Should you accept that job or not? 5 questions to know for sure

During my career as a marketer in the recruitment industry, I was contacted by many job seekers agonizing over finding work. They often asked whether to take a second-best offer or wait for anything better. These are not easy questions to answer, however, there are five questions to help with such a complex decision making process. These questions will ensure that your important decision is the right choice.

1. Can you do the job?

Are the company’s expectations for the position in line with your expertise and are they realistic, determined and attainable? Before considering your gut feelings, emotions and family’s views, you might want to ask yourself the vital screening question, “can I do this job”?

If the answer is no, run away before the salary and other job-related benefits start clouding your thoughts. Remember to consider the essence of this job, any expertise a company is expecting of you (not minor tasks such as the corporate tools everyone learns upon joining).

Expectations should be concrete and attainable. Clarity at this stage will ensure you avoid a highly undesirable result later.

2. Are you well-suited to the company and will you enjoy your day-to-day duties?

This one is tricky, as the ability to judge how you will fit-in with the company usually comes with experience. Unless you somehow have great insight into the company, it is unlikely you can judge their corporate culture during brief interviews.

Do not underestimate the importance of fitting-in. This is among the top three most important determining factors in a longstanding and successful career with a company. If in doubt, do not hesitate to discuss with your recruiter more than once.

The same goes for job tasks. Days can be very l-o-n-g if you are overqualified for a job, or if tasks are not well-suited to you. Terrible frustration or boredom may result.

3. If you care about career progression, is there a future for you at the company?

It is critical to understand a clear career path (or lack thereof) at the company at this point. Do not be shy about this, ask your prospective boss directly if you place priority on developing yourself. Also ask: is the company solvent or healthy financially? Whilst this is definitely not a question for your interviewer, you can always research at prospective employer -- so, do your homework.

If your goal is to progress, accepting a good job at the wrong salary level may not satisfy you in the long run. This is particularly true for mid-level to senior positions.

4. What is your gut saying?

Have the confidence to quiet your mind and then listen to your gut feelings. If you already know in your heart that you will hate the job – don’t just settle for this opportunity right away.

I have seen many successful careers born from someone having listened to a positive feeling in their gut from the very start.

5. Is the commute bearable and does family support?

This is a classic. Do you enjoy commuting and is the job in an area you really want to live or work at? If not, I wouldn't recommend accepting this job unless you want to start looking for a new position again soon. Since your decision will impact the lives of your family members as well as yours, I strongly recommend discussing any career changes with those members of your family who will be affected. Yes, at the end of the day it will be your decision, however request their opinions and ask yourself whether their concerns - if any - are reasonable.

Likely, you cannot answer positively for every question mentioned above, because no company or position is perfect. Nonetheless, if you weren’t able to answer most of the questions optimistically while honestly, then you need to seriously reconsider accepting your job opportunity. As a marketer with many years of experience within the headhunting industry, I always recommend discussing your doubts with the role’s recruiting consultant.