What Should I Check Before Accepting a Job Offer
Most individuals now adays only focus on the salaries before accepting any job offer. A job offer should not only be accepted for the salary especially because a job comes with so many necessary qualifications that may not be obvious during the interview process.
1. Salary and how you will be paid
The salary is one of the most important criteria's you should check before accepting a job. Find out if it gross or net pay and what kind of deductions will be made.
You should also check :
• How frequently you will be paid
• The payment method
• Overtime or additional pay
• Bonuses and commissions
• Salary review arrangements
• If the salary is guaranteed or partly performance-based
A job with a high salary becomes less appealing to the eye when a major part of the salary is gotten from uncertain commissions or bonuses.
2. Your actual job responsibilities
Analyze the job requirements and what you where told your responsibilities are at the interview together.
Watch out for responsibilities being discussed that where not in the initial job offer. Sometimes a position as one role can carry many other unrelated responsibilities.
You should know what you’re meant to do everyday, who you should be accountable to, your everyday target you expected to meet, and how your performance will be evaluated.
3. Working hours and location
You need to be aware of the normal working schedule, the working hours and locations. Find out it is comfortable for you.
Also check:
• Whether weekends are required
• Whether overtime is common
• Whether you will work remotely, on-site, or in a hybrid arrangement
• Whether you may be transferred to another location
• Whether travel is part of the job
• How much notice you receive when your schedule changes
This is specifically needed when the job advertisement says “flexible”, but leaves you with no further information.
4. Probation period
Find out if there is a probation period, if there is, get to know exactly how long it lasts and what happens when it ends.
You should find out if your salary, benefits, responsibilities, or employment status might change after your probation. The conditions under which your employer can terminate your employment during this period is very important.
5. Benefits and allowances
The salary should only be a part of the compensation.
Find out about the whole package, including health insurance, pension contributions, transportation allowance, housing allowance, meals, paid leave, parental leave, training opportunities, bonuses, and other benefits you stand to gain while in the position.
In some cases the benefits that have been listed verbally are not included, you should document everything if it seems necessary to you.
6. Leave and holidays
Find out if annual leaves are allowed and how any form of leave requests are handled.
You should know if public holidays are observed and what necessitates you to work on those days. As much as money is a necessity, your comfort should be a priority.
7. Contract and termination conditions
Analyze the employment contract thoroughly before signing it.
Be attentive to the :
• Notice periods
• Termination conditions
• Resignation procedures
• Probation terms
• Confidentiality obligations
• Non-compete or non-solicitation clauses
• Intellectual-property provisions
• Disciplinary procedures
Don’t sign the contract in the heat of the moment. Overwhelming emotions cloud proper judgment. You should be focused and understand the obligations you are agreeing to.
8. Company stability and reputation
The company’s reputation is a major criteria you should find out about on your own.
Check out it’s official website, business registration if needed, recent activities, employee reviews, and professional presence. You need to find out if the organization actually exists and the position is real.
This is mostly helpful when you applied to a small or unfamiliar company.
9. Career progression
Think about where you see yourself in the future as you step into the position you are applying for.
You should be in the know of any form of promotions, additional responsibilities, professional development, or movement into other roles.
The job doesn’t have to offer a fast form of promotion, you should know if the position helps to build your career in the way you want it to go.
10. Anything that feels unclear
If you feel like you don’t really get a particular information, do not accept the job immediately. Clarity is very important no matter what industry you are applying for. Be sure to clear the air about anything you don’t understand to prevent future complications.
Never accept a job offer only because of what you see on the advertisement or the exiting experience of getting employed. Understand what comes with the job, like the pay, responsibilities, working conditions, benefits, contract, employer, and long-term implications before making any rushed decisions.
