Accepting the Job
Offer
Before you accept
an on-going (permanent) position, take the time necessary to evaluate the
offer. Weigh the fear of being unemployed with the reality of the
job market. Analyze the fit. Don't rely on a "feeling".
When deciding
on a part-time, summer, co-op, internship job offer, evaluate benefits
in terms of your long-term goals. Employers often use this type of
short-term employment as a method to determine if they would like to offer
you a more permanent type of work in the future.
Considerations
in Evaluating an Offer
Your assessment
results can help you understand if this is offer is a match. Do your
results reflect an interest in the business focus of the organization making
the offer. Look for the patterns. For example, do you
see a pattern for health related occupations, teaching, financial, or computer
and technical work. If the organization making the offer is a hospital,
do your results show you have an interest in medical or helping occupations
or do the results show you are more interested in working with small businesses.
Your values are your motivators and source of energy, will this opportunity
satisfy your most important values or will your values be impacted and
you risk suffering burn-out. For example, your results reflect a
high value of helping others but the opportunity is bottom line oriented
with little regard for the welfare of individuals or you value high earnings
and the opportunity has limited opportunity for salary growth.
Company/Organization
Comfort in
field or type of industry, e.g., government/private sector
Organization
size, growth rate, market potential
Facilities
Working conditions
Desire to work
there for a period of time
Management
and Co-Workers
Stable management
Interest in
employee well-being, e.g., E.A.P., pay, training, layoff/restructuring
support Professional caliber
Compatible
approach on policies
Job Tasks
Duties and
responsibilities initial opportunities offered utilization of your abilities
Training programs,
inside/outside of company.
Broadening
of experience for future jobs
Amount of travel
Overtime
Potential
for Promotion
How and by
whom performance is judged
Is a salary
review included in the performance review
Number of realistic
opportunities for promotion and to what level
Compensation
Starting salary
Long-term outlook
Other benefits,
e.g., insurance, profit sharing, tuition assistance, rental car, stock
options
Community
Geographic
area
Environment
desirable
Amenities in
the area
Cost of living
Distance from
work
Salary is an
important consideration; however, individuals working only for money tend
to become unhappy once the newness of the position is gone. Base
your figure on research of the typical salary for that type of position
in that job market. Learn how to negotiate to get the best salary
and benefits offer you can. Nevertheless, being able to learn and
get experience, liking your work and the people, and supporting the philosophy
and goals of the organization are also important factors. Respond
to the offer by the date requested. If you need additional time to
consider the offer, ask, but be reasonable in your request. Once
you have accepted the job offer, make the commitment to go to that organization.
Confirm your agreement in writing.
Links to
More Information
Landing a Bigger Salary
http://www.ivillage.com/work/job/get/articles/0,10109,196965_82399,00.html
Evaluating Benefits
http://www.ivillage.com/work/job/get/articles/0,10109,196965_218651,00.html
Compensation: Understanding Stock Options
http://www.ivillage.com/work/job/get/articles/0,10109,196965_95066,00.html
Job
Interviewing
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