Hooray! After so much searching, you got that job offer, and you must be over the moon. However, at the risk of being a killjoy, we would advise you to keep calm and put your thinking caps on before popping that champagne.

Before you accept the offer from the company, remember that you will be in the company for an extended period. So, you need to evaluate the offer thoroughly and be sure that it’s the right fit for you before you make that commitment.

What are the basics that you need to keep in mind while evaluating? What should you be knowing? Here’re some of the most critical questions you must ask yourself before you send that confirmation of joining.

Do you have a solid understanding of the work you’re being hired to do?

Check the job description you received before the interview process and analyze the expectations and the roles and responsibilities. In case you find discrepancies between what you discussed in the interview and what is written in the JD, contact the hiring manager. Discuss the situation and get a proper explanation for your tasks, duties, and SLAs at the new company. This discussion will give you clarity on what you are supposed to do, what all can you learn and about your professional growth.

Does the company culture match my personality?

Sometimes, you have all the right qualifications and are perfect for the role, but you don’t mesh well with the organization’s culture. This mismatch significantly lowers your chances of success at the company. Think about the kind of work environment that has worked well for you in the past- a disciplined corporate culture or a fast-paced and all rounding start-up culture?

If you are freshly entering the workspace, ask your friends and family about their experiences. Based on what you are leaning more towards, study the culture of a prospective employer, read their reviews online, reach out to past and current employees of the organization, take opinion from seniors, this should help you in understanding whether you are on the right path.

Can I get along with the other co-workers and my manager?

Your manager can help you flourish as well as break your professional life, so it’s essential that you’re comfortable with your boss-to-be. If you haven’t got a chance to interact with your manager intensely during the interview process, ask for a 20-minute meeting with him or her before accepting the position to check your compatibility. Keep the conversation on the lighter side and ask questions about their management style and more.

Additionally, you also need to check your fit with your team at the prospect company. Ask anyone you know in the company about the people, or you can scour through the company about us page and social media page for more insights. You should also go through the online reviews —though it is advisable to take negative reviews with a grain of salt. Additionally, you should look for ex-employees and see if people typically stay for years at a time? If the company has a high turnover, that could be telling.

What about my salary and benefits? Are they enough?

Your salary and benefits package are one of the essential factors when contemplating accepting a job offer. Remember it’s easier to negotiate the salary before you join in rather than later. Additionally, the benefits offered can be different from company to company, so don’t assume anything in this area.

Check the salary break up and benefits page in the offer letter, check for the insurance co-pays, deductions, and taxes. If you don’t understand something on it, ask for clarity from the benefits specialist.

What are my non-negotiables?

Something just can’t be sacrificed, and we all have different limits of what we are ok letting go. So, the non-negotiable components will differ from person to person. The funny thing is the non-negotiables change at different point of time. May be at age 25 you are ok with traveling for work every week, but by age 35 with a family, you might be reluctant about it. Same way, some people are ok with giving up high pay for quieter stable life while others are more willing to leave the comfort of a job to take on the challenges of starting a new business.

Find out what are your non-negotiables, discuss them with your hiring manager and supervisors, and see where you stand with the organization. Does the role require you to sacrifice something you are not ok with? If yes, is the organization offering anything to make up for that sacrifice?

Conclusion

Regardless if you are a graduate just entering the corporate world, or you are someone with extensive work experience. The more questions you answer from the list, the easier it gets for you to make an informed decision, either of accepting or rejecting the offer you have just received.