When interviewing for jobs, do you focus only on what the organization or hiring manager thinks of you? Many people do. But what about the other side of the equation? It’s equally important to evaluate what you think of the organization. And it’s even more important when they’ve offered you the position, and now it’s time to decide whether or not to accept it.

The following are what I like to call the “5 deadly sins” when evaluating a job offer.

1. Focusing only on the money. Understandably, the financial aspect is an important decision-making factor, but making that your sole criteria can backfire. Not taking into account other aspects of the job – like your future boss’ management style, the job responsibilities, passion for the job and organizational mission, required travel, commute time, etc – can be a serious misstep. Culture is one of the most critical factors in my opinion. You want to make reasonably sure that you’re a good fit within the organization’s existing culture or else it’s only a matter of time before you’re unhappy and back to the job hunt again.

2. Not factoring in the total benefit package. What else are they offering on top of salary? What are the health benefits like? Vacation time? Flex-time? Other miscellaneous benefits like tuition reimbursement? Since the benefit package is part of your overall compensation, it’s important to include them in the equation. Often it’s all or some of these benefits that can compensate for any less-than-desired salary.

3. Not seeing the potential. OK, so maybe it’s not your dream job. But, is there potential to move up within the organization to your ideal position? Can you be content in the job until there’s the opportunity to move into your dream job? Is it an organization where you would love to work? If you answered yes to these questions, then it might just be worth taking a chance and accepting the position.

4. Not getting feedback. Of course, accepting a job is a personal decision. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t elicit the feedback from trusted friends and family. They can provide valuable input and raise valid points that perhaps you overlooked because you’re too close to the situation. To take it one step further, try to contact some employees of the organization, either current or past, to get the “insider” view of what it’s like to work there.

5. Not trusting your gut. Getting outside feedback is a great idea, but what it boils down to is listening to your inner voice and trusting your instincts. If you’re gut is leading you in one direction or another, to accept or reject the offer, it’s smart to use that as the ultimate guidepost.

Following these guidelines can help you to not only make an informed decision, but also save you a lot of heartache and regret as a result of being in a job and/or organization that not right for you.

Joe Rosenlicht is a certified leadership coach and the founder of InMotion Career & Wellness, a Washington DC-based coaching practice specializing in career, executive, business and wellness coaching. His client base ranges from college student/intern to senior-level and all levels in between; and across the non-profit, government and corporate sectors. His services also include meeting facilitation and workshops for small groups.

Through a structured and proven approach, he helps clients live exceptional lives by becoming more effective employees, discovering their true career passions, creating customized resumes, conducting productive job searches, and interviewing and networking more powerfully. He also coaches on various wellness issues such as work-life balance, stress-reduction and nutrition.

Visit Joe at http://www.inmotioncoach.com to get his free monthly newsletter containing valuable insights, tips and resources for your career and health and to arrange a complimentary consultation. Also visit his LinkedIn site at http://www.linkedin.com/in/joerosenlicht to find out more about him.

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