As exciting as it is to start a new gig, it can also be super nerve-racking.  What if the job offer isn’t as perfect as you expected?  Should you stay with your current company or jump ship anyway?

As you’ll see from this week’s viewer email, you’re not alone on this one.   In this week’s video, you’ll learn three tips to consider each and every time you’re faced with a job offer, so you don’t jump ship into a pool of sharks.

Is the grass really greener?

Some say, you wont know until you get there.  I say, there are some things you can do to save yourself the unnecessary drama .  The best way, is to do your homework.  Check out company reviews from both glassdoor.com and indeed.com.  Read as many reviews about the company as you can, while keeping track of the pros and cons as you go.  Make sure the cons that do surface aren’t deal breakers for you.

You need the inside scoop.  This is where I leverage LinkedIn.  Strategically reach out to people from the prospective company, at least three, and get their insight on working there.  Look for common themes amongst the responses.  This gives you some insight on how you might feel – positive or negative – if you joined their corporate family.

Did you make your expectations clear?

There’s nothing like disappointment with a job offer because you didn’t ask for the things you wanted.  Deciding where you want to continue your career is a big decision.  Be clear with yourself and the company on what you’ll need to seal the deal.  Whether it’s pay, title or scope of the job, don’t make assumptions.  When you get to the offer stage, you want to have laid out your needs.  If they still cant deliver on your expectations, that may be a signal for you to walk away or…

Are your expectations too high?

You deserve awesome things…but, there is no such thing as a perfect offer.  There is always a level of sacrifice with a job offer or company change.  So the question you must be clear on for yourself is, “just how much am I willing to sacrifice?”  There are three areas I encourage you to remain firm on; a great work environment, an opportunity to learn new skills and  experiences, and the opportunity for career advancement.  If those critical items are met, have some flexibility on the other things.  Those three things are truly priceless.

Now comes the fun part, I get to listen to you!  So tell me, was this helpful?  Leave a comment below, share your thoughts with other viewers and sign up for email updates.  You never know how your voice will impact someone’s life.  Need some personalized career attention?  Work with me and get 10x the career love and attention.

The corporate world needs that brilliance that only you bring.  So go out into the world, act with conviction, be courageous and live joyfully every single day.

XOXO,

Adwoa

Adwoa Dadzie is a Director of Human Resources and Corporate Career Strategist. The views expressed in this post are Adwoa’s and do not reflect the views of her employer. Follow her on Twitter @adwoadadzie3, Instagram @adwoadadzie, Periscope @adwoadadzie3, or visit her at adwoadadzie.com.