You Got the Offer! Should You Take the Job?

The answer to this question might seem obvious, but maybe it deserves a second thought. Are you certain it is the best opportunity for you now? How do you know it is the right one?

Your job impacts many facets of your life — from friends to future professional opportunities to financial stability, so a little extra scrutiny might prevent potential heartache and disappointment down the road. Remember that job searching is a two-way street. To work, it needs to satisfy the needs of both parties. As a job seeker, remember that you are interviewing prospective employers to find the best fit — just as they are you. And the intangibles are just as important as the tangibles.

As competition among businesses for top talent intensifies, your wish list has never been more powerful. In a recent poll, Gallup asked 13,085 U.S. employees what was most important to them when considering a job offer from a new employer. The study revealed that pay and wellbeing–related priorities occupied the first and second spots respectively as the primary factors in the decision to accept a job elsewhere. Interestingly, the significance of pay has increased in recent years.

Other key factors include the ability to do what you do best and job security. So, knowing what you want is the first step in strengthening your negotiation position. Here are some key points to consider:

1. The Job

Does the work interest you — the industry, the function, and the skills required? Is this a career path that excites and motivates you? Will doing this work get you out of bed in the morning? Sometimes we make choices based on our experience to date without taking a beat to question whether the career track we’re on provides the sense of meaning and purpose we seek for the long haul.

2. Compensation and Benefits

Is the money in line with where you are in your career and with market levels for similar roles? Are the benefits competitive and attractive? Ask about specifics regarding insurance, retirement plans, and vacation policies. How important are bonuses, commissions, or profit-sharing plans to you and your bank account? And what about more innovative, non-traditional benefits, such as sabbaticals, free childcare, job sharing, unlimited personal time off, or tuition reimbursement? All of these can impact your decision.

3. Culture

Do the company’s values and culture resonate with you? Do you feel a camaraderie with the people you have met along the way — or did the interactions feel awkward and stilted? One revealing question to ask in the interview process is: What do you like most about working here? The responses can give you insight into the corporate culture — highlighting ideals like teamwork, flexibility, respect, and/or work-life balance. You might also consider asking about the team’s demographics to get a sense of the workplace’s diversity and culture. Feeling a sense of connection with colleagues can enhance your sense of belonging. Do you prefer a larger, more structured, corporate environment or a smaller, scrappier startup vibe? In what kind of environment will you thrive?

4. Your Boss

You may have heard the employment adage: “Employees do not quit jobs. They quit bosses.”  The relationship with your supervisor is pivotal. Is your superior secure enough to allow you to shine and contribute ideas? Are you able to collaborate effectively? Have you had the opportunity to meet with your direct supervisor?

Another important factor to consider is maintaining a healthy work environment. Having a calm, supportive manager can make a big difference. A recent LinkedIn Workforce Confidence survey revealed that 30% of U.S. employees feel their managers are too stressed to provide adequate support. However, by being attune to stress levels, you can assess whether this is a balanced workplace where both employees and managers thrive.

4. Location

On the post-COVID business landscape, work arrangements are still a tug of war between employers pulling for a full return to the office and the pushback of employees who prefer remote or hybrid flexibility. The jury is still out, but there are many options available. As you contemplate that job offer, do not hesitate to ask for what you want in negotiations. Studies like the Gallup survey cited above confirm the workforce burnout and overwhelm that support the need for flexible options. The other side of this coin is physical location. If onsite days are required, is there a commute involved? Is it a lifestyle dealbreaker?

5. Professional Growth

This is a big one. Does the company encourage professional development? Are they intentional about facilitating growth opportunities, promotions, cross-training, mentoring, and continuous learning?  “We believe in hiring curious people who want to learn,” says one of our Spot On clients. “We encourage our employees to speak up and tell us what growth opportunities or training they desire.”  These programs enrich work relationships and build a stronger sense of shared purpose and satisfaction.

6. Fun

This may seem incongruent with the idea of work, but it should not. Finding joy in your professional pursuits can make the difference between a job you love and one you tolerate — until you do not. As Americans, we can be hard-driving overachievers, but that begs the question: Why? Are we working to live or living to work? That is a question to contemplate as you seek your next opportunity. The fun can come in many formats, and it might be one of those intangibles — the way your manager can enjoy a joke, an openness to creativity and innovative ideas, or catered lunches on Fridays. Sometimes, the little things make all the difference.

Harvard Business Review examined the role of fun in Fortune’s annual 100 Best Companies to Work For list and reported, “Eighty-one percent of employees at companies ranked as ‘great’ described their office environments as fun. At companies that applied for inclusion — but did not make the list — only 62% of employees did the same. This 19-point gap was one of the largest distinctions we found.”  Never underestimate the power of delight — the secret sauce in any situation and a strong indicator of a healthy culture.

These suggestions are just a starting point. Only you know your non-negotiables and nice-to-haves. Get them on paper and get out there. Then, let us know how it goes. We would love to hear your story.