Steps to Take Before Accepting a Job Offer

Receiving a job offer doesn’t mean you should accept it without taking some time for serious consideration. Even if you had a grueling interview process to get the job, there are many things to remember before committing to a position. After all, not every opportunity that arises is actually worth taking. You might think that all you need to do is agree, but you could face dire consequences if you do not think twice. If you suddenly regret your quick decision, you could end up in a difficult situation. Here are some essential steps to take before accepting a job offer.

Request More Time Before Accepting the Offer

Think about it. Getting a call about this new opportunity is wonderful, but what if you’re not completely interested in the company and its goals? Even if you are alright with the compensation, you should still take some time to weigh your options. This is crucial if you received several offers at the same time. You cannot just agree once you get a call or an email because there are many things you should learn about each company before agreeing to work for them. Thankfully, an employer usually won't expect you to reply immediately. This is because most employers understand the significance of such a decision. Moreover, the company knows that you could state a counter offer in the near future. Whatever the case, you need to request time to ponder these things.

Make Realistic Transition Plans

Once you get the job offer, you must understand that you will have to take on a new responsibility. Yes, the company might be excited to have you as a part of their team, but you need to determine just how you will make the transition. Let’s say that you received the offer from a city several miles away. Moreover, you are currently employed and you haven’t given notice that you will be leaving. Before you actually decide to ditch your current job for another, you have to manage your schedule properly. Ask yourself how much money you have to travel and look for an apartment. Determine if you can actually get a new place quickly or not. If you leave your job for the new one without taking these into consideration, you can have an awful start.

Ask For Compensation Details

Money talks, and you need to determine just how much you’ll be getting. You do not need to readily accept the offer at the starting salary dictated by the hiring manager. Beyond your possible annual salary, there are many other compensation details that need to be sorted out and taken into account. For one, you must ask the company about bonuses. How exactly can you attain these incentives? Moreover, would it be alright for you to work overtime as a fresh employee? Even simple things such as when payments are given should be asked. Likewise, you should be informed regarding the schedule of performance and salary assessments. Basically, the best option before taking the job is to check out every minute detail regarding the compensation package you’ll be receiving.

Think About Stock Options

If you do not know what a stock option is, it’s basically the ability for an employee to acquire company stocks. This is one of the most important things you need to remember to inquire about before you take the job offer. For a certain period, employees will be given the chance to buy these company shares for a relatively low price. Beyond your salary and your bonuses, this is one of the major sources of financial gain if you are working for a publicly traded company. Although getting these is still somewhat of a risk, the benefits can outweigh the setbacks if you know how to deal your cards. If you are in a growth industry, stock options can be incredibly promising ventures.

Read the Employee Handbook

If you don’t think the recruiter or the hiring manager can explain everything to you clearly, you can always rely on the employee handbook. This handbook is meant to provide each specific detail about the company you're considering working at. From company policies to how employees can handle their holidays, the employee handbook is your friend. If you are unsure of what you are expected to accomplish, look for the employee handbook and read as many pages as possible. This will basically give you a representation of the working culture to familiarize yourself with the company. As much as reading about so many rules can be tiring, this is also a guarantee that your future office has written policies to deal with any work-related issues.

Know the Organization

If you think the job offer will help develop your career in the long run, you need to know who you will be working with every single day. Once you have accepted the offer, you should inquire about the other members of your team. After all, you should see how your future co-workers act around the office. In order to achieve personal growth in your field, you need people who are willing to cooperate regardless of differences. In addition, you should definitely be careful if the company forbids you to meet the team. If there is nothing to worry about on the current roster, why shouldn’t you have a quick chat with them? Work relations are important, and you need to foster these as soon as possible.

Determine Your Roles and Relationships

Before you accept the job position, you should know what your exact purpose in the company would be. First, you need to know your place when it comes to a vertical organizational structure. If you need to discuss a big project, should you approach the department manager or go directly to the CEO? Both of them are your bosses, but you must know the right actions to take in certain situations. Furthermore, you should prepare for those who have a lower job position than you. When you are sought for assistance, be prepared to offer just the right amount of help and avoid spoon feeding. Remember, you are getting paid to perform specific tasks. You would not want anyone to feel that you are taking over other people’s responsibilities in the company.

Plan For Future Growth

Once you accept the job offer, you must take advantage of what the company has in store for you. While having short-term goals is alright, what matters the most is the realization of long-term objectives. Even while you are at the stage of dealing with the recruitment officer, you should already be presenting your plan. Identify what you want to do during the first few months of your stay in the company. Better yet, create a simple yet informative presentation on what you are bringing to the company. Let the hiring manager guide you through your job position. Each and every intended milestone must be agreed upon by you and your manager. Presenting your ideas at this stage allows you to ask detailed questions regarding your role in the company. In the end, one must be prepared and greatly informed on various work-related matters before taking any job offer.