Congratulations! Your research, CV Resume + Interview Prep paid off! Job offers are on the table...
An enviable position to be in. However, it can be tricky knowing which one is best!
Don’t rush to accept immediately – but don’t take more than 24 to 48 hours to decide as this could signal you are playing offers against theirs.
At this stage it is a good idea to reflect, take a step back to remember how you felt immediately after the interview. Listen to your instinct. Did you feel optimistic and hopeful, or anxious and uncertain? The likelihood is that if you did not feel enthusiastic then the offer could be worth discounting.
This is a good time to really know what matters to you in your private and professional life, and assess the job offer with all the most important issues in mind.
One way forward in assessing a job offer is to create a "must have", "nice to have", "what is on offer" and "what is missing" checklist against each job offer. Do a social media check on their reputation as an employer; have they won awards, are they an Investor in People organisation etc?
Find out what the organisation’s values are to see if they match yours. Other key issues to consider may include the job role, location, organisational culture, position, people, salary and benefits, training and potential career opportunities.
Accepting a position for just two or three criteria is likely to lead to disaster!
Conversely, a position that fits all criteria is likely to lead to a career that is fulfilling and offers opportunities for development, as opposed to one which is stressful, disheartening and heading for a dead-end.
The following check-list can help you to compare the pros and cons of each job offer with your ideal.
Job Offer Checklist
How does the job role fit with your expectations and career preferences – now and in the future? Weigh up which fits most closely with your vision for your future.
Responsibilities
Will the job use your skills and offer an appropriate level of challenge, nor too easy? Will you develop new skills?
Status.
Where does the job fit into the organisational structure? What role will you play in achieving the organisation´s goals?
Location.
Is the location easily accessible? Is public transportation or car parking available?
Hours.
Will the working hours fit your personal schedule? Will you be required to work evenings or weekends? Does the company offer flexible or home working?
People.
Have you met your colleagues? Are they happy with the organisation and with their roles? Were they friendly? Have you met and could you work with his or her leadership style?
Promotional prospects.
Does the organisation enjoy high staff retention? What are the opportunities for promotion? What are the onward career prospects? Will the job lead you to where you want to be?
Company Culture
Is the company a good fit with your values, attitudes and goals? Is the company employee and family friendly?
Company stability.
What is its financial condition?
Company product or service.
Does the company product or service appeal to you? Does it match your interests?
Organisational Size.
Would you like to work in a small or large company? Larger companies may be more structured and impersonal, smaller ones may offer opportunities for more responsibility.
Management style.
Is the management style open and empowering, or autocratic? Is it compatible with your style of leadership? Do they appear to be a company that looks after their staff?
Salary - Benefits
Does the benefits package meet your needs? Will the salary match your expectations? Is the salary performance-related? State the salary you want without hedging or using soft language.
Holidays.
What will be your holiday entitlement?
Learning & Development.
Does the company support and pay for training programmes? Will you be given the tools and training needed for the job?
After considering the above, you should be in a more informed position to decide whether the job is the right one for you.
It is possible that what is a `must-have´ might become a `nice-to-have´ and you discover exactly what is most important to you and what is not!
However, it is important not to accept an offer - and not to give notice to your present employer - until you have confirmation in writing.