Accepting the Offer how to Avoid the Wrong Career Move
When considering a job offer, there are no shortages of things to consider. There are few things worse than starting a new job and finding out only a matter of weeks into the employment that the workplace is in some way not quite right. Despite there being lots of things to think about after the offer has been made, the real legwork should be done during the recruitment process. Asking well-researched questions on the things that matter i.e. salary, direct reports, responsibilities and other contractual benefits will ensure that there are no nasty surprises after you have jumped for joy and said “Yes! I accept!”
The primary thing to do before taking a job offer is a full and personal appraisal of the (potential) future employer. All aspects should be considered. It is likely that the work, responsibilities and duties would have been covered in the interview but since then a job description may have surfaced – so take some quality time to review that. One other thing that may take longer and retrospective thought is the culture and the ‘feeling’ of the work place. What did the environment feel like in the interview? What reputation does the company have on career sites? Did its own literature on culture match what was felt when talking face to face with the leadership? It may not take long to go over all of this but it will make one’s overall decision a lot more balanced.
The primary reason to carefully reason out the suitability of a company / job offer is to avoid something called the ‘leniency effect’. Whereas this theory is most often attributed to interviewers selecting candidates, it can also be applied to candidates considering where to go. The leniency effect is a tendency to let a few good points overshadow a serious flaw or drawback about the job. For example, if a workplace has an amazing canteen, in a wonderful location – but the culture is mean-spirited or hostile, would that make it a good fit?
Timing of the job offer is important as well. A couple of years ago when many countries were in recession, it may have not been the most ideal time to consider moving jobs as such action can have drastic effects on job security – such as the ever-popular ‘last in, first out’ approach to lay-offs. Additionally, if one is choosing to leave a job based on a personality conflict with the boss, and all other aspects of that job are fine, then it may be beneficial to stay put if it is known that the boss is moving on soon anyway. It is a good idea to consider one’s current company and its direction, before doing something rash and ‘jumping ship’.
An often over-looked deal-breaker when it comes to accepting a job is the commute – especially when taking a job in a large city. In London, annual travel to and from work can run into two or three thousand pounds; a huge chunk of any salary. Distance as well; it is fundamental for the candidate to determine ‘how far is far’ when it comes to travelling to even the most enticing job or company.
Using the opinions of others is a remarkable tool to assist people in making their minds up about a job offer. Perhaps the most important people to listen to would be friends and family – the people that would know you off by heart and therefore know what is best and whether the opportunity is the ideal one to take.
Families especially may be affected by a job move i.e. from commuting, moving home, private healthcare and schooling considerations. Friends are excellent touchstones when making these important life-decisions, but also try to seek counsel from colleagues or even the current boss. Workmates may not always be able to be asked for opinions (i.e. if the job offer is a secret) but they may offer a balanced and rational view – or even firsthand experience of the company that made the offer of employment.
After lengthy recruitment processes including many interviews, screenings, tests and maybe even a leisurely lunch with the future boss, it is always a blessed relief to get the job offer and to get the contract. Even if it’s a dream job and an incredible opportunity, it is important to take a step back and consider a few things before putting pen to paper and signing oneself up for the move – it can make the difference between career heaven and career hell.
