Congratulations! You got the offer. After all the interviews and follow-ups, the company thinks you will be a good fit for them. Before you accept, take a minute to consider if this opportunity is a good fit for you.
In order to really be successful, you have to be sure that this company and position align with your values and will be truly satisfying. It’s easier to turn down an offer than to leave a job after just a few months.
To make the best decision, you should look at the job from a variety of angles. Here’s a list of things to consider before you make the leap.
- The salary. Of course, you want to get a salary/wage that suits your skills and experience, but it’s not the only thing to think about. You should have an idea of what this position pays in your market so you know the going rate. If you are underpaid, you’re not going to feel satisfied and it can become a demoralizing situation.
- The daily tasks. Is this a job you’ll enjoy doing day-to-day and will challenge you? Will you feel energized and stimulated by it? No matter how much they’re paying you, you’re more likely to succeed of you enjoy the job.
- Who’s the boss? What kind of boss do you work best under? Do you need/want a lot of direction? Do you prefer to work more independently? What is his/her management style? Think about how the boss’s personality will mesh with yours and if you’ll be able to work well together.
- What’s the company culture? Is this a place you feel comfortable working? Are people warm and friendly and is it casual? Or is this an upscale hotel that’s quite formal and strict? Is the work/life balance encouraged, or is it more common that people are working double shifts and overtime?
- Is the company stable? If this job is in a great market and growing, you’ll have job stability. If it’s in a declining area or there isn’t a strong commitment from upper management, you may be looking for another job sooner than you’d like.
- Does the company communicate with respect? Have they kept in touch over the interview process and delivered on promises for meetings and information? Is it timely and professional? And is it personal? You can expect a form letter in the early stages, but as time goes on, communications should be addressed to you personally.
- Do they seem organized? Has this whole process seemed chaotic, or well-managed? Are interviews clear and focused? You may not want to work where disorganization is commonplace and the hiring process is haphazard.
- Do you click with your future co-workers? If possible, try to meet with the people who will be on your team. Having great colleagues makes up for a lot over time… and not being able to connect can make you miserable. Take heed of your first impressions.
- Is this job going to advance your career? You should ask yourself if this job is moving you closer to your career goals. Are you learning new skills and working in an area in which you want to grow? If you aspire to be head chef, working in housekeeping isn’t getting you where you want to go.
- Does this job FEEL right? Trust your gut. If it’s telling you not to accept, then don’t. No job is ever going to be perfect, but if it feels right in the end, it probably is.