After a focused job search, you finally have an offer in hand. Congratulations! But do the organization and position offer the next career step you want and need?
No matter how excited you are, don’t say “I accept” until you’re certain this is the job you want. Here are a few things to consider as you evaluate a legal assistant or law clerk job offer:
- Your personal “bottom line.” What’s the bare minimum you’ll accept in salary, benefits, commute, and other factors? If the job offer doesn’t meet it, it’s a no.
- Salary is just one part of the picture. Calculate the total value of your compensation package, including healthcare, retirement and other benefits. As yourself, is the total compensation competitive?
- Fringe benefits. The value of some benefits can be tough to calculate in dollar terms, so you’ll have to calculate their value to you. Does flextime matter to you? Will the complimentary gym membership give your overall wellness a major boost? If so, give these benefits a “boost” in your value considerations.
- Your current situation. Nobody accepts a job offer in a vacuum. Does this job’s location mean an onerous commute – and are you willing to make the slog? Would you consider a move? Are you comparing two or more offers, or is this the only “bite” you’ve had in six months? Your current situation will affect how this job fits into your life, so it’s worth taking a good look at the job within that context.
- Growth and learning opportunities. Will this position allow you to learn new information and stay engaged? Will you be learning a new practice area or staying with topics you know well – is that what you want to be doing? How does the job fit into your vision of your career in five years? Ten years?
After considering these questions, talk to your recruiter. If you find a particular sticking point with the offer or the position, share it with them. Your recruiter’s industry expertise and market knowledge may be able to shed some light on what your next steps should be.
At Kent Legal, our recruiters can help you connect with some of the best law firms and legal departments in the Toronto area, prepare to give an outstanding interview and assess job offers to ensure they fit your career goals. If you’re looking for a legal assistant position in Toronto, contact us today.
