10 Questions to Ask Before Saying Yes to That Job Offer (That No One Tells You to Ask)

That job offer finally landed in your inbox. The salary looks good (or at least better than your current situation), and the title bump would look great on LinkedIn. But before you rush to accept, pause. As a therapist who works with young professionals navigating career transitions, I've seen how the excitement of an offer can overshadow crucial considerations about mental health and long-term wellbeing.

Start with the obvious.

The first stage of evaluating any job offer involves looking beyond the base salary. While compensation matters, it's just one piece of a complex puzzle that determines your day-to-day wellbeing at work.

Reality Check Script: "When I imagine myself in this role six months from now, I feel [emotion]. The aspects making me feel this way are [specific elements]. This tells me I need to get clarity on [areas of concern]."

Work Surroundings Assessment:

1. What does a typical day look like for someone in this role?

2. How does the team handle tight deadlines and high-pressure situations?

3. What's the expectation around after-hours communication?

Dive into the culture.

Understanding a company's culture goes beyond their stated values or office perks. In my clinical work with professionals experiencing workplace burnout, I've noticed that cultural misalignment often surfaces as anxiety, Sunday dread, and performance stress long before it's recognized as a cultural issue.

Culture Assessment Questions:

1. What does success look like in the first 90 days, and how is it measured?

2. Can you tell me about a recent challenge the team faced and how it was addressed?

3. How does the company approach mental health and employee wellbeing?

Leadership Connection Script: "During my conversations with the team, I noticed [observation] about the leadership style. To ensure alignment, I need to understand more about [specific aspect] because my ideal working style is [preference]."

Examine growth potential.

Career stagnation often manifests as anxiety and decreased self-worth. While no position guarantees advancement, understanding the realistic growth trajectory helps prevent future resentment and career anxiety.

Professional Development Framework:

1. What professional development resources are available?

2. How does the company support internal mobility?

3. Can you share examples of team members who've grown within the organization?

Future Planning Script: "When discussing my career goals of [specific aspirations], I want to understand how this role could align with that path through [potential growth areas]."

Consider the whole picture.

Work-life integration isn't just about flexible hours—it's about creating sustainable boundaries that protect your mental health while advancing your career.

Lifestyle Impact Assessment:

1. What does work-life integration actually look like in practice here?

2. How does the team handle vacation requests and coverage?

3. What's the approach to remote work and flexibility?

Boundary Setting Script: "To maintain peak performance, I prioritize [specific wellbeing practice]. How does the company support employees in maintaining similar boundaries?"

Red Flags vs. Growth Opportunities

Not every concern is a deal-breaker. The key is distinguishing between manageable challenges and genuine red flags that could impact your mental health.

Warning Signs to Watch:

• Vague responses about turnover rates

• Inability to connect with potential team members

• Inconsistent information about role expectations

• Pressure to accept without adequate time for consideration

Trust Your Gut Check: After gathering information, pause for a genuine self-assessment. Your body often recognizes misalignment before your mind does.

Post-Interview Reflection Prompts:

• How did my energy feel during and after conversations with the team?

• What aspects of the role energize me versus drain me?

• Can I envision myself growing and thriving in this environment?

• Does this opportunity align with my current mental health needs?

Looking Forward Remember that evaluating a job offer is a two-way street. You're not just being chosen—you're choosing your next professional home.

Journal Prompt: "When I imagine myself in this role a year from now, what excites me? What concerns me? The gap between these feelings tells me I need to [specific action] before making my decision."

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Ready to Explore Your Career Journey?

At On Par Therapy, we specialize in helping ambitious professionals navigate career transitions while protecting their mental wellbeing. Through virtual therapy sessions tailored to your professional demands, we'll work together to:

• Develop strategies for evaluating career opportunities aligned with your values and wellbeing

• Create frameworks for making confident professional decisions

• Build resilience for workplace challenges and transitions

• Navigate performance anxiety and imposter syndrome

• Implement sustainable boundaries that enhance career growth

• Maintain authentic leadership presence while managing stress

• Design personalized approaches to work-life integration

Schedule your complimentary consultation to begin your journey toward professional fulfillment. Licensed in NY, NJ, FL & SC, we understand the demands of professional life and offer flexible scheduling including early morning and evening appointments to accommodate your work schedule.

Take the first step toward transforming your career journey. Book your free 15-minute consultation to discover how therapy can help you make professional decisions that honor both your ambitions and your wellbeing.