After all the rounds of interviews, you finally scored a job offer! It’s a great time to celebrate, but don’t say yes right away.
Even if it’s the job you’ve always wanted, don’t feel pressured to respond immediately. You’re free to express your enthusiasm for the role, but make sure you ask your prospective employer the right questions to ensure the job is the right fit.
You might be asking yourself, “What questions should I ask before accepting a job offer?” This blog covers all the must-ask questions before accepting (or declining) an employment offer.
Probe & Reassess the Situation First
Let’s start by taking a closer look at what to consider before accepting a job offer.
Asking questions can help set your expectations about the role and the company. For example, you can get a clearer idea of what to expect on your first day at work. It doesn’t hurt to dig deeper into what the company offers so you can check if they align with your needs, personal values, and career goals.
Essential Questions to Ask Before Accepting a Job Offer
After receiving a job offer, here are the things to keep in mind before responding. We’ve listed the different areas related to the company and role you can discuss with your prospective employer:
- The Actual Job
Once the initial excitement wears off, it’s time to take a step back and look more closely at the job offer. Now’s your chance to check if your vision of the job matches your goals and if you can see yourself in the role in the long run.
To help you reflect on this, here are a few questions you can ask:
- What is my start date?
- What are the expectations for this role?
- What are my responsibilities for the first week/six months/12 months?
- How will I measure my performance?
- Compensation
Even though salary can be a touchy subject, the compensation package is one of the main factors to consider before accepting a job offer. So don’t say yes until you’ve confirmed how much you’ll be earning — and if the amount is still negotiable.
Get all the details you need with these questions:
- Is the pay fair for my experience and the role?
- Will it be enough to support my lifestyle and day-to-day needs?
- How often will I receive my salary (e.g., biweekly, monthly, etc.)?
- After deducting taxes, SSS contributions, and other government-mandated benefits, how much will my net income be?
- Benefits
Learn more about the benefits your prospective company offers with these questions:
- What benefits will I be entitled to?
- When will I receive them?
- What are your policies for paid time off?
- Do you provide retirement programs?
- What other perks do you offer?
- Company Culture
A job not only pays the bills but also takes up a big part of your life — and that’s why it’s important to see how well you will fit in once you’re a part of the company. That said, the interview process should already inform and reflect the company culture.
What should you ask before accepting a job offer? Check out these questions:
- Do the job and company values align with your own?
- What are some company-exclusive perks?
- How does the company promote work-life balance?
- What team-building events does the company offer?
- The Team
Aside from the company culture, it’s also important to know who you’ll be working with. After all, it will help you understand team dynamics better and if you’ll fit in with the rest of your co-workers.
Here’s a list of team-related questions you can ask:
- Who is my immediate supervisor?
- What is their leadership style?
- How many people are on the team?
- What are some projects that the team is working on?
- Schedule
Before moving on to your next job, ask yourself if the schedule works for you and your lifestyle. For example, does it give you enough time to fulfill other responsibilities if you’re a working parent?
Most companies in the Philippines follow an eight-hour (plus one-hour lunchtime) schedule. But some employers have shifted toward a more output-based flexible work model.
Here are some things to consider for your schedule before accepting a job offer:
- What time do you need to report for work?
- Will you be working on a mid-shift or night shift?
- Do they offer flexible working arrangements?
- Workplace Setup & Arrangement
Before accepting or declining your employment offer, you’ll need to know if the company follows a remote, hybrid, or on-site working arrangement. Here are a few things you should look out for:
- How will the company provide support to employees?
- What tools will you use to facilitate collaboration and productivity?
- How will you address employee isolation and disconnect?
- How will the company assess the effectiveness of its current work model?
- Transportation
Location is crucial, especially if you’ll be working at a hybrid office and need to commute to work on some days of the week. Consider these questions:
- Am I okay with the commute?
- How long will my travel time be?
- Am I willing to relocate for work?
- Is there an option to work from home?
- Career Development
It pays to know what learning and development opportunities the company will provide, especially if you’re eager about career development opportunities. That said, don’t be afraid to ask these questions before accepting a job offer:
- How long will onboarding take?
- How often do you conduct performance reviews?
- What opportunities do you offer for professional growth?
- What support measures do you have for employees experiencing dips in their performance?
Think Twice Before Accepting a Job Offer
Receiving an employment offer is worth getting excited over. But it’s also important to hit pause and give yourself time to think of what to consider before accepting a job offer.
You’ll need to think beyond just how much you’ll be paid, and evaluate other benefits, perks, and non-tangibles that make the job worth it. That’s why it pays to talk to the recruiter about these considerations so you know if the job is worth accepting or turning down.
If you’re from HR, use Sprout Manatal to simplify your recruitment process and get the right candidates on board. Our cloud-based software is designed to help HR and hiring managers ensure a hassle-free recruitment process. Book your consultation with us to learn more.
Want more tips to kickstart your career? Visit the Sprout blog for more information.
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