Negotiating – Things to consider when you get a job offer
If you’ve been offered a new role take some time to consider if it is the right fit for you. Start with asking these questions.
- Will you make more money? (Are you sure?)
Money isn’t everything, but you need to ensure you won’t be worried about money by taking the new role. That will just add pressure and will spoil your enjoyment. Consider other compensation outside of your salary such as expenses, super, health premiums or other contributions.
- What are you giving up by leaving?
There are probably some things you like about your current role, not everyone hates a job because they are thinking of leaving it. Consider the pros and cons of leaving and staying before you make up your mind.
- Is there room for growth in your new position?
Most people don’t love changing jobs all the time but consider if the new role is future proof. Will it provide you with new challenges and allow you to learn new skills? Ideally, it will come with the possibility of growing into another, higher position at the same company.
- Does the corporate culture feel comfortable for you?
Everyone is different, and the culture of a company plays a big factor in how long you might stay. If possible, ask to take a tour of the office during your interview process. Pay close attention to the physical space, noise level, demeanour and behaviour of the staff, etc. Do you see yourself working well there, and feeling comfortable?
- Do you respect the people you’ve met so far?
You can’t tell everything about your future co-workers by what you see during your interview, but you can get a general vibe of what kind of personality shines at the company. Do you think you would like working with these people?
- Will you learn something new?
There’s no way to be 100% sure that you’ll love your new job, but if you can learn a new skill while you’re there, you’ll have moved the needle on your career, no matter what.
- If you had to get a new job next year, would it be easier or harder than it is right now?
Let’s say the worst happens, and you hate your new job. Will moving to this new position put you in a better or worse place than you’re in right now? Ideally, you’re leaving your current role in order to move to a situation in which you’ll gain experience, knowledge, skills, and a positive brand association that will help you in your career long after you’ve left your next job.
- Why do people leave jobs at your prospective employer?
Find out why people genuinely leave the company. You don’t want to find out that people hate working there and don’t last long or the boss is a total tyrant. If you want to know whether you’ll be happy and successful at a job, look at the folks who left.
- How’s the company doing?
Do your due diligence before accepting an offer. If the company is public, you may be able to glean some information on their financial stability from public filings and reports. You can also dig up some information with a simple Google search and perusal of their social media mentions. This will give you a sense of whether there might be trouble ahead.
- Where will you go after this job is done?
Make sure that your next step leads in the right direction. Careers can and do zigzag, but you need to be able to keep moving.
