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A
job offer can reveal a great deal about a
prospective employer. It can convey the seriousness
of the employer; a candidate's value to the company
and most importantly, the very decision of taking up
the offer. It is usually based upon a number of
factors out of which only some are flexible. While a
factor may be of prime importance to one candidate,
it may not be of much significance to another. Here
are a few key points to make note of before taking
(or turning down) a job offer:
1. Title and Nature of
the Job
- These are short but strategic and practical
information about the role of a candidate and
his/her responsibilities; therefore, it is of prime
importance. It is always advisable to be clear on
the job role so that one is certain and mentally
ready to accept the new and coveted
responsibilities. If in a certain case the job
description isn't explanatory enough, one can keep
the option of turning it down (when in doubt).
2. Salary
- It would be an educated career move to possess
knowledge about industry standards and compare the
salary offered to the same. Nobody can question the
importance of money in life and thus it is an
important decision-making criteria. A candidate must
be sure to ask about the timing of the salary,
salary reviews and performance appraisals.
Generally, performance reviews are conducted once
every year or once every six months, depending on
the company policy.
3. Bonuses
- Bonuses can add a considerable amount to the total
pay package. It depends upon the company's relative
profit or it can be offered during performance
appraisals.
4. Benefits
- Benefits or perks add to the base pay of an
employee. Generally, companies offer health and
dental insurance through the respective providers.
One should find out the facilities and the coverage
extended by these providers. Some companies also
offer perks or added benefits to some senior
executives and managers of the company, including
personal perks such as daycare on site, company car,
etc. Not all companies offer such perks nor are all
employees are entitled to them.
5. Job Location
- This again is an important piece of information to
consider. There's no point taking up a job where a
substantial amount of salary is spent commuting,
leave alone the time wasted, but also the fatigue
due to long hours of travel. You must gauge those
factors and see if it is worth relocating or
otherwise traveling long distances.
6. Work Culture and
Opportunities Offered to Employees
- This again is a
subjective case and cannot be answered with much
expertise, as it varies from person to person, to
like or not like the work environment and work
culture. While an older person (in a senior
position) may not like the open door policy or the
culture at work, another middle-aged person, or for
that matter, yet another older person may like this
very much. The attitude and aptitude actually
differs from person to person so judge what suits
you best and make the best decision you can.
Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for The MBA
Journal. Aveta Solution's Six Sigma Online offers
online six sigma training and certification classes
for lean six sigma, black belts, green belts, and
yellow belts.
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