You have just graduated from college and have looked for a first job of your future career. The search was intense and challenging but now with a job offer in your hands it seems to be all over. Is it? Often, evaluating a job offer is even a more challenging task than searching for a position. It is not about a year or so of your life. It’s about your whole future that starts right now. So, take a good care to think the offer over. Here are the important factors that might help you decide whether the job suits you:

Your Preferences. It’s seems quite obvious that if you applied for this position, you want to have it. However, think carefully whether you listened to somebody’s advice or wish or followed your own instincts. What do you want to do? What do you enjoy doing? Be truthful with yourself.

Salary and Benefits. You don’t expect a lot from your first job, since with your lack of experience it is understandable nobody will pay you a fortune. Why to underestimate yourself? Think about the expenses you will have to go to during the month and what compensation you need. Then weigh your knowledge in the sphere and relevant experience (this may be not necessarily work experience, but a voluntary work or courses, conferences, hobbies, etc.).

Job Duties. Does the job sound fun? Will you enjoy your responsibilities or will you die from boredom and tiredness? Are your learned skills applicable to the job? You surely want to enjoy the work you will spend 2,000 hours per year at (if working full-time).

Company Atmosphere. Did you not notice what the attitude of the workers at the company towards their job and each other is? Do they seem to enjoy their job and work in friendly surrounding? Of course, it is difficult to judge from outside but you might have got some idea during the interviews. If you have some warning feelings, it may be a good time to listen to them.

Career Opportunities. Will the job give you any chance to have further training in your professional field or will it be merely an application of your previously acquired knowledge? Will there be any perspective to move up a career ladder in the company?

Your Boss. The person under whose direct supervision you will be is the one who can make your work experience both wonderful and horrible. If you feel that your boss may be a very difficult person to work and get along with, think good before accepting the offer.

Company Location. Will a new job require hours of commuting each day and are you willing to endure it? Will the job compensate for the transportation fees and time expenditures?

After the first euphoria of receiving a job offer is over and you have evaluated this list of factors (you may as well add some of your own), you can try to make a critical and reasonable decision, which will make you satisfied and happy.