There are many factors to consider when deciding whether to accept a job offer. Some are related to your personal life, and some are related to your professional life, both of which are equally important.
This article aims to highlight both types of considerations, share examples, discuss their importance, and provide guidance on where to learn more about each consideration specific to the role for which you applied.
Personal Considerations
A variety of personal factors are important to consider before taking a job. For example, some jobs can disrupt daily routines and habits, while others might be challenging due to the expected work hours or the availability of transport.
- Can I afford rent with this job?
- How far from my house is the office? Will I need to relocate?
- What are the expected hours?
- Do they offer telework?
- What modes of transportation are available?
- How will this job affect my personal life?
- What is the company culture like?
- What are the benefits?
These questions are important to address because your chosen job may affect many areas of your life, both financially and socially. A good first step when applying for or considering a job offer is to review your personal budget and identify the minimum salary you need to afford your lifestyle comfortably. If the job cannot meet your minimum financial requirements, then you do not even need to consider the social factors for that role.
Additionally, when considering a new role, you want to ensure you have a reliable means of transportation (car, metro, public transport) and the office is accessible via those means. For those who cannot commute daily, it is crucial to inquire if there is a telework option or fully remote capability.
Discussing and questioning the benefits package offered can be very important, especially as it relates to vacation pay, family leave, and time off.
Lastly, it is important to get a feel for the culture of any potential workplace. Knowing how the organization supports its employees, your expected working hours, and your workload will be critical to helping avoid exhaustion and burnout.
A recent study showed that 71% of employees believe workplace flexibility would help increase their work-life balance and avoid burnout. This study also found that employees with a strong work-life balance are more engaged and up to 21% more productive. When looking at ways to avoid burnout, 52% of employees said that having flexible working hours would contribute, and 53% of employees said that working remotely would help (Gitnux).
Lastly, understanding these factors will allow you to plan out your weekly schedule and identify free time for other activities, including time with friends and family.
Professional Considerations
In addition to personal considerations, there are professional considerations that might factor into your decision to accept a job.
- Are there any tasks I feel unable or uncomfortable doing?
- What are some of the challenges within the role?
What accommodations will the organization be able to provide?- Are there opportunities for career advancement?
- Is there stability within the company?
- What is the management style like?
What accommodations will the organization be able to provide?These questions are commonly asked of an employer during the interview or hiring process. Exploring these professional considerations can help you better understand the company fit and your prospective happiness while working there. Additionally, they will allow you to explore opportunities for personal growth and development.
You might also want to ask the employer about their accommodations process, which can help you understand how you would address your support needs once on the job.
Questions to consider asking include:
- What is the accommodations process like at your organization?
- What accommodations does your organization currently provide to employees?
- How do I request a reasonable accommodation? Who do I contact?
- How long does the accommodation approval process typically take?
How to Find This Information
Now that you know some of the determining factors that may influence whether you accept a job offer, you might wonder where to find the answers to these questions.
An excellent place to start is searching the company website or job description, as they could offer valuable information, including the benefits, pay rate, and job tasks/responsibilities.
Another way you can learn more about the job is by following up with the hiring manager or interviewer about questions that may have arisen after your interview. This can come in the form of an email post-interview or even be asked before the conclusion of the interview when given the opportunity to ask questions. This will show the hiring manager that you are clearly considering the role and want to learn as much as possible to help you adjust should you decide to move forward.
Sometimes, websites like Glassdoor can provide information on salaries and benefits for a particular company. They can also be a resource for reading reviews from current and former employees. However, it is best to proceed with caution, as the anecdotes are subjective in nature.
Resources