Four Questions to Ask Before Accepting an Offer

It’s always exciting to receive a job offer, so congratulations are in order! The hiring manager reviewed plenty of resumes and went through rounds of interviews, so it’s quite flattering to know you ended up at the very top of the list.

Accepting a new job is a life-changing decision, so your next steps need to be taken very seriously. Before rushing to sign and deliver your acceptance letter, take a step back and make sure both the position and the company are the right fit for you.

If you haven’t already asked the questions below, now is the time to reach out to the hiring manager with these inquiries. The response you receive will either solidify your desire to join the team or make you realize it’s just not the right move for you.

How will my success be measured?

Working for a company that shares your values is essential, so make sure your definition of success aligns with that of your potential employer. For example, if you feel successful when you take the time to talk with patients and thoroughly answer all of their questions, you’re not going to fit in at an organization that places a huge emphasis on patient volume.

Is there room for advancement?

Starting over at a new company takes a great deal of time and effort, so you don’t want to accept a dead-end job. Sure, you might gain some good resume experience, but it doesn’t matter how amazing your accomplishments are if you won’t get a promotion. If there are no jobs above this one you could work your way up to and the hiring manager doesn’t seem willing to create one for you, hold out for an opportunity with room to grow.

What hours will I typically be expected to work?

You might not have been comfortable asking this question during the interview process, but now it’s fair game. Even if you already know your work hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., follow up to make sure this is really the schedule you’ll be asked to adhere to. Occasionally working extra hours during busy periods is standard, but if overtime is a normal way of life at the company, you need to know this now. Expand on the question by asking if you’ll be expected to stay in touch with the office during your off-hours, as this will impact your life.

Do you offer flexible working options?

An increasing number of companies now offer the ability to work from home, compressed workweek and other flexible working options, so find out if this is a possibility. Even if you don’t need this benefit now, it may prove incredibly useful in the future. Beyond the sheer convenience of these options, employers that offer them are typically more innovative and forward-thinking, while those who don’t tend to be traditional and rigid.

Accepting a new job is a huge decision; take your time to make sure you’re making the right choice. If you would like to learn more about how we can help you find your next behavioral health position, contact us today at (513) 651-9500 or by email at [email protected].

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