good news! You have just received a job offer. Now is the hard part. Do you really want to accept this position?
When evaluating IT job opportunities, it’s important to examine all aspects of a potential deal—including salary, benefits, and job requirements, advises Agustina Alberto, director of human resources at Globant, a North American technology consulting firm. “It’s important to do independent research on current market prices and talk to your [personal] network because economic changes can quickly affect and change what is considered competitive.”
Determine if an organization is can help you meet your needs goals. Jennifer Henderson, senior vice president of global talent acquisition at IT consulting firm NTT DATA Services advises: “Do this at every step of the process so that when you get to the quoting stage, there are no surprises.” Next, work with you your recruiter or HR representative to review the offer. “Ask questions to make sure the offer is clear and meets your goals,” she said.
Points to review the offer
The first step, says Alberto, is to focus on the proposed salary. “Next, look for additional monetary benefits such as bonuses, long-term incentives and the potential for any stock options,” she advises. Make sure these items are included in the admission letter. “Finally, don’t forget to consider non-monetary benefits, including the quality of your health insurance, paid time off, any health reimbursements, and other miscellaneous benefits,” Alberto said.
Check that the job title and job description accurately reflect the position you are applying for and interviewing for, advises Christy Schumann, Senior Vice President of Talent Operations at Toptal, a freelance talent specialist. “You need to make sure the company’s expectations of you match your skill and experience level,” she said. The “big resignation” has forced many companies to change their hiring practices as they struggle to find and retain talent. “Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for organizations to try to drive round pegs into square holes and strictly assign people to different roles to get someone in the door,” Schumann noted.
Also, make sure the quote states exactly where you will be working. “While this topic may have been discussed in your interview, companies continue to adjust their site selection policies, so it’s best to have written guidance,” Schumann said.
Possible Pitfalls
Read the fine print of the offer, Henderson Suggest. What does the company’s employment agreement cover? Is there a non-compete clause? “You may not be able to negotiate the terms in the agreement, but you need to understand the implications,” she noted.
If the agreement contains objectionable or confusing content, please ask for clarification and carefully consider your options. Henderson says it’s important to understand the legal implications of what’s in the offer package so you can protect your rights. “Most companies do it with good intentions; just make sure you’re told.”
Double-check the offer document for temporary work restrictions or similar terms that may restrict you after you accept the job your liquidity. “Also consider any [contract] language that suggests your salary, bonuses or other perks and benefits are not guaranteed,” Alberto said.
Decision Time
Thoroughly research your prospective employer, especially The organization’s leadership and vision, as well as its culture, benefits, and progression pathways. Alberto suggests asking yourself a series of key questions.
- Do the company’s values match my beliefs?
Does the company culture seem supportive?
Support? Fast turnover in business, especially IT
Can I achieve a satisfactory work-life balance?
Support? Fast turnover in business, especially IT
Can I achieve a satisfactory work-life balance?
Please review the offer one last time before making a final decision. Determine if the opportunity supports your career goals. Henderson says, “Not only will this give you clarity on why you want to join the company, it will also give you valuable insights into what to expect.”
Check to see if you are compatible with what you are trying to do Any connections to the people who hired your organization to work. “Get first-hand insights about the organization, including how they feel about culture and career development,” says Alberto. “No other insight is more valuable than the company’s current employees.”
Schumann pointed out that corporate culture plays an important role in job satisfaction. “You can work on truly incredible projects with the most talented people, but if cultural expectations are misaligned, it’s much harder to achieve productivity and success on an individual and team level,” she explains.
Finally, ask yourself if this is the employer you really want to work for. Do you like service or product? Can you see yourself working there five years from now? Do you see opportunities for professional development? “Consider the bigger picture when making the final decision, not just the situation at hand,” Schumann advises.
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