What to consider before accepting a job offer

If you receive a job offer, then you’ve jumped ALMOST all of the hurdles. You only have one left – knowing what you’re signing up for. It’s probably been a long search and you’re eager for a new opportunity, but you don’t want to regret your decision a few months down the road. To make sure you’re prepared, our Executive Recruiters here at CFS want you to consider these things before accepting a job offer:

COMPANY CULTURE

Daniela Velasquez

Executive Recruiter – Houston

“Company culture is perhaps the most important thing to consider before accepting a job offer. It is hard to have a complete understanding of a company’s culture without actually working there, but there are online resources and questions you can ask throughout the interview process to give you some insight. Check the company’s website and social media platforms. There you will find the mission statement, projects they’ve been involved in, and sometimes biographies on members of the leadership team. Websites like Glassdoor house reviews written by current and former employees complete with their personal lists of pro’s and con’s. 

If the company you’re considering is small, or you can’t find anything online, ask your interviewer to describe the culture to you. Take a look around when you’re on site for an interview; do the people in their cubes look miserable or happy to be there? Do you really see yourself fitting in? Use your gut instinct to decide if this is really the right fit for you.”

PRIORITIES

Bart Bauer

Managing Director, Executive Recruiting – South Bend

“It is important before you even get to the offer stage that you know what you want and why you are looking in the first place. Getting an offer and the process of giving notice becomes very emotional. They say changing jobs is one of life’s biggest stresses. 

Before that emotion sets in, you need to rationalize why you are looking. What are you looking to achieve by making a move and what are you going to do prior to the offer if it comes in at different dollar amounts, vacation schedules, etc. Have you evaluated their benefit plan? If you do all of this before the offer comes in, you already have a game plan in place and you know what you are going to do. It relieves you of the potential stresses and you can be confident that you are making the right decision.”

VALUE

Kristina Camacho

Executive Recruiter – Orlando

“Prior to the job offer, you should be aware of how the compensation is broken down. Is it a base salary? Is there a cap? How is it paid out? You shouldn’t be afraid to ask these types of questions. You deserve to be compensated for the value that you’re bringing to the company. Being financially valued and personally valued are the 2 most important factors about being in a positive workplace.
You also want to make sure that company’s values match yours. Do they host special events like volunteering or team bonding that you would participate in? Do they promote teamwork and are they goal oriented?”

TRUST

Ali Brewer

Executive Recruiter – South Bend

“Always trust your gut feeling. If something doesn’t seem right, then it probably isn’t! Don’t accept a position based solely off compensation. Did you like the people you met with? Is the commute something you’re actually willing to do each day? Did you mesh well with the people that you met in the interview process? Why is the position open?”

At the end of the day, you need to decide what’s realistic for you. Don’t try to force yourself to fit the job. So, take a deep breath, review the important facts, and make sure you’re 100% confident in your decision.

Have more questions about interviewing? Please comment below, or contact a CFS office located near you to speak with a recruiter.