Considering a New Job Offer

A New Job Offer

Are you considering a new job offer?  While, it’s not in my job description, I find myself advising people on how to make a decision on a new job offer, or deciding between two.

There are so many things to consider when you get a job offer:

Where are you now?  Are you currently employed or unemployed?  Are you on the verge of strangling your boss and/or co-workers if you don’t get out of your current job?  Are you running out of cash and need a job, any job, just to pay the bills?

It’s important for you to know where you stand, how you feel and why you feel this way.  Ideally you should know this before you interview in the first place.  Above all, be honest with yourself.  Why are you looking for a new job in the first place?

It’s amazing what goes through your mind when you are weighing the pros and cons of a job offer:

Salary:

Is the salary being offered what you need or want to be earning?  Are you taking something less because you are desperate?  Is the salary so much more than you’ve ever earned before that you’re starting to question your ability to do the work?

Commute:

Is the commute reasonable?  Many people think anything over ten minutes is too far to travel and others will drive for two hours to get to a job they adore.  Think long and hard about how much time you are willing, able and comfortable with spending commuting.  This is time away from family, friends and the other parts of your life.  Some people consider commute time working hours.  So if the salary isn’t enough to cover an extra two hours a day commuting, is it worth it?

Job Description:

Do you really want the job?  Is it something you are excited about doing?  Did you meet people you want to work with? Is it a company you feel good about?  Will you be happy/proud to tell someone where you work?

Benefits:

What is important to you in the way of benefits?  More vacation time, flexible schedule, better medical insurance,  and/or 401K plan?  Are you trading a higher salary for better benefits?  A $10,000 salary increase disappears really quickly when the company isn’t contributing to the medical insurance premiums or a 401K.

Considering a Job Offer:

When comparing two job possibilities even if one is new and one is where you have worked for years, it can be helpful to tell someone about both of the jobs. Pick one and list the pros and cons, then do the same for the other job. I know that sounds a little strange, but forcing yourself to speak “out loud” why you think you want a particular job over another one, can be very revealing.  You may be surprised to hear your own tone of voice change when you are talking.

While many tangible items can be considered, it’s also important to take into consideration your feelings, thoughts and perceptions of the new company, boss, co-workers and job description.  Ultimately it is up to you, but be sure to consider all of the parts and pieces before you make a final decision.