What to consider before accepting a job offer

BY SAFIA LAGERDIEN

In the excitement of getting a job offer, it’s tempting to gloss over the slightly overwhelming details, assuming that you’ll figure everything out later on down the road. But when everything is not spelled out in solid terms – or you don’t understand it completely – it can work against you later on.

Take the time to evaluate the particular details of an offer.

HERE'S WHAT TO CONSIDER.

1. Salary

Even when the money looks good, it is important to check what the offered salary includes and excludes. The overall number may, for example, include bonuses that are subject to specific targets or it may exclude compulsory medical aid contributions – these can have a significant impact on the net salary that gets deposited into your bank account.

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2. Benefits

Employee benefits and perks can be as important as the salary itself. Examples include medical aid, pension, leave entitlement, paternal leave, study assistance, a laptop and data provisions for working remotely. Think about what your needs are, then check them against what is being offered. If what you seek is not included in the offer, ask for more information about it. For example, if you are thinking of continuing your studies, does the leave entitlement include study leave? And will the company (even partially) sponsor you for job-related studies you plan to undertake?

3. Stability of the company

Upon accepting an offer, you’re likely to be dependent on a monthly salary. If a company is financially unstable or unsustainable, you will probably be financially insecure in the position, or be in constant fear of retrenchment. Conduct online research on the company, especially in the case of start-ups and those that are newly formed. Check the media buzz on it, check their websites, social media platforms, and the LinkedIn profiles of employees. Ensure you are satisfied – ask questions about the company’s long-term viability to the recruiter, company representatives and current employees on LinkedIn.

4. Expectations of the role

When you are offered a job, you are expected to fulfil the requirements as advertised, and often there are more deliverables than those stated in the listing. Clarify in detail what will be expected of you within the first 3-6 months of employment (or during your probation period).

Determine who will assess your performance and when it will be done, especially the first one. You don’t want to find your performance reviewed after three months on the job when you have not understood the expectations. Establish what would happen if you do not meet expectations.

5. Growth & development

Find out what opportunities exist for progression and what support the company offers for further training and development. A company’s investment in your training and development throughout your career can make up for a lack of or low salary increases during difficult times, as it translates into future promotions accompanied by increased earnings.

6. Company culture

Companies take every effort to ensure that you’re a good fit. In the same way, you should consider if the company is right for you.

A company’s culture encompasses its vision, mission, values, policies, work style, office politics, ethics, and more, and it is reinforced by the people who work there. Think about who you are, what your own values, beliefs and principles are, and check them against those of the company. Do research on the company’s culture (through its website, social media platforms, LinkedIn and Glassdoor company reviews) or by chatting to current employees. Most companies will introduce you to prospective colleagues if you ask them to.

7 Challenge level

All of us need to stretch into the responsibilities of a role to remain motivated and to grow and develop. A low level of stretch in the complexity of the job, combined with little opportunity to use your own judgement and decision making about how a job gets done, can soon lead to boredom and dissatisfaction. Equally, too much of a stretch and challenge may mean very little time for anything else in your life. Think of what you need, and ask for a job specification to ensure there is enough to challenge you.

8. Your commute

With the pandemic, you may be afforded the opportunity to work remotely. But, if you are required to work from the employer’s office, consider the amount of time you’d need to commute to and from work, travelling costs and, if you have a car, where you would be parking. If you need to pay for parking, you may wish to negotiate that this be paid by the employer as an additional benefit. And if you will have to do a lot of driving for the job, ask who will be paying for the fuel and insurance.

9. Negotiate

If you think that you should be paid more for the job, then this would be the time to negotiate. Ensure that you justify your request for a higher offer with sound relevant research and compelling reasons. Should your negotiations be successful, ensure that they are put in writing and authorised by the relevant company representative. However, do also consider your response should your demand for an increased offer be rejected.

10. Timing

Once an offer is accepted, you are normally expected to start as soon as possible. If accepting the offer means that you need to relocate, ensure that the starting date gives you enough time to find new accommodation, make the move and to settle in before your job starts.