So You Have an Offer. Now What?

What are the most important criteria in deciding whether to take an offer?

Many would say that compensation is at the top. People might also (and rightfully so!) consider factors such as an improved title, a great commute, or a modern office. Everyone has different preferences, however many people often overlook this determining factor of whether or not to take the offer: career growth opportunity.

Long Term vs Short Term Mindset

The factors that attract you to an offer might improve your immediate situation, but if this next job isn’t launching you in a desirable career direction, how good can it really be? Short-term thinking means you are considering factors that are immediate improvements on your current job. These factors, however, might not positively impact your career 5 years or 10 years down the line. Long-term thinking, on the other hand, engages not only with your immediate needs (higher salary, better title) but also considers your entire career.

(Long Term thinking) questions to ask yourself:

Does this position allow me to be promoted into more desirable positions?
Will this position take me closer to my dream company?
Will this position take me closer to my dream role?
Can I expect my salary to continue to grow, or does this path cap out my income?
Will I make the connections that I need to propel me to my next step?
Will it be difficult to explain why you took this job to dream employers in the future?
Will it be difficult to develop the skills you really care about?
Am I settling for a job that isn’t in line with my dream career, and do I really need to be settling right now?

If your job offer is your dream offer, then you are in an amazing position. However, most of us are still on the path to our dream jobs. Everyone makes allowances and settle for decisions that may not be perfect. But at some point, you need to stop sacrificing your true wants and throw everything into pursuing your dream career, even if that means turning down offers that seem “good enough.”

Recommendations on your path to your dream job:

Take classes and develop skills that make you more employable
Clearly express your career goals and preferences to recruiters
Build strong relationships with recruiters (the right ones will be in your corner)
Build connections on LinkedIn and in-person networking events

And… The Bonus

Let’s be 100% honest (and employers really don’t want you to hear this)… but the truth is that when you take a new job, you really need to be thinking about your next job. Especially with the state of the current job market, a combination of layoffs and an overflow of available roles, uncertain times require strategic thinking and a need for proactive decision making.

And that lead us to share this final piece of advice:

Stay engaged and open to the many opportunities that surround you. Live and breathe the mantra “Networking Always.” For fun and personal satisfaction, for your current position, and for your next position. Stay out there conversing, interacting, living and breathing “opportunity.” You just never know where that will lead you.

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