Do I sign that contract or do I wait for another offer?

The job hunt usually is one of the most exciting and frustrating parts of your life after college, or even just when you’ve decided you want to look for new opportunities. New employer? New environment? New life! You don’t know what awaits, and you don’t know what to do next!

Figuring out your next step could be tough especially when it comes to career mapping. You may feel that there’s a lot of things and people to consider.  And one thing’s for sure — applying for a job always feels like the first time, no matter how many times you’ve done it!

However, once that offer comes in and is placed on your lap, that’s when you have to decide — should you take it?

We’ve listed down some of the things you ought to consider before giving them your signature on the contract:

1. The salary. Because that’s what it amounts to at the end of it all. (Pun intended!) If you’re a fresh graduate, you could consult with professionals who have the same course as you. Ask them what the usual starting salary is.

If this isn’t your first job, then you have to make sure the salary is higher than your usual, even for just a couple beats more. If it’s not that high (for your standards, and for the industry’s standards) consider if this will be a problem for you in the long run (*The key is to always remember your long term goal!) Or if you could live with it until your next increase. Then, you could also ask your interviewer/HR how often the salary increase is.

2. The contract. How long will you be tied to the company? When will you be regularized?

More often than not, the HR/interviewer always asks about your expectations to the company and where you see yourself in five years. You’ll know it’s the right place if you answer it this way:

“I see myself working in this company for a long time, and I know it will help me provide for my family and/or for myself.”

Sounds good, right? At the end of the day, you have to admit that it is your goal to find a place where you fit and can do things for the best.

You need to consider and make sure that you have a contract so you have an assurance that they won’t just let go of you after a few months or after you did a job well done. Think of it as your safety net, that no matter what happens to the company (whether you like it or not) you are covered!

3. The benefits. SSS, PhilHealth, PAG-IBIG, and the 13th month pay are the government-mandated benefits we have on almost every company, but aside from those, what are the other benefits the company can offer? Do the regular employees have health cards? Can you add an extra person as your beneficiary? Rice subsidy? Discount coupons? Seasonal giveaways like Christmas packages?

And based from your job description, will they issue a company phone? A car? A house? Or an onsite place to stay? How do they reward successful milestones? Do they have 14th/15th/16th month pays?

4. The leave credits. How are sick leaves and vacation leaves counted? When do you start earning them? Also take a look at the company’s term for maternity and paternity leaves.

Usually, you start earning leave credits at the sixth month, or upon your first year in the company. This differs for every place, so it’s important you check and compare.

When the salary isn’t that high, the benefits could make up for it.

5. The working days and hours. When are your days off? What time does work start and end for the day? Do they require you to check in via emails or text messages on weekends, holidays, and on the days when you’re on leave?

Some companies offer flexible schedules. For example, if they require 8 hours in the office, you could choose what time in the morning you go, so that you could just adjust when the day ends for you. *This is a good benefit if you’re having a difficult time waking up in the morning.

6. The workplace culture. It helps greatly if you have a friend or an acquaintance working in the company for years now. They could be a great reference regarding the practices in the workplace.

How do they celebrate holidays? Do they go out on company outings and team buildings? Are you allowed to decorate your work area with your photos and stuff?

This may seem like an unimportant matter, but having a good workspace and meeting friends you’ll get along with can help you with your sanity when the work becomes too much.

7. Lastly, the future. We already mentioned this earlier, but to reiterate, try to see yourself in that company and position in the next 6 months. Or the next year. Or the next 2 years. Or the next 5 years. Is your position open for promotion? Or can it be a way to new opportunities for you?

If you see yourself improving and developing your skills there, then it might be the job you’ve been looking and waiting for!

Bonus tip: Before signing that contract, arm yourself with as much knowledge as possible. It may be from an outsider’s point of view but at least it can lessen your anxiety when facing another major change in your life.

And for those with previous job experiences — Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want. Nothing is set in stone yet and everything is negotiable.

Personal stability is what’s most important when it comes down to it. If in the end you think it’s not what makes you feel content, chances are, you’ll feel incomplete and you’ll start looking for another place in just a couple of months.

Make sure you’ve checked completely and gathered all necessary information before making a decision.

These are just some of the noteworthy stuff you need to consider before signing that job offer.  If you think the company has check marks on most of these items (if not all), then that’s when you know you’re on the right track!