Evaluating a New Job Offer Before Accepting

So you have been offered a job, but what comes next? Before you accept the position, you will need to make sure you understand everything about your potential job, especially if you are planning on relocating to a new city or state. The following are important questions that should definitely be asked before you accept a job offer.

1. When do you need a response? 

   Before you rush into accepting a job opportunity,   always ask when they need a response from you. Get an exact number of days you have to make your decision. By taking time to contemplate your decision, you will be able to look at all aspects of the offer. This will also allow you the opportunity to ask your potential employer any follow up questions that you may not have considered during the interview.

2. Will you provide me with a copy of the job offer and benefits package?

   When you are excited about a potential job opportunity, it is easy to forget what the job offer actually entails. Therefore, you should ask for a copy of all the information. Having this information on hand will help you make an informed decision that will likely affect your future drastically.

3. Who do I contact for questions concerning my benefits package? 

   You may have questions about benefits that cannot be answered by the person who hired you. Because of this, you will likely need to know who you should contact in the human resources office. They will be able to answer any questions you may have concerning your insurance benefits. It is very important that you thoroughly understand what benefits you are entitled to before you accept the job offer. The benefits they do and do not offer could very well make or break rather or not you choose to accept the position.

4. When will I need to start?

   This is never a question you need to leave unanswered. You may assume that you will start two weeks from when you accepted the position; however, your employer may need you to begin sooner than you expected. Therefore, it is essential that you discuss this question so both you and your employer have a clear understanding of when you will begin your new job.

5. May we negotiate the salary? 

   If you have concerns about your salary, then this is the time to address them. The company has already offered you the position so you can assume that are interested in what you have to offer. This is your chance to make a case for a higher salary. Showcase your skills, experience, and explain why you deserve to get paid more for the position.

6. What will my work schedule consist of?

   Ask what hours and days you are required to work. What is the regular working hours? Does the company work 7 to 4 or 9 to 5? Will you be obligated to work any overtime hours? If the answer to that question is yes, then you should also find out how is compensation determined for overtime.

7. Who is my boss? 

   You may have already discussed this in the interview, but you should clearly understand who you should report to. It is vital that you are able to work well with your supervisor. If you have a feeling that you two will not be compatible, then this would likely be a valid reason to decline the opportunity.

8. Do you provide relocation assistance?

   If you need to relocate in order fulfill your responsibilities, then you should ask them if they offer any relocation assistance. If they do, you should find out what form this assistance will come in. Will they pay for the entire move up front or will you be required to pay the cost of the relocation before they reimburse you?

9. May I have these negotiations in writing? 

   Any negotiations that were made after you were offered the position should be put in writing. This way, there will be no confusion about what was offered and what you were guaranteed. Make sure that you have a copy of these negotiations for your personal records.

10. Will I have opportunities for advancement?

    Many people tend to judge their effectiveness in the work place by how quickly and often they advance. So, if your goal is to move up the ranks at your new company, you need to ask about the potential for advancement. If they do not offer many opportunities to advance, then you may not be happy with that position.

11. When will I be eligible for my benefits?

    Some companies require their employees to wait the customary 90 days before they are eligible to receive benefits, such as paid time off and insurance. This could affect future travel arrangements and current insurance policies. Therefore, you need to know about this information prior to accepting the position.

12. What will be expected of me in this position?

    Before you accept this position, make sure you understand your role and what they expect from you. Will you be expected to meet certain goals? If so, are there consequences if you fail to meet those goals? Knowing what to expect from the job will indeed push you in the right direction when it comes to making a decision.

13. What does the company culture consist of?

    The culture of the company can indeed make or break how you succeed in your new position. Knowing a little information about the environment will help you decide if you will be a good fit with the company.

14. What do you enjoy about working for this company?

Never be afraid to ask your future employer what they enjoy about their job. This will give you a better idea of how people feel about working for the company. If their response is positive then you have something to look forward to, but if the response is negative, you may need to reconsider.

Receiving a job offer is a very exciting opportunity, especially for those willing to travel the distance to start a new job. However, before accepting the offer, you should make certain that you have asked all of the necessary questions needed to make an informed decision. This list offers a number of valuable questions that will help you look at every aspect of your potential job. Knowing what to expect will help you prepare for your future and make a wise choice when it come to your career.