You’ve been through the application process. Withstood several interviews. And now you’ve received a job offer — that’s the ultimate goal, right? So why should you hesitate before you accept?
Accepting a job offer out of hand is like getting married on the spur of the moment: a huge decision that could follow you for the rest of your days no matter how gracefully you bow out. In other words, it’s better not to take a job at all than to leave early on. Carefully evaluating a job offer can prevent you from making a hasty decision with long-range consequences for your future employment.
Read the Fine Print
It’s easy to get so excited about a job offer that you gloss right over details that seem unimportant at the time. But take your time. Deciding to take a temporary-to-hire or direct hire position is a big commitment – one that can have a long-range impact on your career.
Make sure you understand the obligations you’ll have to the employer, as well as the employer’s obligations to you. Are you willing to obtain or maintain necessary certifications or continuing education requirements? Are you really comfortable with the commute/schedule/working conditions? Does the compensation package seem fair for the industry and the area? More important still, do you truly believe you’ve got the skills the position demands?
Read the Job Description Again
One of the biggest reasons for new hires’ job dissatisfaction is a basic breakdown in communication — the job description the employee was hired for says one thing, while the employer expects something totally different. When evaluating a job offer, don’t be afraid to ask an employer to assign percentages to each task and responsibility listed on the job description, and to explain any aspects that may seem confusing. Knowing exactly what is expected of you before you begin can help you from making a decision based upon erroneous information.
Follow Your Gut
Job offer seem too good to be true? Compensation promises hard to understand? Job description seem unnecessarily complicated? Something seem off or strange about the employer? Never dismiss a gut feeling that a job is just not for you. Even if you find out later that the employer is on the up-and-up and the job is great, chances are the fit wouldn’t have been right for you.
Evaluating a temporary-to-hire or direct hire job offer is a challenge, but Staffing Partners’ recruiting and staffing experts can help you find the perfect employer and position for your needs. Contact a Staffing Partners expert today to see what jobs are just waiting for someone like you!
