A new job offer can be exciting, but it’s important to carefully consider whether or not it’s the right move for you. Taking a new job can impact your income, work-life balance, and career trajectory — in both good ways and bad. It’s important to do your research and consider your goals before making a decision.

Let’s take a look at what you should think about when considering a new opportunity.

The Grass Isn’t Always Greener…

The first thing to think about when considering a new job opportunity as a salesperson is your current job situation. 

Are you currently in a role? If so, are you happy with your current job? Are there opportunities for growth and advancement? Are you fulfilled and able to have the lifestyle you want? If you’re content with your current job, it may not be worth the risk of switching to a new job. 

When considering a new opportunity, it’s human nature to think primarily about the best case scenario in the new role while focusing on things you don’t like about your current situation. 

Think critically about your state of mind. If there are factors that will make you more likely to see your current role in a negative light, try to have a broader perspective. Have these factors been in place for a long time — or just recently? Whatever your general sentiment, try to consider the alternate point of view.

Similarly, you’re likely to be considering the new opportunity in a favorable light. Make an effort to consider critical viewpoints and potential risks. Did you check the new org’s reviews on RepVue?

Another thing to think about is how long you’ve been in your current role — and how long you feel you can be successful there. 

Having a short tenure (or several) on your resume doesn’t look bad like it used to, but you should have at least one stint of three years or more at a company to show that you can consistently hit quota. When you find yourself in a sales organization where you can do that, don’t squander it. Also consider any stock options that you may have been granted in your current role. Is the timeframe for vesting a consideration?

But if you’re feeling stagnant or like your prospects are limited, you definitely need a new sales job. Specifically, one that will help you fulfill your personal and career aspirations.

Comparing Compensation and Culture at a New Org

Assume you’re done interviewing and you’ve been offered the job. The first things you’ll want to consider are the compensation structure and the sales culture of the org.

Analyzing Compensation

Let’s say your current compensation is $190,000 OTE and a new role offers you $220,000 OTE, should you take the higher offer?

The best answer is, “It depends.”

Are you hitting or exceeding quota in your current role? What kind of accelerators are in place, and what’s your maximum earning potential?

How about at the new org? What percentage of the team hits quota there? What does the ramp period look like? Or the attrition rate? 

If you didn’t ask these questions in the interview process, it’s not too late to ask them after you’ve received the offer. Don’t worry about the offer being withdrawn due to asking questions — that’s unlikely to happen — and if it were to happen, then you’ll know you dodged a bullet! 

And of course, check out the new org on RepVue. Especially what percentage of the specific team that you’re joining is hitting quota. At some orgs, attainment may vary significantly across teams, so don’t assume that the overall quota attainment percentage applies to all teams. 

Some orgs like to throw out big OTE numbers to entice sellers, but they conveniently omit terrible quota attainment rates. Don’t get duped.

The OTE may be $30,000 more, but your actual earnings could end up being a lot less. And that’s not even including stock options or changes in cost of living if you need to relocate.

Go look up what other sellers say about OTE and quota attainment. Reach out to a few current and former reps on LinkedIn to get their opinions, too. 

Use that information to figure out what your actual earnings will be. Otherwise the promise of higher OTE might result in you earning less.

Assessing Company Culture and Values

Assessing company culture is crucial to ensure that the new org is a good fit for you. Some salespeople don’t realize how much a company’s sales culture can affect their success. How much will you enjoy a higher salary if the sales culture makes you miserable?

You need to know how the sales team interacts with each other, how they approach their work, and how they engage with customers. You also need to know about the leadership style and communication norms to the way success is defined and celebrated.

Go check out the company page to see how current and former reps have rated the org for culture and leadership. Look at reviews and the Q&A section — or ask a question yourself.

Considering Personal Goals and Career Growth

Considering your personal goals and career growth is a bit more abstract, but no less important when considering a new role. Assuming you’ve already thought about your long-term career aspirations — if you haven’t, you should — you’ll want to be confident the new opportunity is on the path you want to take and offers the right opportunities for professional development.

Aligning with Long-Term Career Aspirations

The long-term career aspirations for salespeople can vary widely. Some people want to remain in a sales role but with increasingly larger deal sizes, while others may want to move into leadership positions or start their own companies. 

Decide if a new opportunity aligns with your long-term career aspirations. You’ll need to ask yourself questions like:

• Does the new job offer opportunities for advancement that align with your career goals?
• Will the new job allow you to develop skills that are important for your long-term career aspirations?
• Are the company culture and values in line with your personal values and goals?

By considering these questions, you can ensure that the new job aligns with your long-term career aspirations and provides opportunities for growth and development.

Opportunities for Professional Development

Opportunities for professional development are incredibly important to helping you achieve your career goals. You’ll want to consider the training, education, and mentoring programs that the new job offers. 

Some questions to consider include:

• Does the new job offer training and education programs that align with your career goals?
• Are there opportunities for mentorship and guidance from experienced sales professionals?
• Will the new job allow you to develop new skills and knowledge that are important for your career growth?
• How does this compare with these opportunities in your current role?

And don’t forget to look at how current and former reps have rated the company for professional development. It’s essential to ensure that the new job offers the resources and support you need to continue growing as a sales professional. 

Consulting with Mentors and Peers

We can’t overstate how helpful it is to consult with mentors and peers before making a decision about a new job opportunity. Mentors can provide valuable insights and advice based on their own experiences in the sales industry. And your peers can offer a more current perspective on the current job market and may have knowledge of the company or position you are considering.

Mentors and peers who have experience in the same industry or with similar job responsibilities may be more helpful than those who do not. Additionally, mentors and peers who have a positive attitude and a track record of success may be more reliable sources of advice.

Related Article: How to Find a Sales Mentor — and Why

When seeking advice, make sure you have a clear idea of what you want to learn and where you need to improve. This will help you narrow down your options and focus on the most relevant advice. Like we mentioned above, you may want to ask specific questions for advice about the compensation, culture, sales strategies, or potential challenges of the new job.

Ultimately, the decision to take a new job opportunity is a personal one. While mentors and peers can provide valuable insights, it is important to weigh their advice against your own goals and priorities. Consider your long-term career aspirations, work-life balance, and financial needs when making this decision.

Making the Decision

Once you have gathered all the information about the new job opportunity as a salesperson, it’s time to make a decision. Sometimes it’s easier than others.

If you decide to accept the new job, be sure to give your current employer proper notice and try your best to leave on good terms. If you decide to stay in your current job, consider using the information you gathered during your job search to negotiate a better salary or benefits package.

And always remember: There is no perfect job, no perfect sales org. Every job will have its own pros and cons. Your goal should be to take the job that aligns best with your personal and professional goals at this time in your life.