When applying for jobs, it’s easy to get caught up in the moment when you’re offered a position. It may be tempting to jump right in and sign on the dotted line but control yourself. Perhaps it’s not the right fit for you but it’s too late to back out.

You might get so nerve-wracked during the interviews that you don’t want to say the wrong thing and rock the boat. This prevents you from learning more about the company, the team, the compensation, and the role. Be careful not to get too excited until it’s clear what getting hired entails.

Be thankful for the opportunity but take some time to really evaluate before you accept. You want to be sure that you’ll be treated as a valuable employee and not just a cog in the machine, after all.

Crucial Questions to Ask When Offered a Job

The prospective employer was the one steering the conversation during the interview. Once they give you a job offer, the tables have turned and it’s now your turn to ask questions.

For the Human Resource Department

You want to make sure they can accommodate the benefits package, start date, and compensation you need in their job offer.

What kind of benefits are included?

While it’s not common with remote jobs, compensation packages come with group life insurance, health care, internet allowance, and other benefits.

Many of these can be given only after passing training. Ask your HR what requirements you need for these and when you can start enjoying them.

Can I get this offer in writing?

Make sure to get everything in writing, be it about leave credits or company stock options. Any benefits discussed during the negotiation means nothing unless they’ve been documented and signed.

Any verbal agreements must be put into the contract to avoid headaches in the future.

When do you need me to start?

One of the most important things to check before accepting a job offer is the expected start date. You’ll want to know if you have time to get your affairs in order or not.

When leaving a previous employer, finish everything you can, such as turning over pending tasks.

Will I be getting any leave credits?

Vacation and sick leaves depend on the country you live in and the initiative of your employer.

Philippine businesses are legally mandated to provide 5 days of paid service incentive leave. However, some multi-national enterprises give up to 30 days of paid leaves excluding public holidays.

Do you have a retirement program?

If your new employer is registered in your country of residence, they may have arrangements for social security. Maybe they automatically funnel your contributions to your account so ask about it.

If they don’t, you at least know you need to do it yourself.

How long do new hires last?

It’s great if your predecessor left to pursue their dream job. It’s another matter if the organisation has been trying to fill the same role for the past few years.

There may be underlying issues that you’d rather not deal with, such as a demanding schedule or a micromanaging boss.

For Your New Boss

You want to get a good understanding of what your responsibilities and tasks will be like, as well as determine if the job offer has potential for your professional growth.

What is the onboarding process like?

The process varies greatly, from a month-long program with other new hires to a week-long session with a colleague. The duration of this affects how soon your new superior expects you to deliver results.

If it only involves watching a slideshow, you likely have to hit the ground running.

What will my schedule be like?

Perhaps you’re planning to juggle this job with a side hustle.

The problem is, this new role may demand that you stay late without overtime pay. This greatly affects your income since you’ll have less time earning money at your sideline but get paid the same at this one.

What are my everyday tasks like?

This is just to confirm that you are signing up for the same responsibilities that were listed in the job description and talked about in the interview.

Scope creep is more common than you think and you might end up with more tasks that what you thought there were.

How will communication be done?

You may be in a different time zone from your new boss so you have to know if they want you online at the same time as them.

Customer service specialists will have to be online when clients are but a content writer may not have to be so clarify that.

How do you measure performance?

Ask your new boss what their expectations are from you and what metrics they’ll be using to measure your performance.

In the event that key performance indicators (KPIs) have yet to be established, discuss creating them with your manager along with the frequency of these reviews.

What opportunities for growth are there?

If you left your previous job due to a lack of career development opportunities, check if this new stint has potential.

Look at the organization chart to see where your position fits in it. See if it leads to a dead end or has room for growth.

Raise Your Chances of Getting a Job Offer

Now that you know what questions to ask when offered a job, you have to put in the effort to land it. Get out there and start applying for roles that you’re qualified for.

Are you having a hard time hunting for a prospective employer and getting a job offer? Let us make it easier for you here at Remote Workmate. We update our careers page often so you’ll be informed should there be an opening for you.