10 questions to ask when you receive a job offer
Congratulations! You have been given a job offer. After a long job search, it can be difficult to decide whether the position you’ve been offered is the right career move for you. While a new job is exciting, it’s important to get all the details before you commit to working for a company. Here are a few questions to ask before you accept it.
By when would you like my answer?
Check how long you have to make your decision. You don’t want to make the company wait too long and end up losing a good job opportunity. Asking for a deadline also shows that you’re serious about the job offer and your career.
Dress code!
Before you start working at the company, you’ll need to know their dress code. The formality of the clothes you are expected to wear may impact your decision. It can also give you insight into the company culture. Knowing the dress code beforehand will help you update your wardrobe and prepare for your first day.
Company benefits
When you’re offered a new job, it’s important to inquire about the company benefits. Find out how much you’ll need to contribute towards the benefits yourself. This information will help you decide whether or not to take the job. Medical aid is expensive, which makes it important to ensure that you have coverage if you get sick. Check if there are any other perks to being an employee of their company. Is there a cafeteria? Do they offer opportunities for continuous development? It’s advantageous to work for a company that values their employees and their wellbeing. Likewise, you’ll want to check if there’s room to develop your skills and to advance your career.
Leave days
Other important questions to ask are how many leave days you get per year and if you get flexible working hours. While it may not seem like a good idea to ask about time off before you’ve even accepted the job, you’ll need to factor this information into your decision. Check how long you need to work for them before you’re eligible for leave and whether your days off are paid or unpaid. Depending on the industry you’re working in, you may have set shutdown periods each year, which restricts when you take your holidays. Another question to ask is if you can take unused time off the following year. Some companies also offer flexible working hours, which means that you can start and end your day at a time that suits you as long as you work an agreed upon amount of hours.
Ask for the job offer in writing
Once you’re discussed the details of the job, ask if they can put an offer in writing. This helps to ensure that your employers stick to what they’ve agreed upon. A written agreement also helps to avoid miscommunications. It’s advisable to include benefits, incentives, time off and work hours in the written agreement.
What is the company culture like?
Your work environment has a significant impact on your job satisfaction as well as your performance. You’ll be spending a lot of time in your office so it’s important to have a pleasant work environment. Research the company before you apply for the job to discover more information on their values and goals. You can ask your prospective employers for any additional information that you weren’t able to obtain during an online search. Ask about the company’s plans for the future and opportunities for growth. It’s a good idea to take a look at the space that you’ll be working in and to meet some of the other staff members. Other employees can give you additional insight into the company culture before you start your new job.
I really do need a job
Hi Nthakwana,
If you have not registered your CV on Job Mail, follow this link: http://goo.gl/EhnxH1.
Once you’ve registered, look for jobs that suit your skill set at http://goo.gl/CvYAUa and apply for them!
Alternatively, set up a job alert to receive the latest jobs in your field via email at http://goo.gl/eTcGJC.
We hope you find employment soon!