Job offer checklist

THE OFFER

• Is the financial offer about right? Is there any upward movement possible for the right candidate?
• What are the fringe benefits?
• How will your travel and other costs be refunded?
• Is there a relocation package?
• Do you have details of the employer pension scheme?
• When is the first possible date for a salary review?
• Is the start date agreed?
• Will your employer honour any previous holiday commitments you have made?
• Is the job offer subject to anything, e.g. references, or sight of certificates?

THE ROLE

• Are you clear about the main focus of the job? What will you be doing most of the time?
• Is this a new job? If so, how far are the duties clear, and how much will need to be negotiated as the job develops?
• Are there goals or targets, and are they achievable? What are the consequences if they are not achieved?
• What learning opportunities can you negotiate at the job offer stage?
• What changes to the job description would you like to negotiate at this stage?
• How much of the job is routine? How long will the role keep you interested?
• How far does the job present new challenges? Variety? How much will it stretch you?
• How is the job likely to change in the next one to two years?
• Is this a reasonably good role to add to your CV? How will you explain the decision to take this job in five years’ time?
• What induction training and support is on offer? How soon before you are expected to work independently?

THE ORGANISATION

• Who will you be working for most of the time? Is this a workable relationship?
• What are your colleagues like? How long before you fit into the new team?
• Have you seen tangible evidence of organisational values and culture in action?
• Have you spent any time at all with the people you will actually be working with?
• What is the organisation’s track record on staff retention?
• How long was the previous job holder in the role?