When seeking a new professional opportunity, there are several considerations you must take into account when accepting a job offer. Understanding these aspects will help you decide whether you want to work with a company and even help you compare other competing offers as well. The more aspects you consider when deciding, the more information you have to guide your choice.
In this article, we will talk about the importance of considering a job offer before accepting, we will enlist some questions you should ask your employer before joining their company. Additionally, you will discover how to simplify your job search with The Talent Point.
- Why should you think twice before accepting a job offer?
- Five questions to ask an employer before accepting a job offer
- Considerations to make when evaluating a job offer
- How to accept a job offer?
- How to obtain a raise in your salary?
- Why should you choose The Talent Point as your preferred job site?
1. Why should you think twice before accepting a job offer?
The job you choose can impact many areas of your life, from determining the amount of free time you enjoy to how much money you earn. Understanding the key aspects of the job will facilitate more informed decisions. In this way, you are more likely to choose a job that leads to a satisfactory work-life balance.
If you are planning to get a new job and you do not know where to start, visit the one site that will help you boost your career: The Talent Point.
On our website, you will find a job marketplace full of new offers from several countries, like the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.
2. Five questions to ask an employer before accepting a job offer
Before accepting an offer, you should get all the information you can about the role and the company. In this way, you will recognize every requirement, benefit and responsibility you will acquire. If you want to know every detail about a job offer, it is highly advisable that you ask the following fundamental questions:
2.1 What is the compensation like?
Ideally, you will want to ask this question with a number already in mind. Because if you do not know what you want, then you might not get the right compensation for your work. With that in mind, make sure that you find yourself comfortable with the payment. If you are feeling so queasy about the number before you, then it is highly likely that the job is not for you.
Also, you must take bonuses into account. Maybe the base salary does not meet your expectations, but with bonuses (which you will also want to ask the hiring manager about) you might realize that it is well above what you originally had in mind.
2.2 Is there room for growth?
Even with a reputable company secured and good pay, you want to make sure you have the opportunity to learn and grow as a professional. Jumping at opportunities is good, however, playing the long game is a good strategy too.
If you are going for a company with no room for growth, you are doing yourself a great disservice. Find a company that will back up growth, not inhibit it.
2.3 What is your company like?
This question will mainly depend on whether the offer was sent via a referral (or via email) or whether it is an employer’s response to your application. Assuming it is the former, the first thing you will want to know is who is offering you the job. For example, you must figure out if they have got a good reputation and if you fit in their culture and environment. You certainly do not want to mingle in an atmosphere that is not conducive to the well-being of its employees.
2.4 How is the commute?
Work is a huge part of life (just think about how many hours you are going to spend working). You should weigh your options and see how spending that specific amount of time commuting is going to affect the rest of your day.
2.5 Am I excited about this job?
This is probably the most important and personal question. Think about it carefully and ask yourself: “Am I going to enjoy spending 40+ hours per week doing this?“. If the answer is no, the best you can do is find another job that suits you best.
You should not fall into the trap of doing a job that you do not feel thrilled about. However, your opinion is what ultimately matters, think about your priorities and act accordingly.
3. Considerations to make when evaluating a job offer
Knowing what to keep in mind in this type of circumstance can be key when deciding when to accept or reject a job offer. Some of the most important considerations to make when evaluating an offer include:
3.1 Workstyle
Understanding how you like to work can facilitate the process of finding a job that aligns with your preferred working style. The work style considerations can include your skill set and preferred work environment. Finding a work style that fits your preferences can have a positive impact on your overall workplace happiness.
3.2 Responsibilities
You must find a job that allows you to have a proper work-life balance, and to be happy in your daily life. The responsibilities and duties of your job can be one of the most important factors in maintaining your professional happiness. An ideal job provides you with a variety of duties that you are interested in, providing enough work to keep you engaged while still holding you to reasonable expectations.
3.3 Working hours
The hours you are required to work each week are another item to consider when evaluating an offer. Both shorter and longer working hours can be beneficial in the right circumstances. For a salaried role, for example, an offer with a shorter work week raises your hourly compensation, allowing you to enjoy more free time and even supplement your income with a second job.
On the other hand, working in a job with longer hours may have appeal as it also means more compensation each week.
3.4 Job title
Your official role at the company can be a meaningful consideration when assessing an offer. Your job title can clarify your position in a company. Attaining a position with a higher title than your previous jobs shows progression and can be beneficial for future job searches and promotions.
