Robert Half International

For job seekers, especially those who have been looking for work for a while, receiving an employment offer is cause for serious celebration. So it's not surprising that many accept a new position with little hesitation.

But before signing on the dotted line, step back and consider if the opportunity is right for you. While in some cases a pressing need for quick cash may outweigh any potential drawbacks to a new role, if you are in a position to be selective, it can be wise to consider every angle. After all, a position with a company isn't a short-term affair.

Following are some warning signs to watch out for to help ensure the job offer you've been dreaming of doesn't lead to a nightmare work experience:

No written job offer
If you are accepting a professional position with a fairly large firm, a written offer is important because it ensures that you and the employer are on the same wavelength when it comes to pay, responsibilities and other important details about the job. Warning sign no. 1 is if you aren't given an offer letter at all or any concrete details of the position and pay.

Ideally, you want to get the following in writing:

Your job title

The names of the people you will be reporting to

Your starting salary or wage

Any special requirements or agreements, such as details regarding moving costs, a signing-on fee or the fact that your position requires extensive travel

If the written offer differs in any way from what you discussed with the recruiting manager, notify the person so he or she can issue you an updated statement. If the information is still not what you expected and the potential employer doesn't take steps to correct it, it could mean that what you were promised during the interview process won't become reality.

You're pressured to make a decision
Taking on a new job is a potentially life-changing decision. As such, an organisation should give you adequate time – usually a few days – to mull things over. If you're pressured to accept an offer on the spot, ask yourself why the company is in such a rush. Is the firm in desperate need of somebody – anybody – to fill the vacant job? Is the recruiting manager hoping you accept an offer below your true worth? Once on board, will you be pressured to make other decisions without being given the opportunity to weigh the options? Proceed with caution.

The process takes far too long
You first job interview with a potential employer was four months ago. Since then, you've been called back for a number of follow-up meetings, each of which you think went really well. But with no job offer in the offing, you're starting to wonder what more you have to prove – and how much longer you'll have to wait.

Finding the right person for an open position takes time, especially for higher-level roles. In fact, research conducted by Robert Half International indicates that companies interview an average of six job candidates for each vacant position. Given the deliberate approach many firms are taking, it shouldn't be surprising that you aren't asked to join the organisation within a few days of submitting your C.V.

However, if the process drags on for months without sufficient explanation from the recruiting manager, consider it a warning sign. The company may still be in the process drawing up a job description for the position, meaning the end result could be very different to what you applied for. Or the firm may be unsure of its ability to pay for another full-time employee.

You and your colleagues don't mix
During the interview process, you probably met with a few potential colleagues, including your future boss. Getting along with the people you work with is crucial to not only your daily satisfaction but also your professional future. Minor variations in work style are manageable, but fundamental differences could mean turbulence once you're on the job. Take heed if you had trouble creating a rapport with these individuals or sense the potential for conflict.

The corporate culture is questionable
Corporate culture varies widely from one place of employment to the next, and if your personality is not compatible with your future firm's, then the chances are the job will not go smoothly. For example, you may be used to a boisterous work environment and be uncomfortable at the new firm, where employees can practically hear a pin drop. Or you may prefer to keep your professional and personal lives separate, leading to awkward situations if your new colleagues socialise frequently after work.

Remember that once you accept a job offer, whether verbally or in writing, it's hard to change your mind. Backing out of the deal could significantly harm your professional reputation and burn any bridges you have with that employer. So, before saying yes, look at the entire package – from salary and benefits to colleagues and corporate culture – and make sure there are no warning signs that the job is not for you.

Robert Half International Inc. is the world's first and largest specialised staffing firm with a global network of more than 330 offices throughout North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. For more information about our professional services, please visit www.rhi.com.