Congratulations!  You have completed a successful job search and now need to make an important decision.  Begin by determining how your career needs match the position you are considering.  Ask yourself questions such as, "Will this particular industry help meet my career goals"? or, " Will this particular company meet my personal and career needs"?  Normally, companies will give you at least one week to make a decision -- and it may not be an easy one.  Never accept the job offer right away; generally the candidate is expected to politely ask by what date the company wants a decision.  If you have researched the company previously in your job search and have asked questions during the interview, you have a head start.   Although you will want to assess several aspects regarding the position, here is an example of three main areas to consider and concentrate on as you assess the job offer.   Hopefully this will help you develop a set of criteria in evaluating the position:   the organization itself, the nature of the work you will be performing, and the opportunities available within the company.

The Organization – Obtain as much information about the company as possible. For example:

• Does the organization’s business or activity coincide with your interests and beliefs? Look at the organization’s products or services and also know the organization’s purpose.

• Where is the job located?  If it is in another city, consider such things as the cost of living, housing and transportation availability, and recreational requirements.

The Nature of the Work – Consider the day-to-day work. You will most likely be unhappy if you dislike the day-to-day responsibilities. For example:

• Does the work match your interests and make good use of your abilities?   Make sure you find out beforehand what your responsibilities will include.

• Do the other employees seem friendly and cooperative?  You will more than likely be required to work directly with others – do they seem like people with whom you could effectively work?  Also, are you comfortable with the supervisor? Try to meet this individual before accepting the offer; personality conflicts can get in the way of success.

The Opportunities – Will you be able to grow and move up within the company?  You should have an idea regarding these possibilities.   A lack of opportunities can dampen your interest and result in boredom and frustration.

Assessing job offers thoroughly is very important. Your final decision will most likely influence your future happiness and self-fulfillment as well as your success. Take the time necessary to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each job offer.  On the back of this handout you will find an example step-by-step decision-making matrix useful in sorting various aspects of job offers which will enable you to select the alternative that best coincides with your personality, needs, and interests.

STEP 1: Draw the chart shown below. Under the heading "criteria" list each factor you think is important to you in your job or career.  Factors to include can range from prestige and glamour to salary or having a certain restaurant in the area.  Make your criteria list as comprehensive as possible.

STEP 2: Across the top, list "rating" followed by each job you are considering.  The example below compares a dance company to an insurance sales position.

STEP 3: Next, in the second column, rate each criterion you have listed on a 1 to 10 scale, according to how important that particular criterion is to you overall. Now, rate each criterion, by job, on a 1 to 10 scale according to your perceptions of how much of that particular requirement you will "get" in each job. In other words, rate each company to the degree you believe each job will satisfy your criteria.