If you receive a job offer and have the freedom to decline it, there are some questions you should ask yourself before committing.

Questions that may seem obvious, yet are commonly described as surprises if a role doesn't work out as expected. Always ask:

- Do I know what the role entails and how my performance will be measured?
- Is it what I need? Or just what I think I want?
- Is it good enough for now or a platform for something better (more important if you are out of work and have financial limitations, especially with the ongoing uncertainties of the economic climate)?
- Am I the right fit for their culture and operational context (change mode, growth mode, maintenance mode etc)?
- Can I change the culture or accept the changes the culture makes to me?
- Can I work well with my boss and the business leaders?
- What is the trajectory of the role? Opportunities for learning and promotion?
- How will this role impact me and my family?
- What are the working arrangements like and how does that reflect my life commitments?
- What is the total value of the package on offer, compared to my current one, or that of another offer on the table? Salary, commission, bonus, pension scheme, car/allowance and other emoluments. Also consider commuting - time and cost (45p a mile is a good baseline for car travel, including wear and tear). Too easy to be dazzled by a high salary and not probe deeper.

Of course, this is information you might be gleaning throughout a recruitment process, rather than at its end.

Make sure you consider all facets when making what may be a life-changing decision.