Assessing the Job Offer

In this economy, when you have been out of work for some time and are desperate to find a position getting a job offer can feel like a victory. But if might be just the end of a battle, not all job offers are not equal, and it pays to do your homework before accepting. Here are some tips for doing the right research before you say yes.

Know what the boss is like to work for. Do a quick check on linked in or other social networking sites for past employees to see what the turnover has been or check with some friends who might know someone who worked there and you might be able to get some idea of what the boos is like to work for.

Know the company's financial situation. Don't assume that just because the company is making an offer, there isn't trouble ahead. Find out as much as you can about the company's financial stability and market position.

Assess your cultural fit. Yes, the company will be assessing your fit during the interview, but you are the one who will suffer most if there is a mismatch between the company culture and your working style.

Don't rely on the job description. The job descriptions we see today are so generic and all aspects of the job are not covered. Ask specific questions about what you will be doing, who you will be working with, and what the expectations are for your role.