What To Do Before Accepting A Job Offer

What To Do Before Accepting A Job Offer
January 23, 2025 Construction People

We often find that candidates overlook the importance of keeping an eye on their long-term career goals while looking for their next job opportunity.  

We suggest that before you accept any offer, take a moment to evaluate what led you to explore new opportunities. Below we’ve highlighted 3 things to consider before accepting an offer, followed by the top 10 benefits of keeping your career goals in mind.

What to do before accepting a job offer

Have you given yourself enough time to evaluate the offer?

Evaluation time is particularly important if you have a specific career objective in mind. By taking a step back, you allow yourself time to reflect on what brought you to your job hunt in the first place, a chance to evaluate the company properly, and time to reach out to your network for advice.

Never feel pressured to sign a contract if offered a job in the interview, and don’t feel pressured to do so by the following day. You’re entirely within your right to ask for more time to evaluate the offer, and we recommend that you do so to avoid ending up in a role that doesn’t serve your immediate or future career goals.

Does the job tick most of your boxes?

At the beginning of your job search, it helps to write down your career goals and what you’re looking to gain from your next position. That way, when an offer comes, you can appraise whether it ticks most* of your boxes. A list of tangible and non-tangible benefits will help keep you focused on what’s important to you in the offer process.

  1. *Note –it’s at the earlier stages of the process that the opportunity should be in the ballpark of what you are interested in, and it doesn’t have to tick absolutely every box, as you won’t know how many it will tick until you apply and then meet with the people / company.

Equally important, especially for those with some experience under their belt, is understanding what you don’t want in a role or employer. Take the time to list the aspects of past roles that didn’t work for you – whether it’s the type or size of projects they completed, size of the project team or builder, their systems, work-life balance, or a company culture that didn’t meet with your values. When reviewing an offer, compare it against this list of ‘cons’ to make sure you’re not stepping back into a situation you’ve intentionally moved away from. Being clear on your deal breakers will help you avoid compromises that could lead to dissatisfaction down the road.

pros and cons list

Have you asked all the questions needed to make an informed decision?

Be bold and ask questions! Asking a potential employer questions can clarify your understanding of the role and whether it’s right for you. If you find that you’ve overlooked asking an important question/s in the interview, a good employer will be happy to have another conversation with you to clear up any queries or concerns you may have. You are far more likely to be successful in a role where you and the employer are clear on each other’s expectations.

Here are 10 benefits of keeping an eye on your career goals

  1. Direction
    Having defined goals acts as a roadmap, making sure you’re moving in the right direction with focus and motivation, even when challenges arise.
  2. Growth
    Tracking your goals ensures you’re constantly learning and improving, making progress toward the next level of your career.
  3. Decision-Making
    When your goals are clear, it’s easier to look at opportunities and select those that contribute to your long-term success.
  4. Prioritisation
    Having a clear sense of your goals helps you avoid distractions and focus on what truly matters to your career.
  5. Adaptability
    As the industry and personal situations change, regularly revisiting your goals ensures you’re flexible and prepared for change.
  6. Fulfillment
    Achieving career goals that resonate with your long-term outlook brings a sense of accomplishment and meaning to your work resulting in job satisfaction.
  7. Performance
    Having specific targets gives you something to strive for and keeps you motivated.
  8. Opportunities
    Clear goals help you spot and take the right opportunities, rather than chasing every possibility.
  9. Work-Life Balance
    When you have set priorities, it becomes easier to manage your career alongside your personal life and well-being.
  10. Success
    Consistently tracking and adjusting your goals provides steady progress towards your career milestones.

 

Looking for your next construction job? Search our current construction roles here, or to chat with our team about securing your next opportunity, get in contact with us through our Contact Us page.

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