Congratulations!  After all your hard work, you have received a job offer.  You now have an important decision to make.  You may be tempted to accept the first job offered, but it is important to not make a decision in haste.  Give yourself at least a day or two to carefully consider the opportunity.

Use the following checklist to explore some of the important criteria related to evaluating a job offer.

THE JOB

• Does the job express my major work values and meet my basic needs in life?

• Is the position itself interesting and challenging?

• If this isn't my dream job, can it be a springboard to something better as I acquire experience and skills for advancement?

• Do I know specifically what I will be doing?  Are my responsibilities reflected in my job title?

• Does the job offer advancement opportunity for the future?

• Are the hours of work agreeable to me?  Are other working conditions in the organization what I want them to be?

• Does the position have a reasonable degree of security?

• Is my immediate supervisor a person who is competent, agreeable and admired, with whom one can be friends?

• Are the people with whom I will be most closely associated in the organization compatible with me?

• Do the functions of the job have the support of the management of the organization?

• Do I have any hesitations about the job?

THE ORGANIZATION

• Do the values, philosophy and assumptions of the organization's culture fit my personality characteristics?

• Is the size of the organization or the department compatible with where I would work best?

• Does the organization manufacture products or provide services with which I would be proud to be associated?

• What is the organization's reputation for fair treatment of employees?

• Is there a high turnover of personnel?  If so, why?

• Has the company experienced recent growth?  Does the organization have growth potential for the future?

• Is the company in an industry that is growing or will it be around for a long time?

• What is the organization's current financial condition and future financial outlook?

• Does the organization have an excellent reputation in its field or industry?

• Do I have any hesitations about the organization?

COMPENSATION PACKAGE

• Is the salary for the job being offered and the company's salary schedule for future years reasonable and satisfactory?

• If the salary is not competitive, is it possible to get an early review and an increase before one year?  Can I live on the salary given my expenses and the geographic cost of living?

• What are the raises based on? (merit, length of service, formal exams)

• Does the organization offer an attractive benefits package including:  insurance, paid vacations, retirement plan, memberships in professional associations?

• Do I receive any of the less common employee benefits?  (company car, expense account, employer paid-tuition for graduate school, travel to conferences, profit sharing or stock purchase program)

• Does the organization offer training programs or pay for continuing education?

LIFESTYLE CONSIDERATIONS

• Can I easily commute to the workplace?

• Will the job in this particular organization allow adequate time for interests and the like?

• Will I be required to travel?  How much?  Where?

• Will I need to relocate?  If I relocate, do I like the lifestyle the company's location offers?

Why Should I Accept This Offer (the Pros)?

Why Should I Decline This Offer (the Cons)?