Good news! You have just received a job offer. Now comes the hardest part. Are you sure you want to take the job?
When evaluating an IT job offer, it’s important to consider all aspects of the potential deal, including salary, benefits and job requirements, advises Agustina Alberto, director of human resources, North America, within the technology consulting company Globant. “Do some independent research on current market rates and speak with your [personal] network is important because economic changes can quickly impact and change what is considered competitive.
Determine if the organization can help you achieve your goals. “Do it every step of the way so that when you get to the offer stage, there are no surprises,” recommends Jennifer Henderson, senior vice president for global talent acquisition at of the IT consulting company NTT DATA Services. Then review the offer with the recruiter or HR representative you are working with. “Ask questions to make sure the offer is clear and meets your goals,” she says.
Offer Review Key Points
The first step, says Alberto, is to focus on the proposed salary. “Then look for additional monetary benefits, such as the potential for bonuses, long-term incentives and possible stock options,” she advises. Make sure these items are included in the letter of offer. “Finally, don’t forget to consider non-monetary benefits, including quality health insurance, paid time off, wellness reimbursements, and other miscellaneous benefits,” Alberto says.
Check to see if the job title and description accurately reflect the role you applied for and interviewed for, recommends Christy Schumann, senior vice president of recruiting operations at freelance talent specialist Toptal. “You’ll want to make sure the company’s expectations of you match your skills and level of experience,” she says. The “big quit” has forced many companies to change their employment guidelines as they struggle to find and retain talent. “Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for organizations to try to force a round peg into a square hole, unbalancing people in roles strictly to get someone in the door,” Schumann notes.
Also, make sure the offer specifies exactly where you will be working. “While this topic has likely come up in your interviews, companies continue to adjust their localization policies, so it’s best to have advice in writing,” Schumann says.
Possible pitfalls
Read the fine print of offers, recommends Henderson. What does the company’s employment contract cover? Is there a non-competition clause? “You may not be able to negotiate the terms of the deal, but you need to understand the implications,” she notes.
If the agreement includes anything objectionable or confusing, ask for clarification and carefully consider your options. It’s important to understand the legal implications of what’s on offer, so you can protect your rights, Henderson says. “Most companies have good intentions; just make sure you are informed.
Carefully review the offer and document any gig restrictions or similar clauses that may limit your mobility once you accept a job. “Also consider all [contract] language indicating that your salaries, bonuses or other benefits and perks are not guaranteed,” says Alberto.
Decision time
Research your potential employer thoroughly, especially the organization’s leadership and vision, as well as its culture, benefits, and paths to promotion. Alberto recommends asking yourself a series of key questions.
- Are the company’s values aligned with my beliefs?
- Does the corporate culture seem favorable to you?
- Does the company have rapid staff turnover, especially in IT?
- What opportunities will I have for education and training?
- Will I be able to achieve a satisfying work-life balance?
Before making a final decision, review the offer one last time. Determine if the opportunity supports your career goals. “It will not only enlighten you on why you want to join this company, but also give you valuable insight into what to expect,” says Henderson.
Check to see if you have any connections to people working in the organization trying to hire you. “Get first-hand insights into the organization, including their views on culture and career progression,” says Alberto. “There is no other information as valuable as a company’s current employees.”
Schumann notes that corporate culture plays a major role in job satisfaction. “You can work with the most talented people on some truly amazing projects, but if cultural expectations aren’t aligned, productivity and success are much harder to achieve on a personal and team level,” he explains. she.
Finally, ask yourself if this is an employer you really want to work for. Do you like the service or the product? Do you see yourself working there in five years? Do you see opportunities for professional development? “Consider the big picture, not just the immediate circumstances when making your final decision,” Schumann advises.
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