10 Things to Check Before Accepting a Job Offer

Getting a job offer is one of the best feelings in the world. After endless job applications and multiple rounds of job interviews, you accept the first job offer you receive from an employer. However, accepting a job offer without prior research can lead to disappointment. So, before you accept (or reject) a job offer, here are 10 things you need to check.

1. Financial standing

When companies find it difficult to survive, they either shut down or lay off employees without prior notice and compensation. To avoid getting into such a situation, make sure to check the reputation and financial standing of the employer. You can try to find publicly available financial information (such as annual reports and 10Ks) and check for recent private investments made in the company (on sites like TechCrunch). Yu can also read feedback from existing and previous employees on career websites such as Vault or check customer reviews on Google or Facebook to get an idea about how the company treats its customers.

2. Culture

The culture of a company is defined by its vision, values, policies, beliefs, practices, and habits. Many workplaces observe a sustainable and all-inclusive culture where employees play an important role in the success of the company. Identifying the company culture will help you decide whether you will be able to fit into the team.

3. Benefits

While salary is often the main deciding factor behind accepting a job offer, candidates must also consider the different benefits that will be a part of the job. Based on the type of organization and position, your employer might offer certain benefits to you and your immediate family. Some of the common benefits include health and medical coverage, transportation allowance, relocation stipends, education support, and paid leaves.

4. Flexibility

With changing times, the modern workforce is more interested in working with employers that offer flexibility and growth opportunities. Even if competitive wages and perks are the top priority for you, make sure to check how flexible your future workplace is. Many companies give their employees the flexibility to decide their working hours and shifts. Others also allow employees to work under a hybrid working model. To help employees grow in their careers, some companies also give them paid leaves for advancement training.

5. Training and development

Many workplaces offer continuous training and development programs to keep their workforces updated with the latest developments in their fields. Some companies offer in-house group training through seminars or workshops, while others offer tuition reimbursements for external trainings and relevant higher education courses. If you’re planning to pursue higher education along with your job, you can discuss it with your employer and find out how the company can help you in achieving your goals.

6. Growth opportunities

These days, few people hold the same job position for a long time. If you’re aiming for career progressions, make sure to check about the growth opportunities before accepting the job offer. While many candidates discuss potential growth opportunities during the interview, you can also do it after getting your job offer. To get a firm reply from the employer, be confident and ask how the company will support you to grow in your career.

7. Joining time

If your future employer is eager to hire you, try to ask for some time to finish your existing responsibilities. Communicating the reason and mutually deciding a fixed date for joining will save you from any miscommunication. It will also show that you care about your existing commitment and the future job position, making you appear as a trustworthy candidate.

8. Performance review process

Performance reviews help employers measure the performance of their employees based on specific key performance indicators. By finding out about the performance review process, you will be able to understand the metrics used in evaluating the performance of the employees. This will go a long way toward seeing if the employer has the right environment for you.

9. Incentive compensation

Every company follows different policies for offering incentives to their employees. Some give bonuses in the form of compensation for taking additional responsibilities, while others offer incentives for outstanding work performance. While finding out the incentive compensation offered, also check about the eligibility criteria to claim these bonuses.

10. Is the offer in writing?

No matter how eager you are to join the new job position, never agree on a job offer until you get a written confirmation. A written job offer holds more value than an oral agreement. As a written job offer is more binding, there are fewer chances for the employer to revoke it. Having everything in writing will also make it easier for you to keep a record of the compensation and perks being offered, along with the terms and conditions of the job.

Ellie Richards is an online Marketing Manager for Original PhD, specializing in PhD thesis writing. She is passionate about researching and writing on various topics, including Education, Marketing, and Technology.