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5 Things You Must Do Before Accepting a Job Offer

Moms (or single women) need a checklist before going to a grocery store. Schools issue checklists to ensure the safety of students. You must have a checklist when you're applying for a job. You'll need it when a company has a job offer for you.

You should be delighted, if not proud, when you've been hired for the job that you're applying for. It doesn't end there. It's not a mistake to ask questions, as you want to make sure that there won't be any regrets on your part. Moreover, you should negotiate with the recruiter (or your soon-to-be boss). If you believe you have lots to offer on the table, then don't be shy about it. And you must expect doubts. (It should encourage you to do better.) This process requires time, and you shouldn't be afraid to tell it to the recruiter (or your soon-to-be boss). It can decide how long (or short) is the length of your service to that company. Never give a vague response, though. (If you think that one week is good enough, then tell it.)

It's time to come up with your own checklist.

The Deciding Factors That Will Make You Say, "I'm In!"

Salary and benefits. This can make applicants sign on the dotted line immediately, but there are other factors that can give a rude awakening. It won't be enough for the recruiter (or your soon-to-be boss) to state your starting salary. You should ask how often you will get paid (for your services). Don't hesitate to ask about the bonus plan. If there is one, then ask for the details. In this regard, you should know the time of the performance and salary review. (Ignorance can be taken against you.) Lastly, there must be clarification (and agreement) on overtime (or if you're eligible for it). As for the benefits, it will be best to rely on a health coverage. If the company has a weak benefits plan, then negotiate for more salary. You must know how much paid time off you'll get during your first year in office. (A one-week holiday after fifteen months in the office should make you think twice about the offer.)

Working space and colleagues. This may (or may not) be as important as your salary and benefits, depending on how badly you want the job. Then again, there's a limit to tolerance. Is the lighting enough? How about the air flow (from the air conditioner)? Do you like your table and chair? If the answer to all of the questions is yes, then there's a small chance that the working condition will drive you crazy before reaching your first year in office. Your workstation is the next thing to check out, as you can request for your own space. The other option means one (and only one) thing: You prefer the company of your colleagues. The recruiter (or your soon-to-be boss) can arrange a moment for you to meet the employees. It will be too early to tell if you'll get bad vibes from one of them, but a refusal (to meet them) can be mean two things. It may not be the right time to meet them or they're too busy at the moment. You can wait (until the right time) or you'll think about the offer for a day or two.

Your boss (or the boss of your boss). It will be a huge mistake if you don't know who you are reporting to. It won't be too much to request for a ten-minute chat, as you try to know the whims and habits of your soon-to-be boss. If there's a higher one, then ask for an audience. (Five minutes should be good enough if it's a busy day.) Remember about the big cheese? If you don't have a clue, then recall your college days.

Expectations. Many applicants forget this factor, if not excluding it in their list. There are reasons behind it, but a wise one will keep it in mind. If the position (you've applied for) has been vacant for some time, then your soon-to-be boss will have high expectations of you. Discuss it, as you lay out your goals during your first thirty days. It shouldn't end there, as you tell your boss what you can achieve after your sixtieth (or ninetieth) day in the office. You should have done your research on this one, while you're composing your resume. This procedure assures that both parties are on the same page, and there won't be any disappointment later. If you don't do your homework, then don't blame the company for your sudden termination.

Travel requirements. Some jobs require you to do business travel, which shouldn't delight you. If you like to go places, then this can go above the other factors. If it's a skimpy travel plan, then negotiate it. (A slice of pizza on the road might not be enough.)

What you should do about it?

Never fail to show your gratitude and excitement upon knowing the job offer while remaining professional with the recruiter (or your soon-to-be boss). If you want to think about the offer, then one week might be too long a wait. A question or two will be asked, and you must not fib on this one. After all, anything can be negotiated (if it's possible).

If another company has a better offer, then don't be ashamed to tell it. This is part of the process, but don't ever think that you won't encounter these people again. It's a small world (after all).

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