After many applications and interviews, you may feel on top of the world to be at the receiving end of a job offer.
But before you jump on it, know that your excitement may cloud your thinking and as such dispel any telltale signs of a bad job offer.
This article aims to teach you how to scrutinize job offers and give you clarity about the decision you are faced with- to accept or decline a job offer?
Features of a Bad Job Offer
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Unclear job role
Job roles are outlined to provide clarity on key job responsibilities, to enable organizations to maximize employees, and to help the employees deliver optimally.
If a company fails to outline specific responsibilities, there is a huge chance they might have a skeleton or two in their cupboard.
For one, it might be an attempt to overwork and subject you to duties outside of your typical jurisdiction.
Second, it can point to an underlying problem in the company’s organizational structure.
There may exist a lack of functionality and organization, and that would hamper your career growth in the long run.
The worst-case scenario is, you could be the face of a Ponzi scheme that could potentially put you behind bars.
Whatever the reason for their secrecy is, it never points to something good.
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Substandard salary
This points to a vital thing- the company has failed to prioritize employee welfare. The result? The chances of the company crumbling under the weight of unhappy dissatisfied employees are high.
Not only would you end up unsatisfied, future career plans could be affected.
Just like anyone aspiring for career success, you would want to work in a thriving company that will give you the chance to grow as a professional and give your resumé a facelift that could potentially open the door to a plethora of opportunities.
And even though you might be desperate, want to excuse this and only pursue a job just for a short time, take caution. Unless you really need it, don’t pursue jobs for the short term. Constantly switching between jobs could paint you as someone who is incapable of holding down a job and can therefore hurt your career in the long run.
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Lengthy work hours
An ideal job is one that requires just about 40 hours per week.
Working at a job that requires over 60 hours per week or more could prove to be damaging over time as a result of stress and burnout that may ensue.
Reduced job satisfaction, low work output, deficient work-life balance and many more can stem from being overworked.
Research also purports that in extreme cases, physical health could be compromised.
No matter the salary and benefits offered, your mental and physical well-being is not worth sacrificing.
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A mismatch between personal and company values
Every employee is a subsect of the company they work with. Akin to body cells, they form the functional units of the organization.
If there exists some form of misalignment between your prospective employer’s values and yours, you can expect a lot of friction in your work.
Find out the company culture ahead of time by delving into some research. Go on the company site in search of the mission statement, and ask current company employees about the culture.
Also, during the interview process, there are usually telltale signs that you might need to move on to other job prospects.
Did the interviewer avoid answering questions about company operations? Did the interview start later than the stipulated time?
They may appear minute and insignificant but these should not be ignored. The hiring process is to determine if the candidate and company are a good match and that should go both ways. Scrutinize them as much as they scrutinize you.
During interviews, candidates are usually given a chance to ask questions. Use that as an opportunity to ask as much as you can.
After that, gauge your employer, and ask yourself “Knowing what I know now, would this be the right work environment for me?”
If after this, you find that the organization is not a place you would resonate with, it’s best to decline the job offer and avoid the future pain of swimming against the tide.
Finally;
You should screen job offers as much as your prospective employers screen you.
Don’t make a hasty regretful decision that could have been avoided if only you had paid more attention to the job offer.