You send the resumes. You do the screening calls and (hopefully) interview with decision makers, and then it comes: The job offer! Yay!
Should you accept the first offer you receive, or should you wait?
I get this question a lot, particularly from transitioning service members who admit to sending “a lot” of resumes without customizing their resumes and cover letters or researching the companies. Their approach of flooding the market is sure to result in an offer eventually, they tell me.
But is it the right job?
I can’t tell you to reject a job offer if you have kids to feed. But all jobs aren’t created equal, and in the frenzy and frustration of a post-military job search, anything that feels like relief, such as a viable job offer, is often grabbed up.
How to Evaluate the Job Offer
Before you click “accept” on the offer, ask yourself these questions:
1. Does the job excite me? If the first job offer seems like one you could be excited about, and feel confident doing, that’s a good sign. Be clear: Are you excited about the job, or are you excited to have the search over?
2. Does the company interest and excite me? Similarly, if the company and industry are growing and are ones you could see yourself expanding your career within, that warrants high consideration.
3. Am I confident I understand what the job entails? Have you asked the questions that mean the most to you? Do you know what your day might look like? Is travel involved? Would you work in a team, independently or both? Be sure to ask about things that are important to you, not just what’s listed on the job description.
Read More: The Power of Positive Perception
4. Do I feel my skills are aligned with the job expectations? You likely modified your resume to suit a civilian employer. Are the skills, results, qualifications and talents you highlighted in the interview aligned closely with the job requirements, or did you oversell or undersell your qualifications?
5. Have I spoken to others who work for the company or are in a similar role? Informational interviews are important to career growth, and during a job search, they’re vital. You’ll want to speak to people who can shed light on the company culture, work style and teams. And talking to people who do that same job, even if they’re at a different company, can enlighten you to challenges or opportunities you could encounter.
6. If I’m taking this job because I “need” to, am I clear on what my needs are? We can be very good at convincing ourselves that we need something when really, we want it. When you look at this job offer, are you reacting out of an emotional or financial place - or because you see this as a good opportunity for you and your career? There’s nothing wrong with making decisions because they feel good or make sense on paper, but be clear that’s your motivation.
Read More: How to Avoid Underselling Yourself in the Job Search
7. Is this job part of my chosen career path? In the case where you may need to step backward a bit to move forward later, knowing the job offer is on your long-term career path can help avoid the feeling that you’re settling. Many professionals make lateral or backward career steps to advance down the road.
8. Are any red flags waving, and if so, can I get comfortable with them? Instead of rationalizing how compromising your values, for example, is needed to move out of your parents’ house, understand what toll that could take on you emotionally. Compromising too far on your non-negotiables can cause distress and resentment.
9. Will I continue to look for something else? While I can appreciate the logic, it’s not fair to the employer and your new team if you accept the job but keep looking for something better. If you will be looking for something else in a couple of years, that’s different. Most employers are realistic that getting someone good for a couple of years is great.
10. Can I envision myself happy in this role for a year? A year from now, as you look back on your decision to take this role and give 100% of your time and effort to it, do you see yourself happy? If that picture feels miserable, then it may not be a good job for you. If you can envision growing and learning and enjoying the work, then the answer might be a confident “yes!”
The first job offer could be exactly what you’re seeking, or it could be a quick relief to a painful process that results in more stress later. Asking these questions empowers you to move forward with clarity.
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