Read these 5 questions to ask yourself when you get your first job offer. Take time to evaluate the job offer before you accept it.
No one knows the right answer to this question. How you envisioned yourself to be after graduation might be far different from reality.
When I was a fresh grad, I badly wanted to work as a news reporter. I dreamt of being on TV while I was reporting on different current events. Then I planned to be a writer. The truth is, I was willing to accept anything as long as I was working in media industry.
The days passed by so fast and I saw myself working in a private company. After 2 years, I worked as an instructor. That’s the beginning of my endless sidelines!
There are so many things that could happen to your career. This is why it is important to evaluate yourself and align your job with your reality.
If you’re struggling in finding your first job, here are the questions you can ask yourself.
1. Do I see myself doing this job in the next 3 years?
Remember that your career is what you’re going to do daily for the next 2-3 years. You will need to render 8 hours of your life in a company doing the position you applied for.
If you’re a bank officer, you should see yourself doing the processes daily. This is why it’s important to note the job qualifications and responsibilities in every advertisement.
2. Does the job offer’s salary package cover my needs?
When you’re a student, you’re used to accepting jobs that cover your allowance. While those opportunities are good, you also have to consider your financial goals as you grow older.
For instance, you’re offered 15,000 starting salary. You then noticed than 10,000 will go directly to your monthly allowance for food, clothing and transportation. You will not be able to save anything if you accept that job.
This is why it’s very important to accept offers that will be enough for you at the moment.
3. Is the office accessible? Am I willing to travel?
This question is not applicable to jobs that require travelling to other areas. In the Philippines, before the pandemic happened, we’re all aware how notorious traffic could be especially during rush hours.
At this point, companies are giving employees a chance to choose between office and remote jobs. If you’re not willing to report to your office, it’s better to search for jobs that require work from home.
If you live in Quezon City and you have to work in Makati, you better check your willingness to devote 1-2 hours of your life travelling.
4. Is the job offer relevant to my long term plans?
I worked as an ESL teacher because I planned to be a school instructor. While studying for LET, I made sure that I would be able to gather enough skills in my current job.
It does HELP that your current work can be a big help to your future plans.
Maybe you’re thinking of working abroad that requires you to attend a lot of trainings. I guess it’s time for you to start finding jobs that will enable you to have flexible schedule.
Definitely, it’s going to be a good start for you.
5. What other benefits does this job offer?
You are very lucky if you find a company that provides all sorts of benefits such as health cards, loans, allowance, international travel and others.
The truth is that not every company can afford to give these to their workers. This is why it’s important for you to check the benefits you see online.
Maybe you have a parent you want to be a dependent for your health card. Then it’s good to look for companies providing one.
Or, you’re looking for companies providing scholarships for graduate schools. Do not be shy to reap off these rewards or incentives.
Don’t be shy to ask for these benefits during your job interview!
