When you have a job offer on the table how do you go about deciding whether to accept the position? Sure it's a difficult market. But remember, you do not need to accept a position just because it has been offered to you. Making a wrong career move can be costly. So start by evaluating the offer and weighing the pros and cons.

Does the position sound interesting? Do you have the skills necessary to do or to learn the job? If not, you may want to ask if you can spend some more time reviewing the job description and talking to people who are in a similar position. Jobs really should be enjoyable and if your instincts tell you that you are going to hate what you are doing this might not be the job for you.

Is the salary what you expected? Don't be afraid to say "I need to think it over" if the salary doesn't meet your expectations. That hesitation might get you an increase in the original offer. If you're ambivalent about the position a "no" can bring you a better offer too. Be careful, if you definitely need that new job there's a risk that the employer may accept you declining the position and move on to the next candidate.

How do the benefits measure up? If you have questions on what benefits are offered, ask for more information or ask to speak to a Human Resources representative. Review the benefit package and determine how it will benefit you. Is health insurance paid in full for you and/or your family? Or will you need to contribute to the cost? How about vacation days and sick time? Does the employer contribute or match contributions to the retirement plan?

The non-tangible considerations are just as important as the tangible ones. Is the work environment comfortable and as flexible as you need it to be? Is it a problem if you need to juggle your schedule for a visit to the doctor or to take care of a sick child?

Will you enjoy working with your supervisor and co-workers? Not sure? Ask if you can come back and spend some time in the office. In addition to getting a better sense of how your personality meshes with that of the staff, it will give you more on an idea of what the work environment is like and how you might fit in.

Remember, you have every right to interview the company so you can come to an educated decision as to whether you want to accept the offer. It is in the company's best interests, as well as yours, to make sure there is a good fit between you, the position, and the organization. It's more cost-effective for the employer to start over now, than have to start over a month or two down the road if this doesn't work out.

We spend almost as much time working as we do with our friends and families so if the offer doesn't appear to fit what you are looking for in a new position, think twice before you say yes!

Reprinted with permission from www.JobSeekerWeekly.com