There’s not much that’s more exciting than getting a new job offer. Sometimes they seem to come few and far between, so when a job offer finally does come along it can seem like a gleaming ray of light in what feels like a dark and stormy job-searching cloud. I know how it feels to apply, apply, and apply some more and never hear anything back. I also know how it feels when, after such anxiety and waiting, an offer finally presents itself—it’s exciting, relieving and rewarding. But does that mean that the first (and sometimes the only) job offer you get is absolutely, without a doubt the one you should take? In Heather Huhman’s article “What to Ask Yourself Before Accepting a Job Offer You Don’t Love,” she presents us with several interesting questions that may lead us to reconsider jumping on the first offer we receive. Huhman encourages us to ask ourselves:
- Would you be sacrificing any serious goals in taking the position? This includes considering relocation, working more hours or less convenient hours, or sacrificing some of your strongest values.
- With this position, is there an opportunity for you to expand your skills and experience? Consider whether there are any opportunities for growth within the company. Will you be in one position and only one position throughout your time there? If the position you’re in doesn’t allow for personal and professional growth, you might want to reconsider.
- Does the offer meet most of your needs? Consider your needs—personal, professional, and lifestyle needs. Consider your financial needs—are the compensation and benefits satisfactory? This is where you might consider family and a work/life balance.
- Can you picture yourself working for the company? Even if there are opportunities for growth, do you actually see yourself working for the company? Ask questions such as: do I like the company culture? Do I see myself fitting in well? Am I surrounded by the types of people I want to be surrounded by? Based on my short-term and long-term goals, could this company fit in?
- Could this job be a stepping stone to a better opportunity? Even if this isn’t the “be all, end all” of jobs and you don’t plan on staying in this position for the rest of your life, it’s still important to ask yourself if accepting this opportunity aligns with what you do see yourself doing in the future. Can it help you better yourself in a way that will propel you further towards your career goals?
By sitting down and really reflecting on these questions, I think you can save a lot of time, energy and money (both on your end and on the employer’s end) and avoid what could be a really negative work experience. Of course not every job you take will be your dream job, but that doesn’t mean that you should always accept the first offer that comes along just because you really want a job. There are other jobs and offers out there, and just because there’s an opportunity right in front of you doesn’t mean that it’s the right opportunity for you! It’s important to weigh the costs and benefits of every offer—and sometimes this will mean that you have to say no to employers and turn down jobs. This is often difficult and unpleasant, but there are ways to handle it professionally and respectfully that can make the process much smoother—and Career Services is always happy to help! By asking the difficult questions early on, you are likely setting yourself up for more success in the future.
Written by Sarah, junior Finance major