Should You Accept the First Offer?

Whether you've just been laid off, feel stuck in a dead-end job or your local economy is less than booming, it's often tempting to accept the very first job offer you receive.

But smart job seekers know that they must assess all their options before making such a decision.

Money Matters

If you're taking the first offer that comes along because you're in dire financial straits, chances are, it's not more money you need. Rather, it's a better money management strategy.

People who are more financially secure are less likely to feel pressured to accept their first job offer. Many financial experts suggest that a crucial part of financial security is having at least six months' salary in the bank. This will get you through tough times and prevent you from accepting a less-than-ideal offer.

First Offer or Last Offer?

What else prompts people to accept the first job offer they receive? Typically, it's fear. Nervous job seekers will often wonder, "What if nothing better comes along?"

If you're being afflicted by this fear, evaluate your job search efforts to date. Have you done everything possible to attract all potential opportunities? Are you contacting recruiters? Is your most current resume posted on Yahoo! HotJobs? Does everyone in your network know you're looking for a new opportunity?

To truly assess all of your options, make sure you're leaving no stone unturned in your search.

Don't Settle for Second Best

Some job seekers cringe at the thought of accepting the first job they're offered because they fear their dream job is still out there. "What if something better comes along?" they worry.

You can put these worries to rest by creating a "new opportunity checklist" at the beginning of each job search. What are your must-haves? What are you nice-to-haves? Weigh your first -- and every -- job offer against your checklist. What's there? What's missing? What additional information do you need to make an informed, intelligent decision?

Also, assess your post-interview mood. Did you leave feeling excited about the possibility of working at that particular company alongside

the people you met? If you're not feeling very enthusiastic, you might be settling. And, as a result, you might find yourself searching for yet another job sooner rather than later.

The Wisdom of Rejection

An often-overlooked benefit of evaluating and rejecting a job offer is that you can discover what's really important to you.

You might notice some of your nice-to-haves are actually must-haves. You may come to learn that you don't want to change industries. You could determine that you're interested in relocating to another part of the country.

Whatever your realizations, exploring your opportunities will give you the confidence to accept or reject your first job offer. And it is confidence -- not desperation -- that drives the best decisions.