Here are 10 things you should consider before you accept a job offer, to avoid your dream job turning into one of your worst nightmares.
1. Logistics
It’s very easy to persuade yourself that because you’ve been given a job offer you really want that the travel inconvenience won’t really matter.
You may think that a long commute is good for reading and catching up on social media. But it can actually make you less productive. In fact, you may find that tiredness, boredom and traffic can lead to a build-up of stress.
Consider how often the public transport routes are running. If you’re left to rely on only one bus or train, cancellation or lateness won’t give you a good reputation for punctuality at work. Being close to a motorway can cause chaos on routes if there is an accident and traffic is diverting off on to other routes.
Therefore, always consider your transport logistics before accepting the job offer.
2. Know who’s in the know
Whilst you might have hit it off with the manager who interviewed you, it’s worth asking to see who they report to – even if only for a quick chat.
You might find that your mentor is sharp, accomplished and the best candidate for supporting you, but is the person above them a slave driver, too lacking in vision to understand your needs and ideas?
You don’t want to find yourself being micro-managed by someone who thinks ‘any other duties’ means collecting their dry cleaning or working yourself into the ground with no progress up the career ladder.
Business is a dynamic and ever-changing environment, and you need to know if people leave, you have opportunities to grow.
3. Agree on your salary and any extras
It might be tempting to see your starting salary and immediately say, ‘yes!’ Certain roles carry bonuses and extras that you must understand. How are they calculated and paid?
If overtime is available, find out how it’s calculated and paid. Also, find out if it’s related to performance and when your performance review will take place.
4. Understand the benefits plan in your job offer
Along with your salary and bonuses, you also need to know about any other benefits.
Time off is crucial, and you don’t want the employer to dictate it to you. I’ve known companies that have shut down to allow the owners to take holidays and so the workers’ time off was dictated at various times of the year. Not ideal!
You also need to find out when and how often your annual leave increases and if you can negotiate it at the offer stage. Other benefits to consider might include parking spaces, childcare vouchers or free breakfasts.
Whilst a free breakfast is great, if your benefits don’t include parking and you’re in a city, you might want to negotiate your salary to cover some of the cost of parking in a city centre.
5. Mapping your success
You wouldn’t set off into an unknown city without a map, so don’t do the same in a new job.
During the interview, find out what career paths are available. Will there be networking opportunities within the industry? How can you evolve in this role and enhance your skill set?
Bigger companies may offer training opportunities, but smaller businesses may choose to include you in some big decisions that can enhance your career.
You don’t need to memorise the map, but it’s worth knowing what’s on it to discover.
6. Level of autonomy
Discussing how much autonomy you have is important. You don’t need someone looking over your shoulder or dismissing your ideas. After all, this will only lead to your confidence crushing and self-doubt.
Equally, you don’t want to become overwhelmed by ridiculous performance expectations that are well out of your comfort zone. If you usually work in a team, or alone, you need to know how your new company operates.
7. Regular reviews
Talk to your manager beforehand about how often reviews will take place. A review is a trail marker for your progression and making regular evaluations crucial for your development. A paper trail of proof of your successes will help you when it comes to promotions.
8. Be clear about working hours and communication
Never accept a position without being clear about your working hours and out-of-hours communication.
A salaried position might include ‘occasional late hours’ or weekend work. Marketing, especially, can mean anti-social working and expectations to pack up and go home only when certain campaigns are complete.
Ensure you know when you’re expected to be available, or you could end up on call 24/7.
9. The vibe of your working space
Don’t be afraid to ask to see your working space. Being in an office where you’re underneath air con, under bright lights or next to a cold draft can make your time at work intolerable. It’s worth knowing who’s sat around you as well. It’s unlikely you will work in perfect harmony with everyone in an open plan office.
Everything is negotiable, and that includes your working space. If the company wants you, it will bend to meet your needs.
10. Reputation
It’s crucial to know how your new employers are known in the wider circles. Just as they can find out how suitable you are via social media, you can read reviews, reports and comments others have left about the company.
These can be useful as they give you a chance to find out how employees are treated and whether you could be shooting yourself in the foot when applying for jobs later. No one likes cowboy companies!
About the author: Liz Hoyle graduated the University of Huddersfield in 2005 and taught English for 10 years in the UK and Africa. In 2014, she re-trained as a copywriter and has volunteered with various organisations regarding conservation issues around the world. Whilst still teaching part-time, she is now volunteering for a digital marketing agency in Manchester and writes blogs about current threats to wildlife.
