands End, who sell outdoor lifestyle supplies, has a clearly defined culture of sports and outdoor adventuring. One of the perks for working there is free use of camping supplies and other Lands End products. If you are not someone who enjoys these activities, you probably won't be happy working there.
Check the employee retention rate - If possible, you should find out the retention rate for the company overall and also find out about the turnover rate within the department you would be working. If the rate is extremely high, it's a good sign that they have a track record for hiring people and failing to provide a work environment that keeps them happy. Although not the kiss of death, it's a strong clue that the department may have poor management, low salaries or other undesirable working conditions.
Are you capable of doing the job? - Although you want to use your resume as a marketing tool, it's important not to lie or misrepresent your skills. If you've embellished a little during the application and interview process, ask yourself if you have what it takes to be successful in the position. Getting a job and doing it poorly will definitely make looking for your next job more difficult.
What are the growth opportunities? - Even if you aren't interested in advancement just yet, finding out if the company tends to promote from within is really important. When a company allows employees to grow with them, they are more likely to invest in cultivating and developing their employees. If they almost always hire from outside, it's a red flag that they may not be interested in building real partnerships with their employees.
What are the job hours? - This might seem like a no-brainer, but you'd be surprised at how many people accept jobs that require them to work hours that are either difficult or impractical for their lives. The hope is that after they have been there for a while, they can try to get more acceptable hours. This rarely happens. If the job requires nights or weekend and you don't want to have to work during those times, don't accept the position. There's no guarantee that you will be able to change shifts somewhere down the road, so don't count on it.
When you accept a job, you are making a commitment to perform the job to the best of your abilities and you are agreeing to the terms of the job. Make sure that you know what you are agreeing to before you end up with a job you hate.
What other things do you think you should consider before accepting a new job? Please share your thoughts in the comments.
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