You’ve worked hard to impress your employers and land your target job, and finally your efforts have paid off. You have an offer! After a drawn out resume review and a nerve-wracking series of interviews, you finally got the call and now you’re reviewing the terms of a written agreement. It’s natural to be excited, and a after a long search, it’s natural to feel a sense of relief. But be careful. Read the terms and make sure everything meets your expectations before you sign. Here are a four questions you’ll want to answer as you do this.

What benefits will accompany this salary offer?

Of course, you’ll have to confirm that the salary on offer meets or exceeds the average for your area and your industry. And you’ll need to make sure this compensation accurately reflects your skills and contributions. But you’ll also need to make sure the health insurance, pension, and other benefits that accompany the offer measure up to your expectations. During the interview, it’s awkward to ask frankly about salary. At this point, it’s not only appropriate, it’s an absolute necessity.

Will this job take you where you need to go?

It’s nice to be able to collect a paycheck. But will a paycheck be enough to satisfy you in one, three, and five years? You have personal goals and long term plans for your career; will this company be able to promote you when the time comes? And will they be able to provide you with the experience and exposure you’ll need in order to move forward if you decide to look for opportunity elsewhere?

Will this company respect and accommodate your needs?

If you have personal needs and requirements of any kind, will you need to give them up in order to work for this employer? If you have to leave on weekends or limit your working day to 40 hours, that’s a need. If you have any religious obligations, medical needs, allergies or handicaps that require accommodation, can this company provide those accommodations? If you’ll be taking on a long, expensive commute and you’ll need parking or transportation vouchers, can the company offer them? Don’t make assumptions or leave these things to chance; get them worked out now.

What will your job description include?

This may seem like an obvious question, but some employers expect candidates to accept or reject an offer without actually reviewing a job description in writing. You’ll want to make sure your duties and responsibilities in this position align with your expectations and don’t include any tasks that you’re unable or unwilling to take on.

For more on how to review your job offer and ask the right questions before you accept, contact the job search and staffing team at PSU.