Making a decision, some questions to ask

After you have received a job offer or two, you need to make a decision as to which job offer to accept. Sometimes the answer can be clear, you live in Chicago and you want to stay there and the job is in Chicago while another job is in Tampa. For location reasons you'll choose the Chicago job. But what if both jobs are in Chicago? What if both jobs are offering you a very similar starting wage and both as staff at an accounting firm? Then the decision may become more difficult. Now it is very important to look at the characteristics of the companies and the people that work there. Do you see yourself fitting in better with one company versus the other?

I found these other questions to ask while evaluating job offers. Even though they were written in 1997, the questions are still relevant today. :-) They address such concerns as the position itself, management, future opportunities, educational advances, and the values of the company. Each person may have one section that they are more concerned about than another, but they are all good questions to think about.

Questions to Ask to Help Evaluate Job Offers
Adapted from Planning Job Choices: 1997 by Keith Johnson

The Position
Why is the job open?
How long has it been open?
What happened to the previous incumbent?
What would your specific responsibilities be?
Are the goals set for the position realistic and attainable?
Can you successfully accomplish the responsibilities of the position?
What is your growth potential in this position?
How does this position fit into your short-term and long-term goals?
Do the daily work activities appeal to you?
Will you be developing new skills and experience?
Are the demands of the job compatible with your desired lifestyle?

Your Supervisor
How long has he/she been in the position?
To whom does he/she report?
What is his/her growth potential?
Do you think you can work well with this person?

Future Opportunities
What might I expect to be doing over the next three to five years?
How much freedom do employees have to determine their own job movement and duties?
What could be done if an employee does not feel challenged or satisfied?
Are lateral or rotational job moves available to provide broader experience?
How do promotional opportunities become available?

Employer's Continuing Education Programs
How are employees able to stay current on changes and trends in their field?
How are employees encouraged to continue their professional development over the long term?
How have employees taken advantage of employer sponsored continuing education programs?
What kind of training is provided for prospective supervisors or managers?

Quality of Management
What is the quality of the company's management?
What are the strengths and weaknesses of management?
What are management's basic philosophies in managing the business and employees?
What do your employer's managers and supervisors have in common?
How does a person become a manager or supervisor at this employer?
Does the management team consist of new hires or people promoted from within?
Does the company have a high retention rate of employees or a problem with attrition?

Employer's Values
What are the employer's values? What does the employer stand for?
How are the employer's values reflected in everyday activities?
What kind of people are most successful or satisfied at your company?
Employer's Compensation Philosophy
What is the employer's compensation philosophy compared with other employers?
What kind of increase might I expect over the first several years?
How are individual increases determined?
How are changes to the benefits package made to keep it up to date with employee needs?

(http://www.jobweb.com/resources/library/Salary_and_Benefits/Questions_to_Ask_to_76_01.htm)