Your First Job Offer: What to Know Before You Accept
Introduction: The Thrill band the Jitters
You’ve spent months learning HTML, CSS, JavaScript (or Python, Flutter, data analysis…), building projects, polishing your portfolio, and finally it happens: an email arrives with “Offer of Employment” in the subject line. Your heart races. You read the details: role, salary, start date.
But wait. Should you just click “Accept”? Or is there more to consider before you sign on the dotted line?
At Blip School, we’ve guided hundreds of graduates through this exact moment—ensuring they not only land their first offer but negotiate for the best long‑term fit. Let’s dive deep into every factor you must weigh, step by step.
✅ Related reads:
1. Take a Pause: Give Yourself Breathing Room
Why it matters: Accepting on the spot can lead to regrets. Even the most enthusiastic offer should be reviewed calmly.
Ask for time politely. A simple reply works:
“Thank you so much for the offer. I’m thrilled at the opportunity. May I take two business days to review the details and get back to you?”
- Set a deadline. Aim to respond within 48–72 hours.
- Use this time wisely. Revisit the offer letter, list your questions, and run the numbers.
Blip School Tip: Use a calendar reminder so you don’t miss your decision deadline.
2. Break Down the Offer: Total Compensation Analysis
Salary is just one piece. Let’s unpack the entire package:
| Component | Questions to Ask | Sample Details |
|---|---|---|
| Base Salary | Is it market‑competitive for my role and location? | ₦2.5M per year |
| Signing Bonus | One‑time payment to offset relocation or late notice losses? | ₦200K |
| Equity/Stock | Stock options or RSUs—vested over time? | 0.05% equity, 4‑year vesting |
| Benefits | Health insurance, data stipends, mobile allowance? | HMO coverage, ₦10K monthly data stipend |
| Paid Time Off | Vacation days, sick leave, public holidays? | 15 days PTO + public holidays |
| Learning Budget | Stipends for courses, conferences, or certifications? | ₦50K per year for training |
| Work Arrangement | Fully remote, hybrid, or on‑site? Flexibility of schedule? | Remote with weekly team meetups, flexible hours |
Action: Create your own “Total Compensation Table” (like above) and fill in the details from your offer.
3. Market Research: Know Your Worth
You need data to back your negotiation:
- Salary benchmarks:
- Glassdoor: Search “Junior Frontend Developer Nigeria”
- Levels.fyi: See global tech salary trends
- Local job boards: Jobberman, NgCareers
- Adjust for cost of living:
- If remote, consider your local expenses vs. salary offer.
- Use Numbeo or Expatistan for cost‑of‑living comparisons.
- Target range:
- Set your desired salary range (e.g., ₦2.5M–₦3M).
- Aim to negotiate in the middle or upper bound.
Blip School Story: After research, Fatima in Accra discovered similar roles paid 15% more. She used that data to request ₵20K instead of ₵17K—landed a ₵19K offer (12% up).
4. Key Questions to Ask the Employer
Before accepting, clarify critical points. Send these via email or ask in a follow‑up call:
- Role & Responsibilities
- “Could you share a detailed role description or sample week in this position?”
- Performance Metrics
- “How is success measured in the first 3 and 6 months?”
- Team & Reporting
- “Who will I report to, and what is the team structure?”
- Growth & Mentorship
- “Are there formal mentorship programs or clear promotion paths?”
- Flexibility & Remote Setup
- “Is the remote schedule flexible, and are coworking allowances provided?”
Tip: Document their answers so you can compare offers or revisit them later.
5. Negotiation Strategies: Ask Like a Pro
Negotiation isn’t confrontational—it’s collaborative. Here’s how:
Start with gratitude.
“Thank you for the offer—I'm excited about the role and team.”
Present data.
“Based on market research, similar roles offer between ₦2.8M and ₦3.2M. Given my React experience and portfolio projects, would the company consider ₦3M?”
- Be open to trade‑offs.
If salary is fixed, negotiate learning budget, extra vacation days, or a signing bonus. - Stay positive and firm.
Maintain a friendly tone: “I’m keen to join, and these adjustments will help me contribute my best.”
Real Outcome: Chidi asked for an extra ₦30K data stipend instead of base salary. The employer agreed, realizing it cost them less but greatly improved his remote work setup.
6. Evaluate Culture Fit & Career Growth
Money matters, but culture and growth matter more over time.
- Company values: Do they align with yours?
- Learning opportunities: Is there a budget for courses (Blip School courses count!)?
- Work–life balance: How do employees describe their experience on Glassdoor or LinkedIn?
Blip School Promise: Our alumni often highlight mentorship and community as key differentiators—not just paychecks.
✅ Related reads:
7. Accepting the Offer & Next Steps
When you decide to accept:
- Send a formal acceptance email that reiterates the agreed terms.
- Ask for an official contract or detailed offer letter if not already provided.
- Prepare for onboarding: Complete any paperwork, set up your workspace, and introduce yourself to the team.
Blip School Bonus: We send you a “First 30 Days Checklist” to help new hires hit the ground running—ask our career team for yours.
Your First Offer Is Just the Beginning
Your first job offer is a milestone—but it’s not the end. How you negotiate, plan, and embed yourself in the company sets the stage for your entire tech career.
At Blip School, we equip you with not only the technical skills but also the career strategies—from your first offer to your first promotion. Ready to jump in?
Next Steps & CTA
- 👉 Explore Blip School’s Courses to build skills that command top offers
- 🎓 Validate your expertise with SimplyCerts
- 💌 Subscribe to our newsletter for more career insights, negotiation templates, and success stories.
Found this helpful? Like, share, and comment below with your negotiation wins or questions—you’re part of a growing community of future tech leaders!