Congratulations, you have a job offer! Considering how competitive the market is today, you should be proud of yourself. Often times, the details of an offer are not discussed until the final rounds of the interview process. Hopefully the person who is interviewing you has at least discussed your compensation history, what you are looking for in your next position and, if it’s on target, what they can offer. Most of the details regarding benefits, time off, work hours, and bonus structures are conversations that are reserved for the final rounds.
So when you finally receive the offer, reality sets in and you are confronted with what could be a life changing decision. If you are currently employed, you weigh the pros and cons. If unemployed, you make sure you do your diligence in landing the best opportunity.
Here are some things we recommend considering before you sign on the line:
• Research the benefits – It’s important to understand the carrier and plans that the company offers. If you or someone in your family sees a specialist or requires treatment, make sure the plan covers it, and your current physicians accepts the plan. Understanding how much the company contributes to the plan and if there are any HRA contribution should also weigh in the worth of the total package. If children are in your future do you understand the maternity leave policy? Benefits go beyond health care. Do they reimburse for education, provide daycare on-site, are there stock options and 401k contribution? Just to name a few.
• Prepare for a counteroffer – There’s a chance that your current employer will counteroffer or talk to you about a promotion. Before you put in your resignation, make sure you have gone through all of the reasons why the new opportunity has more pros than your current position. Counteroffers are often a result of someone in authority feeling threatened or at risk. By accepting a counteroffer you are most likely not resolving the principles that led you to interviewing in the first place. Statistics have shown that 80% of people who accept a counter will not be with the company after 6 months.
• Understand office hours – There are some companies that are rigid with office hour expectations, and other companies that are more flexible. If you were in an environment where there’s no problem leaving at 3 to pick up your kid from the bus stop, and work the rest of the day at home, you can’t assume your next employer will feel the same. If having the ability to work remotely is important to you, make sure you find out if the company shares the same value.
• Read what you are signing – Many people sign contracts without reading the print. Companies regularly include non-compete and non-solicitation clauses that could prevent you from working in a similar industry with a different company. If your position includes commission or bonus make sure you understand the payout policy in the event you do leave the company.
• Check out Glassdoor – If you haven’t already, see what people are saying about your prospective employer. Are you finding consistent red flags that you have not addressed? Yes, it’s a little late in the process and you should have done your homework earlier, but you either ask now or never.
This is an exciting time and as long as you do your diligence and think through the decision, you will know it in your gut what to do.
As Talent Acquisition Manager, Jessica focuses on finding the right candidates to fit our clients’ needs. She works with our clients to understand the exact skills and attributes that would fit with the cultural climate and their environment.
