The final stages of accepting a job offer are a very exciting time. But there are several things you definitely should not do to make sure you’re on the right path. Here are a few things you should do to make sure you are ready to hit the ground running right from day one.
Logistics
It’s essential to make sure you and your new company are on the same page and have the same expectations out of your new relationship. Do you fully understand the duties and requirements of your new job? Does your job title align with the work you will be doing? Does it meet your professional goals? Do you and your employer know how your success will be measured and how your work will be evaluated? When are you expected to arrive at work? How late will you be expected to stay on-site? When is the expected start date? What sort of workspace can you expect? These are all important questions that must be pinned down before you say yes to an offer, otherwise, miscommunication and different expectations may lead to a rocky start to a new job.
Compensation
Many candidates expect the most critical questions they should ask to be related to their financial compensation. In most cases, now is the time to negotiate your salary or additional benefits. You should ask yourself whether the offered salary is in line with your expectations for the position and whether it is competitive with the salaries of comparable positions. Will the pay rate meet your financial needs and obligations? Is there room for negotiation on behalf of the employer? What benefits are being offered by the company? Are there any external costs you should expect from accepting the job, such as a longer commute, the need to pay for your own parking, or tools or special attire you will need to purchase before starting the new job? If so, it is good to know before accepting the offer if you can fully understand how much your net compensation will be. Get the specifics down on paper as soon as possible to make sure you’re ready to start.
Commute
How long it takes you to get to/from work every day can have a genuine impact on your overall happiness within a role. So, take everything into account when evaluating whether it’s the job for you. But if you know you’re on board, make sure you know how you’re going to get into the office (if you are in the office) on a day to day basis. There are many alternatives to the solo commute into the city if that’s not going to work for you. Finding a carpool or navigating public transit might be a better fit. Just make sure you know how long you’ll be traveling on average so that you don’t run the risk of being late on your first day or two.
Communicate Reliably
You’ll likely be put in touch with HR or the hiring manager as soon as you have accepted the job offer. They will guide you through the process of completing the necessary paperwork and any remaining background checks or training prior to your first day. Make sure you are responsive and providing them with the information they need so that you can be ready to roll up your sleeves on the first day and get down to business.