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What Should You Do Before Accepting a Job Offer?
Finally, you have been offered a job that you apply for - how
exciting. But no matter how happy you are to have an offer, it
is not a good idea to make a decision immediately. Most
companies will not expect you to make a decision immediately.
Spend this time figuring out if the offer is right for you. The
following guidelines can help you assess a job offer.
Get
the Written Offer Letter
The written offer should include all the important terms of the
job and your obligations to the company. Even if you've already
had some time to think over an offer and you've assured the
company that you'll accept it, you should still ask to see the
offer in writing. Make sure the job title, salary, and benefits
match or improve upon what you had in mind when you said you'd
accept it. If it doesn't measure up, promptly contact the
company and let them know what's missing.
Know
What You're Getting into
Be sure that you have a clear understanding of your job
responsibilities. Ask for a job description that includes all
your responsibilities. This will help you understand the
position and the expectations-and later on, if you've exceeded
the requirements for the position, it will give you some
leverage with which to negotiate.
You should also try to get a sense of how your job fits into the
company as a whole. Will you work with people from other
departments? Is there room for advancement? What if you start in
publicity but become interested in doing something
business-related? Does there seem to be much flexibility?
If you're being offered a job to replace someone, you may want
to ask what happened with the previous person. If the hiring
manager doesn't answer your question or seems uneasy, this maybe
cause for concern.
Know
the Nature of the Job
Make sure you know what you want. Keep in mind that a job isn't
like a date-you shouldn't just accept the offer and see what
happens. Whether you see it as a way to pay the rent or consider
it a fundamental step in a career path, taking a job that you're
unsure of is asking for trouble.
Make sure the description of the job appeals to you and serves
your objectives-not just those of the company. It may be better
to hold out for something better than end up in a situation you
eventually regret.
Meet
your co-workers
You should also try to meet the people you'll be working with
day to day. You may get along well with your manager-to-be, but
what if the people at your level are intensely competitive,
boring, or unfriendly? Talk to your future co-workers before
making a decision.
Find
out the Working Hours
Many people accept a job without knowing what kind of time
commitment it will involve. Ask the employees you meet how many
hours a week are standard. In many positions, you'll be expected
to work a 50-hour week-and you should know that in advance.
Otherwise, both you and the company lose when you quit after a
month of training.
As for vacation, sometimes two weeks means ten days, not
fourteen days. Be sure to clarify. If you have a wedding to go
to the following month, be sure to negotiate before you accept
the offer. Again, get the company's policy in writing.
Imagine Yourself if You Accept The Job
In evaluating job offers, take the time to make sure you're
making the decision for reasons you're comfortable with-and
taking the job that you want. Keep in mind that by being up
front with yourself and your potential employer, you're saving
both of you time and money. The more clarity you have about the
situation you're getting into, the more likely you'll love what
you're doing and stick to the position you've taken.
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