Receiving the news that you have been successful in your job search and being offered a new position is a cause for celebration but before you rejoice, you should take time out to evaluate the job offer carefully to make sure you are making the correct career choice.

Formal job offer

The first step is to obtain a formal job offer in writing and to ascertain when a decision is required by. If the offer is only available in verbal form at this stage, you should still endeavour to obtain full information about key terms. Any acceptance of a verbal offer must be indicative only with the final acceptance subject to receiving a formal written offer.

There are many factors to be considered when evaluating a job offer some of which may well be subjective and personal to the individual. Salary package, holidays, benefits and working hours are relatively easy to assess however, there may be a number of other less tangible considerations such as company ethos, personality fit, career progression opportunities, job security which may need to be addressed too.

Offer acceptance

Once you have done this and assuming you are happy to move forward, it's time to contact the employer and accept the offer. Depending on prevailing circumstances, it may be appropriate to telephone them and accept the offer verbally and then follow up with a written letter of acceptance. You should show enthusiasm and let the employer know that you are looking forward to the opportunity to work for the organisation.

Your new employer will probably want you to start as soon as possible but there may be a delay of a few days before the formal confirmation letter reaches you. Avoid the temptation to phone everyday asking for an update but make a note of when you should expect the letter and then follow up if it has still not arrived.

Resignation

Once you are sure that everything has been completed and your acceptance formally acknowledged in writing, it's time to inform your current employer that you are resigning. Make sure you understand the terms of your employment contract and give adequate notice. It's also important to move on gracefully, don't be tempted to settle old scores or tell a few home truths, you never know how career paths might develop and cross in the future.

Once you have accepted a new job, you have a moral obligation to remove yourself from all job sites and inform any recruitment consultancies who have been acting for you. If you are on other companies shortlists, contact them and inform them that you have accepted another position. Also it may be prudent to update your personal profiles on social networking sites such as LinkedIn, both to ensure all your contacts know you have moved, and to save an embarrassment with your previous employer.