Do you know what to consider when you’re considering a new job?

If you’re a recent graduate you may feel excited and eager to begin your new career. However, it can also be a nervous time when considering the thousands of applicants and the sluggish economy. With this in mind, many fresh graduates accept the first job offer they receive, but this can be a mistake.

As such, we’ve sought to list the most important considerations that new grads – or anyone, really –  must take into account when considering a new job.

Hint: It’s not only about the $$$, people. Here are the most important factors to consider as well:

COMMUTE

The daily commute associated with a job should play a major factor when considering a job. For example, can you afford the costs associated with a commute (gas, repairs, car maintenance, or even public transportation costs)? It is also important to know whether the salary can make up the associated costs, as well as the stress that comes with a long commute each day. Finally, consider the time lost each day, which could be spent working, socializing or enjoying hobbies.

AUTONOMY

The unspoken rules of the workplace will determine your happiness there. So, find out how much freedom and flexibility you are allowed inside your new job. Many people feel stifled and confined if they are always under orders from a supervisor or limited to inflexible working hours. Finally, consider vacation time, telecommuting and a compressed working week options when evaluating jobs.

TECHNOLOGY

The speed of changing technology has led many companies adopt trends dubbed Bring Your Own Device (BYOD). If you work best from your own device, then this is perfect for you. However, consider the opposite and how it will impact your work. Love your MacBook Air? It’s worth finding out if the company you’re considering uses up-to-date computer systems.

BENEFITS

While certain parts of your new job will be unknown, you should know exactly which benefits come with a potential new job. This makes a comparison to other job offers very simple. Look for a company that offers the best in heath care insurance, pension options and optional extras.

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

Does the job in question offer opportunities for new skill development? In some cases, a lower salary can be offset by the new skills that can be gained, and later used to further your career.

GROWTH OPPORTUNITY

If possible, inquire as to what promotion opportunities are available within the company. Use LinkedIn to see how quickly employees progress (and what positions they are promoted to). It is also worth noting how many other employees of the company will have the same job title as you.

WORKING CULTURE

The working culture will make the biggest difference in how enjoyable you find your working day, which can be more important than the salary offered. Some of the things to consider include: is it a noisy, “open plan office,” or is it a closed-door, heads-down, headphones-in type environment? What is the dress code? Can you use social media at work? In what type of environment do you do your best work?

WHAT ARE SIMILAR POSITIONS OFFERING, SALARY WISE?

To discover the quality of the job offer, compare it to other companies hiring for similar positions. You can find these details online by searching job sites, such as glassdoor.com. Recruiters are another good source of information, as they often have inside information on the companies in your job market.

AND FINALLY, ONE THING NOT TO CONSIDER: A COUNTER OFFER

At some point in your career you will encounter a counter offer. Many employees are mistaken about the implications of a counter offer, imagining they are finally receiving recognition and a deserving salary. However as the positive emotions subside, they later realize their mistake (in staying). Sorry to say it, but a counter offer is usually made because your boss will be inconvenienced by your departure (and not because they sense your value). Not only that, but reports show that 90% of employees who accept a counter offer ‘resign within six months anyway, or are terminated between 6 and 12 months!’

The list above should help you to make an informed decision, instead of taking the first job offer you receive. You’ve worked hard to achieve your degree, so get your career off to the best possible start.

Need help getting started? Give us a call!

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