Evaluating An Offer
Congratulations, you received the job offer! Before you accept, however, it is critical to evaluate that offer to make sure you know exactly what you’re getting into and whether or not the offer aligns with your expectations. Here are the things to consider before you say yes.
Get It In Writing
First and foremost, the job offer should be sent to you in writing, along with a job description. That job description should lay out the responsibilities of the job and the metrics by which your performance will be judged. Make sure that the offer includes your start date, salary, benefits and other key points you negotiated throughout the interview process.
Make Sure You Know What You Will Be Doing
Make sure that the job title in the offer letter matches the job description and that the description aligns with your understanding of the job based on your interviews. Also, be certain you are clear on success metrics for the role. You want to be confident that you understand the way you will be evaluated during your first few weeks and months on the job.
Once you are positive that you are clear on the role, ask yourself if you really will be happy in that role. Sometimes, people get so caught up in the thought of earning more or they are so flattered by the offer itself that they forget to reflect on whether they truly want that job or will be happy with that organization.
Ask Questions
You still have time to ask questions if you need any clarification whatsoever, especially if something in the offer doesn’t quite match up to the things you discussed in your interview. Hiring managers should be happy to answer any and all of your questions. Before you accept, be very clear on how you are getting paid, how much you are getting paid, how much time you have off and what your formal benefits are. The language in these areas can often be confusing, and misunderstandings can lead to real dissatisfaction once you’re on the job.
How To Make The Offer Process Run Smoothly
Evaluating offers can be almost as stressful as the rest of the interviewing process, unless you have an expert on your side. When you work with a niche recruiter, you can be confident that your offers will be thorough, will address the necessary points and will be clarified quickly if you have any questions.
Your recruiter will examine the offer first and ask the client to make any changes that might be necessary based on the promises made and the expectations established during interviews. When the recruiter sends you the offer, you have a “buffer” between you and your potential new employer to ask questions and discuss concerns. This can make the process much less stressful if you think the offer doesn’t match up to what you were told.
If you are an experienced IT professional seeking new opportunities and you are ready to partner with a recruiter, reach out to PEAK Technical Consulting today or submit your resume online to jumpstart your search.
About PEAK
PEAK Technical Consulting has created connections with employers nationwide, where you can find projects and roles to make the most of your abilities and advance your career. Since 1968 PEAK has helped IT professionals find jobs that offer flexibility, challenges and rewards. We are committed to giving you the resources and support you need to build the career of your dreams.
Take a look at some of the IT jobs we offer:
- ERP Implementation Consultant- Finance
- Database Developer
- Sr. Software Engineer
If you are looking for employers and opportunities that will take your IT career to the next level and help you achieve your goals, contact a PEAK recruitment expert today.