Factors to Consider Before Accepting a Job Offer

Searching for a job is hard work. Scanning help-wanted listings, researching companies, sending out customized cover letters and résumés and attending interviews can be tiring and time-consuming. If you're like most job seekers, you're excited -- or at least relieved -- when your efforts result in an employment offer.
In some cases, a pressing need for a paycheck may outweigh any potential drawbacks to a new role, especially given the uncertain economy and rising prices for gas and food. But if you are in a position to be selective, you must consider every angle before rushing to accept a prospective employer's offer. After all, a new full-time job usually isn't a short-term affair. Following are some guidelines to help you determine whether to accept a job offer or wait for a better opportunity:
Scrutinize the job description

Carefully reviewing the job requirements, key tasks and responsibilities, as well as whom you will report to, may be the single most important step in assessing an offer from a potential employer. Ask yourself these questions:

• Will you enjoy the day-to-day duties of the position?
• Will you be challenged?
• Is the level of responsibility appropriate considering your experience?
• Are you willing to make any required lifestyle changes (e.g., travel, longer commute, rigid work hours) that may affect your quality of life?

If the answer to any of these questions is no, accepting the position might not be in your best interest. While some negative factors can be overlooked -- a slightly lower starting salary than you prefer, for instance -- fundamental problems with the job itself are a definite deal-breaker.

Evaluate the company
The work environment affects how you feel on a daily basis, so make sure it's one you feel comfortable in. If, for example, you strongly prefer a conservative corporate culture with set hours and established processes, you probably won't be happy in an informal atmosphere with a "fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants" business approach.
Also consider the work styles of your future boss and co-workers. If you sense that you and your potential colleagues have conflicting styles or personalities, tread carefully. While differences in character and opinion can result in better group dynamics, frequent disagreements often lead to unproductive and unhappy work teams.
Review the compensation package
How does the salary compare to what you made in your last position or what others in your specialty and with the same skills earn? Take a look at the benefits package, too. How generous are the perks? Keep in mind that attractive benefits can sometimes outweigh sub-par compensation.
Or perhaps you're offered a job that requires you to work long hours but offers the option to telecommute. Being able to work from home several days a week may give you the time you need to attend to personal obligations and compensate for the rigid work schedule. Additionally, if an offer meets most of your requirements but doesn't include a benefit that's important to you -- such as tuition reimbursement for a professional certification you seek -- it doesn't hurt to ask if that perk can be included in your employment agreement.
Ask about opportunities for growth
There's nothing worse for your career than getting stuck in a dead-end job. While a so-so role may be fine in the short term, holding a position that does not allow for advancement for an extended period of time can take a toll on your health and happiness.
Try to get a realistic idea of the growth opportunities available within the company. For example, have people who held the job before you moved up with the firm? Where did your prospective manager start out? If the answers to such questions don't seem to support a policy of promoting from within, you may want to continue your job search.
Careful consideration of the issues discussed above will help you decide whether to accept, reject or negotiate a better offer. If, after evaluating each of these points, you are still unsure which way to swing, go with your gut. If your intuition tells you that something is a little off, conduct some additional research or ask more questions of the hiring manager before making your decision. Moving into a new role is a big step, and you want to enter the arrangement knowing all the facts. With a thoughtful analysis of the pros and cons, you'll be able to make the best decision for your career.

Résumé Rules: Dos and Don'ts for Success

One of the biggest challenges for most administrative professionals searching for a job is creating a compelling résumé. It doesn't help that the rules for crafting this document change frequently. (e.g., Should you keep your résumé to one page? Is it wise to include your hobbies?)
That's why it's important to know the current dos and don'ts of résumé writing. The following tips will help you persuade a potential employer that you're the best candidate for the job:
Do target the content.
Take the time to tailor your résumé to the requirements of each position you're applying for by highlighting your relevant skills and experience. For instance, if you are applying for an entry-level data entry opportunity, you might devote more space to the data entry work you performed during a summer internship than your accomplishments as a receptionist while with the company.
Don't forget to start with a bang.
To capture your readers' attention right away, begin your résumé with a brief summary of your qualifications. Here's an example: "Dedicated administrative professional with thorough knowledge of Office programs and excellent written and oral skills. Possess Certified Administrative Professional rating and four years of professional experience." By clearly describing your professional background, as well as any designations you possess, at the top of your résumé, you'll stand out as a hiring manager plows through dozens of documents.
Do emphasize ROI (return on investment).
It's a common résumé trap to highlight a "laundry list" of skills you possess instead of showing how you used those abilities to impact the company's bottom line. For example, rather than saying, "trained employees on new timesheet process," you might write, "developed a PowerPoint presentation and gave hands-on instruction to 25 staff members, cutting timesheet-related tasks in half."
Don't think you must keep your résumé to one page.
While the traditional advice has been to limit résumés to one page, most managers today are willing to read past the first page. Nearly half (44 percent) of executives polled by our company said they prefer résumés that are two pages long. Employers are willing to spend more time reviewing application materials in an effort to determine who is most qualified for a certain role. Just don't go overboard: Hiring managers want to see that applicants can prioritize information and concisely convey the depth of their experience.
Do choose your words wisely.
Many organizations electronically scan résumés and search keywords, so, if your experience matches what the company is looking for, try to include the exact phrases and specific applications listed in the job description. If the description asks for an individual who possesses three or more years of administrative experience and a Certified Administrative Professional designation, and you have this background, be sure you include these points in your résumé. This will increase the number of hits your résumé generates during the initial screening process and improve your chances of being invited for an interview.
Do sweat the small stuff.
Eighty-four percent of executives polled by our company said it takes just one or two typographical errors in a résumé to remove a candidate from consideration for a job opening; 47 percent said a single typo could be the deciding factor. So in addition to proofreading your document several times, ask a few close friends to review your résumé before sending it out. They may spot problems your spell-check function didn't catch.
And some final don'ts:
· Don't list a quirky e-mail address on your résumé. Employers generally don't want to ask "luvtohunt@xyx.com" or "partygrl000@abc.com" in for an interview. Instead, create a separate account for professional purposes.
· Don't include irrelevant personal information, such as your favorite food or hobbies. If you volunteer at an organization or speak a second language that relates to the job, it's OK to mention that information.
· Don't use complete sentences; hiring managers prefer short, bulleted statements.
While there is no magic formula for creating the perfect résumé, there are certain things to do and not do that will increase your chances of success. By following these, you'll create a standout document.

