5 Things to Do When You Get a Job Offer

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tim of CA 2:09PM October 12, 2011

i realy love your points, cause sometimes after the inteview,and the interviewer,asked do you have any question on this job offer you would like to discuss,you would say oh yes ,we understand,but deep down sometimes we dont and then we begin the job we realized it was not a good job offer,so it is so trure we must be negoiable in expecially with the salary cause is what we settle for with the employer that what we are going to get,so asking for a written conformation is important at frist.

pat gibbs of CA 2:12PM August 06, 2010

I really needed to accept the job I was offered when I applied, because the brand name was good, and I thought it would be a good resume builder (as opposed to working for a smaller fry place less able to weather the shaky post-recession climb out of the depths of chaos that followed the 2008 crash).
I assumed that the serious air conditioning/indoor air quality issues were going to be fixed, even though I noticed serious problems at TWO different workplace locations during the same summer. Now, almost a full year later, I still can barely breath due to the stale, stuffy indoor air quality (I think part of the air circulation/AC unit is in serious need of repair, because it only works on the top floors really well, where the executive offices are, no doubt). Nope! Still awful.
I have insurance bennies, but can elect COBRA continuation for a few months if I (knock on wood) find something with similar pay and bennies, but where you can actually BREATH already.
Please, check into the indoor quality of the workplace location. I know people without a job are more anxious to get working, but for those who are looking to switch work environments, you have to find out before-hand if it's something you think you can live with long term.
By the next summer, I'm really thinking the company doesn't care; they've not been able (or willing?) to fix the problem, and of course, everyone's afraid to file a formal OSHA complaint for fear of retaliation.
It's awful. Elderly clients complain regularly, and I seriously wonder what's going to happen during an upcoming event where it will be hot, muggy, and very crowded. I wish I could help out in advance and just be the one who dares to file a complaint, but it's probably more wise to just find a different work environment and elect COBRA continuation to keep my bennies (insurance) in the interim.
Employers, if you don't care about the safety of your people (heat stroke and asthma do occur during heatwaves) in terms of indoor air quality, they will jump ship as soon as they find something similar or better in pay, but much more suitable in terms of health and safety.
Who allows elderly people to come into a place of business and deal with a half-broken AC unit and stale stuffy indoor air during a 90 degree heatwave???!! Unbelievable.
Job seekers, SPEND TIME AT THE SITE IF YOU CAN. Ask questions. Will the problem be fixed? Soon? Ever? Get a definitive answer prior to switching jobs and ending up unable to breath well.

Had Enough, On Turbo Job Hunt of IL 12:33AM July 23, 2010

Thank you for posting point 5. In this job market, I think we forget about it since we're happy to get an offer at all. I took a job when I had a horrible feeling about it. I thought I would be fine, and that I just wasn't excited about moving to another new city (5 cities in 10 years). It was with a great company at the height of the recession, so I told myself to feel lucky. My gut ended up being right, and not about the move part. The job ended up being hellish due to a terrible manager and a dictator-like department head. I had signed a 2-yr contract and just had to stick it out! Things improved after about 10 months, but that was a long time that I feel like I threw away. I didn't enjoy anything about my life due to the nastiness at work. Now that things are better, I am still very wary of everything and everyone within the company. I should have listened to my gut!

Amy of MN 11:49AM July 22, 2010

Thank you for the post. And I think the question in Point number 2 is very crucial. I didn't ask the question when accepted my current job. 6 months down the road only did I realize that my culture and values differs much from the company's (which is giving me a negative impact to a certain extent).
However I wonder, how do I know if the company is telling the truth about their culture and practices when I ask them before accepting the job offer? They might just be sugar-coating their words to win me over to accept the job.
Thank you.

Lauren Sivit 9:53PM July 21, 2010

Good things to keep in mind. Especially females I feel are the ones who do not tend to try and negotiate salary. Always give a range and ask politely, also have in mind why you think you might deserve a little more in case they ask.
I am doing an internship this summer and I asked for more an hour and got it. The extra money can always help.

Alicia of RI 3:54PM July 19, 2010