First job offer
Dear Career Curator,
Congratulations! The first offer is a big deal. Take a moment to celebrate the first of many, it gets easier with time and experience. It's important to review the details of the offer closely and take time to compare how it stacks up against your list. Don't have a list? Now is a great time to pull one together. Once you have your list, keep it up to date. Updating your list in the midst of making an important career decision can impact what actually ends up on your list, which can be a positive or a negative; it's not worth the risk to wait.
Review the offer to determine if the details align with what you want. Is the salary what you were expecting? The answer to this question should be based on market research and insight from peers or mentors that have knowledge of the industry and role you are considering. Salary reviews typically go one of two ways at this stage of your career. Either you are blown away by the salary amount offered because it's more money than you have made in your life thus far or you have no idea whether the amount offered is fair because you have not done any market research. Use reputable online resources to properly evaluate the salary. How about the location? If you will be required to relocate for this role, is the company offering to cover your relocation expenses? Job title and responsibilities, are all details outlined as expected? Once you have had the opportunity to review the offer details, outline all of your questions. Be sure that if your questions are related to terms or acronyms that you have at least tried to find the definition (possible for many, not all acronyms). Taking this extra step will make your next conversation much easier.
Ask for clarification. If there's anything you don't understand in the offer or you just need more information, connect with your recruiter. They will be happy to support you, even if that means pulling in another colleague. Remember that note in the previous paragraph about finding definitions on your own, I cannot stress this enough. Asking a question that could have easily been answered with a quick internet search shows a lack of initiative. While the hiring team that you may be working with may not care or even notice, it's a good habit to at least attempt to find general answers on your own. Taking initiative in any scenario will serve you in the long run. After you have had the opportunity to ask your questions, be sure to keep the lines of communication with your recruiter open in case you need their help with anything else. Recruiters offer their time for a reason, use it wisely.
What if you find yourself with more than one job offer? Compare the offers and be clear with your recruiters about how much time you need to make a decision. Don't feel pressured to make a decision quickly if you truly need more time. This is another decision point where your list would help you sort through the details quickly to make the best decision for yourself. It can be tricky, but it's important to not be pressured into making a decision too quickly. Any company that cannot give you a few days to weigh your options, is likely a company that you will regret joining. Where there is one offer, there will be others. Choose the offer that best aligns with your values and career vision.
What you are experiencing is eustress. Pat yourself on the back for landing the first offer. Make the best decision you can with the information you have. Remember that you are allowed to change your mind. Curate a career that is fulfilling, allows you to continually develop new skills, and aligns with your purpose.
With encouragement,
Career Curator
P.S. Yes, sometimes the circumstances call for just saying 'yes'. Accepting the first offer you receive out of excitement is an ill-advised rite of passage, but a rite of passage for most nonetheless.