3.5 Company culture
Working at a company that matches your preferences and personal style can play a significant role in your professional happiness. Whether you prefer a traditional approach or a more relaxed workplace, you can benefit from assessing the culture of your potential employer and deciding if you would enjoy working in that type of company.
3.6 Coworkers and managers
Similarly to assessing the overall culture at the company, knowing your potential supervisor and coworkers before deciding on a job offer can help you make a more informed decision. Having peers to relate to can facilitate easier cooperation and make your days more enjoyable.
3.7 Networking opportunities
Building a professional network can positively impact your personal and professional growth. When assessing a job offer, understanding how it can affect your ability to make connections inside and outside the company may help you define if the job suits you.
3.8 Company stability
When you receive an offer, you may benefit from looking into the projections and finances for the company before accepting an offer. Working with a company with a strong financial performance is a sign of stability, which will make the company more likely to retain staff and even expand.
3.9 Professional challenge
Many employees appreciate feeling challenged at work. A job that requires you to grow professionally in order to succeed allows employees to develop new skills that benefit you both in your current role and future promotions. Examining the areas of growth in a company can help you define if the proposed role is likely to help you improve professionally.
4. How to accept a job offer?
If you just received an offer, and you feel that it is a good match for your skills, you must follow these steps:
4.1 Reviewing the details
Before you accept an offer, you must take some time to review the details. Most employers make an initial offer verbally, either via the recruiter or over the phone. Before accepting the offer, be sure you are happy with the verbal agreement. You should check that every detail is exactly as it was during the interview. This includes salary, training, benefits, hours, etc.
Make sure you firm up all the details so you can carefully consider the offer.
4.2 If you need time to think, ask for it
If you need extra time to review the offer, do not be afraid of asking for it. You would not want to accept an offer you are not really happy with, so rather than making a rushed decision, confirm your interest in the role, communicate your appreciation for the offer, and give the hiring manager and the recruiter a timeframe of when you will come back to them with your answer. One to two days is the most you can reasonably expect to ask. After all, if you do not take the job, the manager needs to be able to contact another candidate.
To help you decide whether or not you take the job, speak with your recruiter, family, friends, and trusted colleagues. As soon as you have made your decision, let your hiring manager and recruiter know, regardless of what that decision is.
4.3 Be prepared to negotiate
Realistic negotiations are often part of the process. As shown above, most offers are firstly made verbally in a phone call, and this is the most appropriate time to start negotiating. Do not wait till the formal offer proposal is sent.
Raise your concerns with your recruiter. Remember, in The Talent Point you will be able to find different job offers from all over the Middle East. You will also find the advice of experts that will guide you through the process of getting a new job. You will also find tips for interviews, CV advice, tips from experts, and much more.
4.4 Get the job offer in writing
Once both parties have talked, clarified every doubt, and reached an acceptable offer, a formal work contract is usually sent to confirm the terms and details of employment in writing. When you receive the written offer, read it thoroughly and check all aspects.
If the employer does not provide you with a written offer, ask for one so that you can formally accept the job. If your employee is really interested in you to start working soon, the offer letter should arrive promptly.
5. How to obtain a raise in your salary?
There is no question that almost every person wants a higher base salary. However, not everyone knows how to negotiate a salary after an offer. In the following steps we will show you an appropriate way to do it:
- Know that the offer is not final: Basically, do not be afraid of negotiating. Employers, generally, expect this kind of situation.
- Show enthusiasm: Be excited about the job and your proposal, but not too much. You do not want to look desperate.
- Pick a range instead of a specific number: Show yourself flexible and give options to the hiring managers.
- Explain the why and how of your request: Always explain why you deserve a higher salary.
- Focus on the “We”: Negotiation is not a you vs. them battle. Cooperation is the key.
- Know when to stop: Your employers expect you to counter offer, but try to cooperate and not drain till the last cent.
6. Why should you choose The Talent Point as your preferred job site?
Our platform, The Talent Point, is one of the best job sites in the region, known for connecting hundreds of job hunters with their dream job. In addition, we provide a wide range of services for those companies looking to hire their ideal candidate.
By choosing us, you will benefit from several things we put at your disposal for free. Check out our:
Are you looking forward to enhancing your professional career in the Middle East with The Talent Point? If you are ready to find your dream job or the perfect employee for your business, take the time to contact our team at +971 43 316 688. Also, you can easily write us an email with all your questions and inquiries at [email protected].