Congratulations on the job offer! Before you accept, take time to evaluate it properly. A rushed decision can lead to regret.
Don't answer immediately
It's completely acceptable to ask for time to consider:
"Thank you so much for the offer. I'm very excited about this opportunity. Could I have a few days to review the details and get back to you?"
24-48 hours is reasonable. A week is usually the maximum.
What to evaluate
1. Compensation
- Base salary: Is it fair for the role and your experience?
- Pension: In Denmark, typically 12-15% employer contribution
- Bonus: Is it guaranteed or performance-based?
- Other benefits: Phone, lunch, gym, etc.
2. The role itself
- Does the job description match what was discussed?
- Are the responsibilities clear?
- Who will you report to?
- What's the team structure?
3. Growth opportunities
- Is there room for advancement?
- What training or development is offered?
- Where could this role lead in 2-3 years?
4. Work-life balance
- Working hours and flexibility
- Remote work options
- Vacation days
- Overtime expectations
5. The company
- Financial stability
- Company culture
- Management style
- Employee reviews (Glassdoor, LinkedIn)
6. Practical matters
- Start date – does it work for you?
- Notice period at current job
- Commute time
- Contract type (permanent, fixed-term)
Questions to ask yourself
- Am I excited about this job?
- Does it move my career forward?
- Can I see myself happy here?
- What are my concerns? Can they be addressed?
- If a friend got this offer, would I recommend accepting?
Red flags to watch for
- Pressure to accept immediately
- Vague job responsibilities
- Salary significantly below market rate
- High turnover mentioned casually
- Reluctance to put things in writing
- Negative employee reviews online
Get it in writing
Before accepting, make sure you have:
- Written offer or contract
- Salary and start date confirmed
- Benefits documented
- Job title and reporting structure
- Notice period and any probation period
Common mistakes to avoid
- Accepting too quickly: Take time to consider
- Focusing only on salary: Total package matters
- Ignoring gut feelings: If something feels off, explore why
- Not asking questions: Clarify anything unclear
Try it yourself
- Write down all components of the offer
- Rate each on a scale of 1-5
- List your concerns and questions
- Decide what's negotiable and what's a dealbreaker
Next step
Ready to negotiate? Learn how to approach salary negotiation effectively.