Career Development - The Job Offer

JOB OFFER

You have been recommended for the position by your CNA Consultant and progressed successfully through the interviews. Having given a strong and accurate account of your achievements, knowledge, and values and impressed your prospective new employer, you should not be surprised that a job offer is made to you. In most cases, the offer will be presented to you by your CNA Consultant after lengthy consultation with the client. However, it is also possible that the client decides to present it directly to you at the end of an interview or subsequent meeting. In this case, if it meets your expectations accept it immediately and start your new relationship in the best possible way. If for some reason there are aspects that you are unsure of, it is wise to say that you need a short while to consider it before giving your answer. Call your CNA Consultant as soon as possible and discuss it with him/her. NEVER SAY NO TO THE EMPLOYER!

Your CNA Consultant will not try to coerce you into accepting a role that is not the right fit for you. He / she will have too much respect for both you and the Client to do that. He / she has spent a lot of time gaining an understanding of your aspirations and concerns and these will have been discussed at length with the client. The job offer will have been constructed to attract you. Your CNA Consultant will now advise, guide and help you make the best decision.

Working confidentially with your CNA Consultant, you will need to decide whether to accept the job offer as it stands, or whether there are aspects which need further consideration or negotiation. Many people would love to be in your position. After all, it means your new, prospective employer rates you very highly. They believe you can make a real difference to them.

Key questions to ask yourself

In an ideal world the offer will give you everything you want, however in reality there may be some trade-offs to be considered. People are motivated by different things. For some, its money; for others, its influence or opportunities to build and grow. Here are some questions to help you assess a job offer in its wider perspective:

  1. Package

    • Does the role offer you greater total remuneration, either now or in the future?

    • What scope could there be for further increases in total remuneration during the next 12-24 months?

  1. Company/ organisation

    • Is it secure and financially robust?

    • Does it, or could it, have greater market presence?

    • Does it offer you a new and interesting challenge?

    • Do you identify with its vision, strategy, and values?

  1. Leadership

    • What are the benefits of working with the people you met at the interview?

    • What can you learn and gain from the leadership?

    • Is their vision for the future in line with your ambitions?

  1. Career

    • What scope could there be for further promotion?

    • What is the value of the new skills and experience you will gain?

    • Would this role and/ or organisation add value to your future career?

    • Will it enable you to develop and grow?

  1. Environment

    • Is the location / commute viable?

    • What is the work environment like?

    • Is the flexibility of benefit to you?

  1. Alternatives

    • If I don't accept this job offer, where will my career go with my current employer?

    • How does this job offer compare in the current market?

    • Will an opportunity like this come up again?

Deciding to accept a job offer is a big decision. Turning down a job offer can be an even bigger decision.

Your CNA Consultant is well-placed to help you assess a job offer. Make the most of him/ her.