How to Answer These Tricky Interview Questions

Does the thought of going on a job interview cause your palms to sweat and your body to break out in hives? Stop itching; you're not alone. The vast majority of job seekers admit to emotions ranging from mild uneasiness to downright panic leading up to their interviews. The good news is there have been no reported cases of job seekers who died of nervousness during a job interview. So relax and follow these simple tips for keeping your anxiety at bay before and during your interview.First, take the proper amount of time to prepare for your interview. Being well-prepared will boost your confidence and lower your anxiety. Experts recommend that you spend at least three hours preparing for each interview. You should draft answers to the most common interview questions and practice speaking them out loud. You also should read up on the company with which you will be interviewing and prepare some questions of your own. This lets the interviewer know that you are truly interested in the company and the position. As a final step in your preparation, make sure you have good directions to the interview site. Some job seekers make a dry run to the interview site to ensure the directions are correct and to estimate the amount of time they will need to get to the interview on time. Going into a job interview is often like entering the great unknown. Although every interviewer is different and questions vary from industry to industry, there are some questions that are common across the board. Reading through the following questions and developing your own answers is a good place to start in your preparation. Once you have done that, remember practice makes perfect! Nothing impresses a potential employer like being ready for whatever is thrown your way.

Why should we hire you?
Here's the chance to really sell yourself. You need to briefly and succinctly lay out your strengths, qualifications and what you can bring to the table. Be careful not to answer this question too generically, however. Nearly everyone says they are hardworking and motivated. Set yourself apart by telling the interviewer about qualities that are unique to you.
Why do you want to work here?
This is one tool interviewers use to see if you have done your homework. You should never attend an interview unless you know about the company, its direction and the industry in which it plays. If you have done your research, this question gives you an opportunity to show initiative and demonstrate how your experience and qualifications match the company's needs.
What are your greatest weaknesses?
The secret to answering this question is being honest about a weakness, but demonstrating how you have turned it into a strength. For example, if you had a problem with organization in the past, demonstrate the steps you took to more effectively keep yourself on track. This will show that you have the ability to recognize aspects of yourself that need improvement, and the initiative to make yourself better.
Why did you leave your last job?
Even if your last job ended badly, be careful about being negative in answering this question. Be as diplomatic as possible. If you do point out negative aspects of your last job, find some positives to mention as well. Complaining endlessly about your last company will not say much for your attitude.
Describe a problem situation and how you solved it.
Sometimes it is hard to come up with a response to this request, particularly if you are coming straight from college and do not have professional experience. Interviewers want to see that you can think critically and develop solutions, regardless of what kind of issue you faced. Even if your problem was not having enough time to study, describe the steps you took to prioritize your schedule. This will demonstrate that you are responsible and can think through situations on your own.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
The secret to this question is being specific and selecting an accomplishment that relates to the position. Even if your greatest accomplishment is being on a championship high school basketball team, opt for a more professionally relevant accomplishment. Think of the qualities the company is looking for and develop an example that demonstrates how you can meet the company's needs.
What are your salary expectations?
This is one of the hardest questions, particularly for those with little experience. The first thing to do before going to your interview is to research the salary range in your field to get an idea of what you should be making. Steer clear of discussing salary specifics before receiving a job offer. Let the interviewer know that you will be open to discussing fair compensation when the time comes. If pressed for a more specific answer, always give a range, rather than a specific number. Tell me about yourself.
While this query seems like a piece of cake, it is difficult to answer because it is so broad. The important thing to know is that the interviewer typically does not want to know about your hometown or what you do on the weekends. He or she is trying to figure you out professionally. Pick a couple of points about yourself, your professional experience and your career goals and stick to those points. Wrap up your answer by bringing up your desire to be a part of the company. If you have a solid response prepared for this question, it can lead your conversation in a direction that allows you to elaborate on your qualifications.