Evaluating the Company

When we buy a new dress or any other piece of clothing, we go to great lengths to make sure it's the right fit. We inspect ourselves from every imaginable angle in the mirror to confirm a proper complement to all body parts. From the neckline to the hemline, nothing escapes our eye.

Even higher standards must be applied when evaluating a job offer. Instead of arms, elbows, hips, butts, thighs, knees, and toes, you'll want to look beyond cash compensation to seven other categories that relate to the position you're considering. This is a sure way to determine if it's the best possible fit.

• Functional Fit: Work is much less fun and fulfilling when you're doing stuff you absolutely hate or when you're performing tasks that are uncomfortable to you. Will you be playing to your strengths? Does the thought of doing this type of work make you giddy with glee that someone is actually willing to pay you to do what you love? Does the position offer enough stimulation or challenge? Is the title and level of responsibility in line with what you deserve?

• Industry: More and more we see that women care very much about the type of work they do in terms of industry. Perhaps you're an accountant, but you couldn't get excited about doing the books in any old field. Your passion lies within the non-profit world, and that's where you'd be most effective in fulfilling your functional fit. Similarly, an ace marketing and branding professional might not feel comfortable applying her skills and expertise at a tobacco giant if she's a non-smoker. Be sure the industry doesn't conflict with your personal beliefs and values.

• Employer: Research their position in the marketplace. Are they a leader in their respective industry experiencing terrific growth, or is their stock taking a dive amid mass layoffs? If it's a large player, figure out how the media reports on them. At the other end of the spectrum, if you're talking to a small company, look at their products, services, and clients as a first step in determining the strength of their finances.

• Management and Supervisor(s): High turnover or great loyalty and longevity among employees are telltale sign of the respect given to management at any organization. While interviewing with the person who'd serve as your direct boss, what were your immediate thoughts and observations on his or her management and work styles? Did you sense any concern about the potential of conflicts or clashes? Ask to speak to others who have worked for that person. If in doubt, it's essential to address it and work it out up front so both of you are crystal clear on expectations.

• Advancement and Growth Opportunity: Most of us have a long-term plan and the ideal position will mesh nicely with our goals. Sometimes a job is ideal because it affords us the opportunity to gain new skills and experience that will be essential toward achieving the ultimate position. Will this employer provide internal or external training and development to complement your existing skill set? If you're just launching a career or are in a mid-career transition, will this position be an effective bridge to the next step? Beyond assessing this particular position, you'll also want to know if the company has a formal policy for promoting from within. This often sheds light on your potential opportunity for growth at this particular employer.

• Culture: Dress code, workspace, office hours, and employee diversity all contribute to the culture of any organization. Will you work 70-hour weeks in a T-shirt and jeans? Are family picnics and an active commitment to the community part of the routine? Is there a sense of teamwork and camaraderie, or is everything and everyone independent and autonomous? Do your best to determine the values of the organization by talking to current and former employees, studying the "About Us" section of its website, and reading media accounts and annual reports.

• Location: While this may seem relatively unimportant compared to some of the other criteria, a long commute can make your job miserable. Make the drive (or train, bus, or subway ride) a few times during rush hour, not just in the middle of the day, to get a realistic sense of what you'd be in for. If you're hoping for a telecommuting arrangement, it's important to negotiate this up front—or at the very least to broach the subject contingent upon a satisfactory orientation and initial completion of mutual goals.

Before you accept a position, consider the size of the company. Whether a small or large company is right for you may depend on your career stage, as well as your personality.

• Large companies often offer great training programs for entry-level positions, affording time for adjustment from the theoretical realm of college to the practical world of work.

• The resources in terms of equipment, facilities, and funds available at a large corporation can be a significant factor in fields such as engineering, IT, or medical research.

• There's more diversity in a big company. For those less comfortable with close personal interactions, there's also more anonymity.

• At a small firm you may feel like you are thrown right in the deep end, where everyone can see if you sink or swim.

• A small office environment requires great responsibility, but it provides exposure to a wide variety of tasks. You may learn about all aspects of a business, from soup to nuts, instead of just one piece of the pie.

• Self-starters find there's often less bureaucracy and more autonomy in a small company. Creative types may find it easier to get their ideas off the ground.

• Smaller companies may offer larger salaries or signing bonuses to compensate for the lack of benefits available.

• Some assume that they can achieve a better work/life balance at a small company. While there may be more flexibility in your daily schedule—you can take off an hour to catch the preschool play or go to the dentist's office—there's also no one to cover for you at critical company functions or production times.

• A small office environment can be close-knit (or claustrophobic depending on your personal opinion). Forget standing around gossiping at the water cooler. This office sport is too up close and personal, and strictly taboo in a small firm. You must be able to get along well with coworkers. At the same time, you may work in closer proximity to company leaders, gaining the benefit of their input and energy.

Once you've decided to accept a position, and have negotiated the salary and benefits you want, get it in writing. The deal is not finalized until it's in writing, so don't give notice at your current position, or make any major moves until a contract has been signed.