When you get a job offer, it’s very tempting at this stage to just say yes, but you need to be sure that you’re not just jumping into a role that’s not for you. Once you have accepted an offer, it is rare to be able to improve the terms of your employment.
Of course, money is a large component of the package but it's certainly not the only consideration. So, think about your options and make sure that you’ve decoded the contract before accepting any job. Many ex-military people are uncomfortable with contracts and ‘offer letters’ as you may have had little exposure to them. Therefore we have highlighted 6 key things to consider before accepting a job offer.
1. IS THE COMPANY RIGHT FOR YOU?
Don’t get carried away by the first offer. It is much easier to move from a big corporate to a small/medium sized enterprise (SME) than vice versa. Also training is likely to be more thorough and benefits better value because of greater negotiating power with providers. Given the choice, 9 times out of 10 we would advise those leaving the Armed Forces to go the corporate route to start with, and thereby gain a recognised brand name on their CVs. From that solid foundation all things become possible.
2. DOES IT COME WITH A REASONABLE SALARY AND PACKAGE?
Small companies will generally either make you a high offer (if they see you as key to success) or a low one (if hiring you for potential). Possibly you may strike the jackpot if the firm grows very fast; but what if it doesn’t? A low offer in a small company would need some very tempting additional features to be attractive. But sometimes it is well worth considering an initial ‘step down’ if it comes with genuinely significant benefits.
Large firms will most probably offer you something in the mid ground – a reasonable salary which will grow steadily as your value increases. They are the safe option. Do your own ‘due diligence’ with a sceptical mindset – especially if the company is a small/unknown one, or if the offer sounds too good to be true - very possibly it is. It is quite acceptable to ask for clarification if need be around the supporting aspects of the package: health cover; pension; share options; car allowance etc. Take a read through our article for further guidance and tips on negotiating your salary.
3. IS THERE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR CAREER PROGRESSION AND LONGEVITY?
Long term success and indeed personal happiness is heavily dependent on job satisfaction as well as initial performance. Will the role you have been offered give you that? Is the company culture one that is amenable to you?
4. IS THE ROLE WITHIN YOUR SKILLSET?
Occasionally people manage to secure jobs that are simply beyond them: beware of anything that may overface you, because it will be difficult to recover professionally if you fail. Do your own ‘due diligence’ with a sceptical mindset – especially if the company is a small/unknown one, or if the offer sounds too good to be true - very possibly it is.
5. READ THE CONTRACT THOROUGHLY
Make it plain that you can only formally accept an offer once you have reviewed the draft contract (though you can accept in principle).
Offers are usually valid up till a certain date (10 days or so), and then lapse automatically. Make sure you respond formally/verifiably well before the deadline!
6. GET THE OFFER IN WRITING AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
Asking for an offer letter (or even an email) pending issue of the draft contract (which may take a few days) is perfectly acceptable and gives you a measure of security beyond a mere conversation – this is important if you are also juggling other opportunities.