You've been offered a job: Good, but ...

You're entitled to bounce up and down if you find a job offer in your e-mail inbox. Not only do your days of sending resumes and cover letters seem to be coming to a pleasant end, being offered a job is in itself flattering and signals a big success in the current competitive market.

However, you are not there yet. A lot of hard work is required to review and occasionally negotiate the package before making a decision on whether to accept the offer or not.

This process can be draining and lengthy based on the details of the offer and the potential of negotiating a better deal.

However, don't just take your time. Some employers may take a tendency to lengthen the process as a lack of interest in the job.

So be clear in your reply that you're willing to accept the job, if you are, and use your knowledge of the time frame for starting the job to push for your requirements. When it comes to reviewing the packages, here are a few tips:

Where is the money?

It is the first thing that is going to catch your eye and the first question you will be asked by family and friends. However, don't just focus on the headline salary number. Some companies may offer you an average salary but better benefits such as bonuses, health insurance, and allowances which translate at the end of the day into more cash in your bank account. Even if money is not the motivating factor for your job hunting, you need at least to maintain your living standard and accept only a package that is fair for your position and experience. An exception can be made when a financial compromise is planned in return for a career move.

Location, location, location

Many people may not think seriously regarding the location details of a particular job until they actually receive an offer. Besides, companies may offer you the job you applied for but at a different location. Anyone who has been in the UAE for the past five years knows pretty well how much a location can make a difference in terms of rents, schools, and commute time. Be sure you confirm the location if it is not mentioned in the offer. Additionally, if you end up in a location that is known to have a particular high-cost item such as rent in Abu Dhabi, try to negotiate an adjustment of your housing allowance. Location can also impact whether you work in the company's headquarters or a regional office, each has its pros and cons which should be seriously considered.

The place

You might be sick of your co-workers, your boss and office politics. But changing jobs may not be the solution for all of the above. Before you make the move, try to discreetly find out as much as possible regarding the corporate culture and the work environment. Yes, office politics exist almost everywhere. But some places are worse than others, particularly for newcomers. While you should not take all the criticism you hear for granted, be careful if you have doubts that the future hostile workplace can impede your professional progress or impact your life.

Dead end — don't enter!

Ensure there is room for growth both professionally and financially. Some companies show their staff the way to realising their goals. For instance, if you're planning to hold a department manager's position in a few years, you should not be taking a job that does not involve supervising any staff. It helps if you have clear goals and you're not tempted by the change for the sake of change.

Personally speaking

We are all human, and working in a place where the industry, the activity or the work environment conflicts with our personal values and preference can be counterproductive. Make sure that you agree with the place and the people you will be working with. Even if you're willing to compromise, be particularly cautious if the conflicts are related to the type of job you will be doing. In other words, you don't have to be best friends with everyone around you, but if you're asked to do a job that clashes with your principles, just say: "No" now.

What is in an offer?