Granted, jobs aren’t that easy to come by nowadays. Even that, however, is no reason to grab just about any offer that comes along and ruing a mismatch later on. Finding the right firm to partner with can ensure that you are constantly challenged and have opportunities for career growth. On the other hand, incompatibility can lead to bitterness and low productivity. Here are factors to consider before you say “yes”:

1. Compensation. Find out if you are getting a fair deal. Some of the things you need to know: Is the package competitive with the market or industry? Are there financial incentives such as annual salary reviews and performance bonus schemes? What about non-monetary perks? Does the company offer health insurance, retirement, employee assistance or other packages? Do research before you commit yourself.

2. Growth and vision. Look into the firm’s stability, growth potential, market share. Be sure that the company is braced for long-term business and isn’t about to collapse anytime soon. Find out if the employer has a clear-cut vision and if its values match yours. Try to get information about the company from its annual report, from business publications and from the Net.

3. Culture. Check if the culture suits your personality and work style. Is the atmosphere too casual or too corporate for you? Will you thrive in a deadline-oriented place, or do you prefer less pressure-cooker environs? Is the company strictly by the clock, or does it allow more flexible work hours? Will you enjoy working with the people in the workplace? Try to get a feel of the place during the interviews to give you an idea.

4. Philosophy. Does the company embrace a people-oriented outlook? This means it should have in place programs that develop employees’ capabilities and skills, a two-way communication system and a career plan for its staff. Is the atmosphere professional yet supportive? Are absenteeism and turnover at minimum levels? Ask the interviewer about these issues when she opens the interview for questioning.

5. Job profile. Do you know exactly what type of work you will do? Is it challenging and interesting? Or is it only a glamorized title for a position nobody wants? Does it show promise in terms of promotion and advancement? Are the demands of the job compatible with your lifestyle? Get a detailed job description and try to get inside info if you know someone who works in the company.

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