Finally, you got the job offer you’ve been waiting for! Tempting as it may be, don't say yes too soon.
Even if you’re offered your dream job, it’s best to take your time before responding. You’re free to express your enthusiasm for the role, but consider asking your prospective employer the right questions to ensure the job fits you well.
But what should you ask? This blog post will help guide you towards asking the best questions so you can take the next step in the hiring process.
Why Ask Questions About a Job Offer?
Let’s start by understanding what to consider before making your final decision. Asking questions about a job offer helps you set expectations for the role and the company.
It’s best to dig deeper into what the company offers to check if they align with your needs, personal values, and career goals.
Essential Questions to Ask Before Accepting a Job Offer
Before responding to a job offer, take a moment to consider these factors.
The Actual Job
Once your excitement fades, step back and take a closer look at the job offer. Take advantage of this opportunity to see if your perception of the role matches your goals and if you can see yourself in it long-term.
To help you decide, here are some questions to ask your potential employer:
- When do I start?
- What do you expect from this position?
- What would I prioritize as I perform the role?
- What are my responsibilities for the first week/six months/12 months?
- What does success in this role look like?
- How do you measure success in this role?
- How crucial is this job to your company’s overall success?
- How long do employees last in this position?
Compensation & Benefits
While salary and benefits can be a touchy subject, you should still consider them before accepting a job offer. Be sure to confirm how much you'll earn and whether it's still negotiable before you say yes.
Get all the necessary details with these questions:
- How often will I receive my salary (e.g., bi-weekly or monthly)?
- How much will my net income be after deducting taxes, SSS contributions, and other government-mandated benefits?
- Does this role offer bonuses or commissions?
- What benefits will I be entitled to, and when will I receive them?
- What are your policies for paid time off?
- Do you transfer unused leaves to the next year?
- Do you offer a retirement plan? When can I get it?
- What other benefits do you offer?
Company Culture
Besides paying the bills, a job takes up much of your life. As a result, it's crucial to decide whether you will fit in well after joining the company. The interview process should tell you everything about your prospective employer’s organizational culture.
That said, what questions should you ask about company culture? Check out these questions:
- What are some benefits your company only offers?
- How does the company promote work-life balance?
- How would your team members describe their working relationships?
- How do team leaders and members give feedback to each other?
- How would you describe the relationship between employees and company leaders?
- How often do you see and hear from upper management?
- How do you measure success on your team?
The Team
Knowing who you’ll work with is also important. This information will help you understand team dynamics better and see if you’ll fit in with the rest of your co-workers.
Here’s a list of team-related questions to ask before accepting a job offer:
- Who’s my immediate supervisor, and how do they lead the team?
- How many people does the team have?
- How does my manager divide work among the team?
- Does my supervisor expect constant communication between me and them?
- Can I meet some team members before I start?
- Who should I turn to for help?
- What are the team’s current projects?
- Could you tell me about a recent project the team worked on? What went well, and what didn’t?
- What qualities do you think can help the team work successfully?
Employee Schedules
Before moving on to your next job, ask yourself: Does the schedule work for you and your lifestyle?
Let’s say you’re a working parent. If so, does the job give you enough time to fulfill other responsibilities?
Most companies in the Philippines follow an eight-hour (plus one-hour lunchtime) schedule. But since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, many employers have adopted more output-based flexible work models.
Here’s what to ask your potential employer about schedules before responding to their job offer:
- What time should I report for work?
- Will I work on a morning, mid-day, or night shift?
- Do you offer flexible working arrangements?
The Workplace Setup & Arrangement
Aside from work schedules, you’ll need to know if the company follows a remote, hybrid, or on-site working arrangement.
Important questions about working arrangements to ask before accepting (or declining) a job offer include:
- What are my options for remote work?
- How does your company support employees in flexible work setups?
- What tools do you use to enable collaboration and productivity?
- How do you keep employees engaged?
- How do you assess the effectiveness of your current working arrangement?
Transportation
Location is crucial, especially if you’ll work at a hybrid office that requires you to go on-site occasionally. Consider asking your prospective employer these questions about transportation:
- Does this role require travel?
- When do I need to go to the office?
- Will I be relocated, and does your company cover relocation costs?
- Can I work from home?
Career Development
It also pays to know what learning and development opportunities the company provides, especially if you prioritize professional growth. The questions below should help you know how much your prospective employer values career development.
- What areas will my initial training cover?
- How long do you take to onboard new employees?
- Have you set a probationary period for this role, and how long is it?
- What opportunities do you offer for professional growth and development?
- What educational opportunities do you offer?
- How often do you conduct performance reviews?
- How do you help employees improve their performance?
- Do you often promote top-performing employees?
The Job Offer
Asking your prospective employer about the job offer helps you better understand the role’s expectations. Assess the offer, then list the questions you’d like to ask the hiring manager or company executive.
If you’re still thinking of what to ask before accepting a job offer, try including the following questions in your list:
- Is this a firm offer?
- Can I get a written offer?
- When do you need my response?
- Do you need other information from me?
- What’s the next step in the hiring process?
Think Twice Before Accepting a Job Offer
Receiving an employment offer is worth getting excited over. But before you respond, hit pause and consider the factors accompanying the job offer.
You must think beyond how much you’ll earn and evaluate other benefits and non-negotiables that make the role worth it. Thus, it pays to discuss these considerations with your prospective employer. In turn, you’ll know if you should accept the job or find a better opportunity.
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