QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE ACCEPTING A JOB OFFER

A great job is more than the salary in an offer letter. When deciding on whether to accept a new job offer you need to have a checklist. Make sure you get all your questions asked before accepting a job offer and don’t be shy about it.

The last thing you want to do is quit a job after a few weeks. Because you hate your new boss, the drive is too long, or other reasons.

By asking good questions during the interview process and after an offer is made you can avoid these mistakes. 

1. Is the company stable with a good reputation?

You don’t want to join a company that may be shutting its doors in the next 12 months.

Read reviews about the company on glassdoor.com, google, the better business bureau, and other places to see what other people are saying about them. 

Reviews are not always 100% accurate. They will however give you a general feel on how the company is currently doing. How the company treats its customers and how employees view the company’s outlook.

Make sure the company you join aligns with your values.

2. What is the company culture like?

Every company has its own unique culture. This is a big part of what makes a company a great place to work or a nightmare.

You want to make sure your work ethic and personality will mesh with the co-workers you interact with on a daily basis.

3. What does the benefits package look like?

You will want to know what the benefits package is to make sure there are no surprises when you start.

Health Insurance benefits questions include

• How long after I start am I eligible for benefits?
• Do you offer health, dental and vision insurance?
• Who is the insurance provider?
• What is the yearly deductible?
• What portion of the monthly premium am I responsible for?
• Does the company pay a portion of the family premium (if applicable)?

Do you have a 401k program? If so ask these questions

• When am I eligible to make 401k contributions?
• What is the percentage of the employer match?
• Is there a vesting schedule or is it a Safe Harbour 401k plan?
• What are my investment options?
• What are the fees associated with the fund choices?
• Are there any other fees to be aware of?
• Can I rollover my current 401k plan into the company plan?

Ask about vacation time and sick days?

• How much paid vacation time do I receive per year?
• Do unused vacation days roll over to the next year?
• How many sick days do I receive per year?

4. Am I comfortable with the pay offered?

If you are not happy with the compensation package ask for more you just might get it.

It’s important you are satisfied with the pay because quitting the job a few months down the road for more money is a waste of your time and the companies time spent training you.

5. Does the company have a bonus plan?

The company may not have a bonus plan but it’s a good question to ask at the offer stage.

This is because the salary could be less than you want but with expected bonuses, it could be far more than you anticipated.

6. Does the position offer room for advancement?

If you are seeking career advancement in your next position then you better make sure the job has some upward mobility potential.

If it doesn’t keep looking for an opportunity that does so you can reach your career goals.

7. Is the commute to and from work ok?

During your job hunt don’t take a job where the drive is too far for you. Sure you may make the drive for a few months but you will tire quickly of the traffic.

See if you can work remotely.

If you can’t work remotely do yourself and the company a favor. Keep looking for something closer to your home if the drive is terrible, or be prepared to relocate closer after a few months.

8. Am I excited about the position?

Do the company’s outlook and opportunity excite you? Can you see yourself working at the company for a long time? Are the duties, responsibilities, and skills that you learn an asset to your resume? 

It’s never a good idea to reluctantly take a job. Sure sometimes the position turns out to be a great opportunity once you get started but it could be a dead-end as well.

9. How long do I have to accept the position?

If you receive a job offer ask the company when they want an answer.

You make be deciding on several offers. Missing a deadline to inform the employer of your decision may cause them to rescind the offer.

Make you ask for adequate time to make an informed decision.

10. What is my expected start date for the position?

Every good employer should understand that you need to put in a two weeks notice with your current employer.

Those companies that don’t should raise a red flag.

Have the company put the start date in your offer letter to avoid any surprises.

11. What does my daily job responsibilities entail? 

Employers don’t always tell you everything involved in the role as they don’t want to scare you off. Often times job descriptions can be really vague.

It is your job to ask the hiring manager good questions during the interview process. These questions will make sure the job is something you can do and will do effectively.

12. How is success in this role measured?

Many companies use analytics and metrics to measure performance. Ask the hiring manager during the interview. What type of people have been successful in the role and what made them successful.

13. How does the onboarding process work?

On-boarding is a huge part of the hiring process. Bad onboarding processes cost employers significant amounts of money each year. By knowing these processes upfront you can save a lot of aggravation down the road.

You need the correct information, mentor ship, and the right training to succeed in your new role. Make sure this company provides you with the tools and support it takes to succeed.

14. What will my weekly schedule be?

If you are accepting a salaried job and you are expected to work 60 hours a week that could be a problem.

You want to make sure the compensation package matches your expected hours that are generally required each week for work.

15. Who will I report to on a daily basis?

Before accepting a new job make sure you get to have a conversation with your direct boss.

Usually, you will be interviewing with this person during the interview. However, your direct manager could have been out sick, on vacation, or out of the office for some reason.