You’ve successfully navigated the extensive and rigorous interview process, and now the call you’ve been eagerly awaiting has come: a job offer. Congratulations! The allure of a potential new job can be enthralling, as it signifies a significant life change. However, it’s crucial to approach any job offer with careful consideration before tendering your resignation at your current company. Beyond the salary and benefits negotiation, there are numerous other factors to contemplate when evaluating a new job opportunity. This includes the workplace, the commute, the new management, and an entirely fresh set of responsibilities. Career experts offer their valuable insights on questions to pose to both yourself and your prospective employer before making the decision to accept a new job or choosing between two offers.
1. Will this position allow me to maximize my potential?
Joseph Liu, a career change consultant based in London and the host of the Career Relaunch podcast, emphasizes, “Having a job that fully leverages your unique strengths and skills fosters a sense of purpose and engagement in your work. Conversely, being in a role that underutilizes your abilities can be immensely frustrating.” Evaluate whether this new role will provide you with the opportunity to contribute distinct value, enabling you to be a highly valued member of the team.
2. What are the characteristics of the people here?
Pay meticulous attention to the individuals at the prospective company, including your direct supervisor, colleagues, and subordinates. According to Jenna Hess, a career services coach at Boston Consulting Group in Chicago, these individuals can significantly impact your job satisfaction and offer valuable insights into the day-to-day working environment. “The interview process is akin to a protracted first date, with everyone putting their best foot forward. Now that you’ve received an offer, request some time to reconnect with them,” advises Hess.
Hess recommends arranging one-on-one discussions instead of group lunches, as people are more likely to open up in this setting. She suggests posing questions that you may have been hesitant to ask during the interview phase, such as, “What are the typical office hours? How often and for how long do they engage in remote work or handle work-related tasks after hours? What is the potential career progression within the organization?” As Hess points out, “It’s wiser to acquire this information in advance than to encounter unpleasant surprises once you’re on the job.
3. Will this role energize me?
Joseph Liu emphasizes the significance of work that invigorates you in promoting long-term job satisfaction. He states, “Engaging in work that excites you will ultimately result in greater overall work satisfaction since you’ll spend your days feeling energized rather than drained.”
Given the prevalent issue of burnout, which is increasing at a faster rate among women than men, this question bears heightened significance. It’s crucial to ensure that your new job is a source of energy, as this can prevent the need to leave or downshift your role a few years down the line.
4. Are equivalent opportunities available in my current role?
Fiona Arnold, a career coach and director at Red Crest Careers in the U.K., highlights that one of the primary losses when changing jobs is the network of professional relationships. Arnold notes, “Frequently, when you join a new organization, you must restart the process of building these professional connections.” She advises, “If you are changing jobs with the aim of enhancing your earning potential or transitioning into a role more aligned with your preferred work, consider whether you have established relationships with individuals in your current company who could potentially facilitate similar opportunities within your current organization.
5. Are you running to this job or away from your current job?
Reflect on whether you’re accepting the new job because it genuinely aligns with your career aspirations or out of fear that you won’t find a better fit elsewhere. This consideration is especially relevant when you’re currently unemployed. Eli Howayeck, founder and CEO of Crafted Career Concepts in Wisconsin, emphasizes that human nature often inclines us to be risk-averse regarding our income and financial stability. However, he warns that this fear of the unknown can lead to accepting a job that isn’t an ideal fit, potentially resulting in numerous challenges.
6. Is there room for both career advancement and variety?
While you might develop an affinity for the company itself, your sentiment may not extend to the specific job role. Contemplate whether the organization’s operations and culture offer opportunities for you to explore a more suitable role internally, as advised by Howayeck. If it appears that the current position won’t provide what you seek in a few years, it might not be a wise move at this time.
7. Will the company align with my lifestyle and career?
While your career is undoubtedly significant, it’s not the sole aspect of your life. Consider the role of your family situation when evaluating a new job’s suitability. Jenna Hillier, a life coach and business consultant in San Diego, emphasizes the importance of communicating your needs and desires in this area to a potential employer. Establishing clear expectations and boundaries from the start is crucial, Hillier suggests. This involves conveying your family-related commitments, such as school pickups, annual family gatherings, or personal activities. These conversations are vital to ensure that the company supports not only your professional ambitions but also your personal priorities. Hillier underscores that these expectations are entirely reasonable, and you deserve such respect.
8. Is the reward worth the effort?
Although it may sound whimsical, this question holds significant weight. In most scenarios, a higher-paying job typically comes with increased responsibilities. Eli Howayeck, the founder and CEO of Crafted Career Concepts, points out that a substantial promotion or pay raise is undoubtedly appealing. However, he notes that companies anticipate receiving commensurate value in return for the higher compensation. As you contemplate this, it’s essential to consider the expectations that the company or your superiors will have for you, given the premium they are willing to pay for your skills and expertise.