4 Things to Watch for in Your Next IT Job Offer

In the world of IT, it is a job-seekers market. That means it is important to evaluate everything a job does or does not have to offer. As competition for skilled employees rises and certain benefits that were once considered rare become more mainstream, you may have more options than ever before. Don’t say yes to a job offer without looking at these four points first.
 

4 Things to Watch for in Your Next IT Job Offer

1. New Skills and Projects

While you are being hired to complete job duties based on your current skills, the chance to learn new skills is important to the overall appeal of a job. This can include formal educational and training opportunities, as well as standard on-the-job learning options.

IT is a large world, so the ability to cross-train with your peers can expose you to new ideas and techniques that may otherwise be unfamiliar to you. Not only does this keep the work interesting, but it also allows you to grow in your professional and become eligible for new opportunities.

2. Career Growth and Progression

Unless the position represents the culmination of your career goals, a clear path to future success is a valuable benefit. A position with potential will have indications of networking opportunities, chances for career development, and possibly internal resources like mentoring or job shadowing options. Generally, you want to make sure that promotional opportunities are accessible to internal employees if they put in the time and effort to meet the needs of those positions.

To get an idea of what the company has to offer in the areas of growth and opportunity, consider how current employees have been able to further their careers while working for the organization. For example, if the vacancy to which you applied is the result of an internal promotion, then that is a positive sign for future potential.

3. Flexible Scheduling Options

Flexible scheduling options are becoming more prevalent. Whether it is the option to work remotely or outside of traditional office hours, having a schedule that suits your needs is an excellent benefit. If these options are available, it is appropriate to discuss the internal policies regarding how the scheduling options are implemented and to take those points into consideration before accepting.

Often, flexible options allow employees to achieve a better work-life balance and can make managing professional and personal needs more efficient. If you have demands outside of work that need to be met, consider whether the schedule offered gives you what you need to succeed.

4. Salary and Benefits

Compensation is a critical factor in any job offer. Your starting salary should be comparable to the industry standard in your area. Additionally, you need to consider how the initial starting point may impact your future salary potential. Accepting a position at a lower rate means it may take more time to obtain raises that bring the wages up to a competitive point for the position based on competitor offerings. However, a stronger benefits package may offset a lower level of pay.

To evaluate the compensation being offered, you need to understand what you need to live comfortably. Accepting a job that means you will be struggling to make ends meet from the beginning may not be ideal unless the additional benefits provide enough value. Additionally, if your pay rate is guaranteed to rise after a period, such as a six-month probationary period, then you can consider whether the compensation after that time meets your needs instead of solely considering the starting salary.

If you are looking for your next IT position, Validity Solutions can help you find a job that provides the benefits you need. Contact us today and see where the new IT landscape can take your career.