After many hours of searching for work, some HR personnel called and offered to hire you. You’re absolutely thrilled at the moment!
Before you rush to accept the job offer, don’t get too excited about the proposal. Your career could be at a crucial turning point. Job offers are so tempting that you don’t want to turn them down or ask for details. This could ruin your momentum. But most career seekers still don’t understand the importance of that phone conversation – it’s the best time to negotiate for your future. It’s so exciting that they don’t grasp the chance to deal.

1. The Work Setup

It is likely that you will stay with the company for a long time. You can’t avoid repetitive tasks and monotony at some point. You need to ensure that you are able to breathe fresh air while you work. Ask about your work schedule. What hours are you willing to work each day? Are you prompted to complete tasks on weekends when it becomes difficult? Will you be required to travel to distant places in any case? These answers will be excellent for you and should be tolerable at the worst.

2. Benefits Package

Ah, the benefits. This is the reason you have been trying to get hired. You shouldn’t make the leap unless you are a mad scientist willing to go broke for the love and benefit of his work. Ask politely if you can obtain a complete copy of the entire package. It might seem like you have a great job and a nice place to work, but it turns out that there isn’t enough money to support your family at home. It is worth taking the time to read it through before you finally give your consent.

3. Workloads

Loads are ironic because you may be wishing for it but not being employed. When it comes to corporate responsibilities, there is an old saying: Don’t eat more than you can chew. Before you accept a job, make sure to ask about the task that you will be assigned. It’s better not to take a job offer if it seems too onerous or you have second thoughts.

4. Locate Your Office

Are you willing to drive for two hours to get to your destination? If you travel for two hours to get to the office, it will take you four hours per day. If you work a five-day schedule, that’s twenty hours per week driving or riding public transport. Twenty hours is half your 40-hour work week. This will take too much time, so you should consider the distance to your depot before entering into a deal.

5. There is room for growth

Ask yourself the same interview question: Where do you see yourself five years from now? You’re headed for a dead end if you think you’ll stay in the same cubicle for five years. If you are really interested, accept the job offer. After some time, however, you may want to reconsider a company with a lower salary but great opportunities for professional development.

Kate Ross-Myers is a New York-based human resource magazine. Her experience includes preparing resources for training, recruiting, and hiring. Kate speaks at conventions and forums on employee growth and wellness.