Evaluating Your Offer
You had a great interview and perhaps they’ve made you an offer. How do you know if you should accept? Here are some things to consider:
Job fit
- Does the role fit with your goals?
- Do you enjoy doing the majority of the tasks that make up your responsibilities?
- Are you working within your preferred environment (on a team vs. more independently, remote/hybrid or in-person, etc.)
Location:
- Consider factors such as the weather, cost of living, and how you’ll spend your time outside of work
- Will you have to relocate? Do they help cover your relocation expenses?
- What would your commute look like?
- How close are you to friends and family?
- If your work requires frequent travel, are you close are you to the nearest airport?
Benefits:
Beyond salary, benefits can increase the value of an offer. What benefits does the employer provide? Consider…
- Paid time off, or paid vacation and sick leave
- Health insurance
- Retirement
- Childcare or wellness benefits
- Tuition repayment assistance or tuition assistance for continuing education
- Bonuses or commissions
Employer culture:
- Can you visualize yourself within the organization?
- How well do your values align with the organization’s values?
- What are examples of the organization’s values in practice?
- What are the expectations for what you wear if you work on-site?
Compensation:
- Is the offer competitive for the industry, job level, and location?
- What are the criteria for advancement and are they transparent within the organization?
Advancement:
- Will the position challenge you and give you room to grow?
- Will you learn new skills and gain experience to further your career?
- Are there opportunities for you to be mentored by more experienced professionals?
- Are there opportunities for professional development or trainings (skill-building courses, conferences, etc.)?
You can ask about any of these considerations to gain further clarity on whether to accept an offer or continue your search to find a better fit.
