5 Questions to Ask Before Accepting an Executive Job Offer

​Congratulations! We’ve guided you through what was probably an arduous and at the very least time-consuming interview process, to find ourselves with a job offer on the table at the end of it – this is the end goal, in everything that we do.

So, what now? You’ve done the hard part and made it to the pot of gold, but there’s work to be done still. As a recruitment partner, our success essentially depends entirely on yours; as such, we want you to be sure that this move is the right one.

What should you be asking at this stage?

Questions to ask yourself

What are my non-negotiables?

It’s important to keep your head in the game here and not get swept away in the flattery of having been offered a job. What are the things which you wrote down, mentally or physically, as must-haves at the beginning of this process? And have they been included?

Whilst I’m by no means saying that you shouldn’t celebrate getting the offer, stay focused on what you need to see within it. Salary is the obvious one, but think about flexibility, budget, benefits, etc…

For instance – if you’ve worked out a plan of action for your first year in the new role, have agreed said plan with the employer you’re joining, but the budget set out for you in writing doesn’t quite cut the mustard, talk about it – you need to know you’re going to be helped and supported, not handed obstacles on day one. Or, if your work-from-home Fridays are absolutely imperative, make sure it’s in writing.

Have I met everyone I need to, to be sure I can do this job?
It’s important, especially at a more senior level, to meet as many people within the company you’ll be joining as possible – not just the other board members or senior leaders, but perhaps the team you’ll be inheriting too, those you’ll be managing, the colleagues you’ll have day-to-day dealings with.

Particularly when we’re interviewing at an executive level, this is a given; but, still, make a list in your mind of those whose own jobs you’ll be impacting with your acceptance of the offer, and decide if there’s anyone else you had ought to meet. This can also help mitigate any teething problems when you start, and ultimately make you feel more at home on day one.

Do I know everything I need to about the company?

Not just what they do, but their future, their past and what’s coming next. Go beyond just hearing what your interviewers have told you – check news articles, financial reports, share prices. Do your due diligence on LinkedIn to raise any red flags on staff longevity and turnover; make sure you understand where the business is headed.

Particularly at a senior level, you should be looking at this as a long-term opportunity – any nasty surprises when it comes to company instability or market volatility need to factor into your decision making when considering any offer. Research, research, research.

Questions to ask your new employer

What are your expectations of me?

You’ve taken this job on the basis of ‘taking the company to the next level’ or ‘seeing us through this period of explosive growth’. But, what does that actually look like?

This question can be left as wide or narrow as you need it to be, but one thing is for sure – you need to know what your new company is expecting you to achieve, how they’re expecting you to operate and what you’re expected to do, day to day.

From simple, logistical expectations such as, “When do you expect me to be physically in the office?” to actual targets like, “What are our year-one measurables?”, it couldn’t be more important to know, before accepting this offer, that you’re on the same level from a practicality/operational perspective. And what they want you to achieve – short, medium and long term – should be agreed upon before the first day on the job.

What does my full compensation package entail?

Salary is one thing, compensation another entirely. Is everything you discussed throughout the interview process detailed in writing in your offer of employment? Share options, car allowances and any other manner of compensation matter in a different way when we’re working at a senior level, period.

Make sure that all of these things are ironed out and clearly outlined, in writing, before accepting any job offer. It’s much easier to negotiate beforehand than once everyone’s hand has been shaken. If you’re hoping to retire here – which, at an executive or board level, wouldn’t be unusual – you need to know that the package you’re receiving can get you there.

What other questions do you find key to confidently and happily accepting an offer of employment?

We operate differently here at Certus Recruitment Group; when you truly put your candidates’ best interests first, the results speak for themselves. That’s why so many of our candidates are now clients for whom we happily recruit.

We’re consultants, not salespeople; get in touch to hear more about our senior and executive level positions across London and the UK.