 Step Five Interview: Offer Assessment
| So they've offered you a job. Should
you take it? This is a question only you can answer and it may not be
easy. If you have other applications submitted, should you wait and see
if they pan out? If you have a job now, is the new offer better? The following
exercise provides the criteria and process to help you decide. |
Exercise: Should You Take the New Job?
This exercise helps you compare job offers, job possibilities and /
or your current position. For each job in question, complete the exercise
below. Label each item 1-4: 1=poor, 2=fair, 3=good, 4=excellent. Then
add up the score.
Compare the scores to make your decision or just to assess your current
job. If one job's overall score is 10 points higher than another, think
seriously about choosing the first job. You might also select five items
that matter most to you from the list below and compare the scores of
just these to decide. It's up to you.
|
| ___ |
Meaningful and Challenging
work
spend most of my time on important, worthwhile assignments;
have a variety of quality assignments
|
| ___ |
Possibility to Maximize My
Potential
opportunity to use my interests and abilities; chance
to pursue what I like most; makes best use of my greatest skills
and talents |
| ___ |
Opportunity to Meet Career
/ Life Plan Goals
meets immediate and short-term professional / personal
needs; furthers my long-term objectives for professional / personal
life
|
| ___ |
Pay and Benefits
compares with industry average; commensurate with
my experience, education and achievements; adequately compensates
for all hours, including overtime; offers prospects for increasing
income; benefits adequate for my needs, age and dependents
|
| ___ |
Relationship with Supervisor(s)
compatible personalities; same management / work
style; similar values, goals and ethics
|
| ___ |
Relationship with Coworkers
/ Subordinates
compatible personalities and work styles; positive
overall morale
|
| ___ |
Corporate Identity and Culture
relate to company's purpose / products; company engaged
in social policies or practices compatible with my beliefs
|
| ___ |
Work Environment
basic atmosphere and ambiance; comfortable and well-equipped;
meets health and safety standards
|
| ___ |
Location
in desirable city and neighborhood; easily accessible
|
| ___ |
Advancement Opportunity
short-term / long-term opportunities for advancement;
positive growth potential; policy toward promoting from within;
record for upholding equal opportunity policies
|
| ___ |
Level of Job Stress
sufficient time to meet deadlines; how demanding
management is; types of crises encountered; likelihood of burnout
or health problems |
|
| ___ |
Work Schedule
hours per week; requirements for working on weekends,
holidays, split shifts; how much vacation and holiday time
|
| ___ |
Freedom and Flexibility
control over what I do and when projects are due;
express personal preferences in dress and conduct; flextime possible
|
| ___ |
Authority and Responsibility
have the authority to meet responsibilities for which
I'm accountable; how many decision-making opportunities; how many
people do I supervise
|
| ___ |
Status and Recognition
proud to be associated with this company; how do
peers, clients, friends regard this job; does it measure up to my
abilities and education; what type of feedback given for my accomplishments
|
| ___ |
Opportunity for Professional
Growth
lets me become more knowledgeable and proficient
in my field; chance to acquire more skills through training programs
or tuition reimbursement
|
| ___ |
Job Security
company turnover rate; prospects of cutbacks or mergers;
might my job be eliminated within the organization
|
| ___ |
Economic Outlook
how position affected by local, national, international
economic conditions; keeping up with technological advances and
other changes
|
| ___ |
Impact on Personal Life
enough time and energy to enjoy a balanced lifestyle
and outside interests; how affects my overall physical and mental
health
|
| ___ |
Impact on Others
how does my schedule, including travel, affect my
spouse, family, friends; must family participate in work-related
social activities |
adapted from Before You Say "I
Quit!"
by Diane Holloway, Ph.D. and Nancy Bishop
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