So you just recieved an offer and you've only interviewed with one company.  Should you take it?  How will you ever really know if this is the best job you can find if you don’t have anything to compare it to?  Are you selling your future short or is a bird in the hand really better than 2 in the bush?  If it is a good job do you risk losing that opportunity by continuing to interview for something potentially better?  If you find yourself in this position CONGRATULATIONS!!!  This is a good problem to have. Do you take the first offer or do you keep shopping?  Only you can make that decision but here are some factors that can help. 

Know Your Odds

Drew Sussberg who manages a technology placement agency called Workbridge Associates in New York City estimates most people interview with five to seven companies to get one offer.  That doesn’t necessarily mean you receive an offer once you finish interviewing with 5 companies.  Typically a person will get one offer along the interview process.  You could press you luck and keep searching for something better.  It really depends on how confident you feel and how urgent your job search is.  So if you have an offer after interviewing with your first company and you like the opportunity, just remember it may take five or more companies before you receive another offer and will it be an offer you really want?

Make your decision based on the merits of the offer

You won’t like your new job because it was the first company or the tenth company you interviewed with.  People choose to accept an offer because they feel it’s the right fit for them.  Obviously the job needs to have the right salary, job responsibilities, location and for most the appropriate title.  Beyond these facts base your decision on how you would fit in with your new work colleagues and the corporate culture. Here are five factors to consider when making this decision:

• Hiring Manager: This person is responsible for directing you, teaching you, supporting you and motivating you. Don't underestimate this relationship and assume it's cool if you don't make a connection with your boss. While you don't have to be BFF’s, there should be a certain level of connection and comfort between the two of you. If you feel this person is someone you think you can respect, learn from and trust, that's a good sign.
• Team Dynamics: These are the people you'll be spending about 50-60 hours a week with! Look to see what you really have in common with them. Did you get along with the team in the interview? Do you share the same work ethic, philosophies towards the job and level of ambition? Your work is likely to be judged by the collective result of your team. So make sure you feel that you could be productive working with them.
• Office environment: Are they reasonably up-to-date with their equipment and systems? Is the work space tidy and organized? If a company takes the "don't care" attitude, this is likely to apply to other things they "don't care" about such as your bonus amount, request for a new laptop or ideas on how to improve the department.
• Non-work culture: Do people in the company know a little bit about each other outside of work? Do they spend time together occasionally? Are there company organized social events or sports teams? Does the company encourages relationship building and team camaraderie?
• Trust your intincts: If you have a positive first impression, that's a good sign.  If you feel really great about the opportunity and it hits all or most of what you want in your next job then there is a good chance this is the job for you.  Equally important is paying attention to any bad feelings you may have.  Some people except offers because they get caught up in the excitement of the process.  Slow down and think it thru.  What is your gut telling you?

Your new job should be something that excites and motivates you.  Don’t worry about how many companies you’ve interviewed with or that it’s only your first offer.  If it doesn’t match your needs then pass on it and keep looking.  However if it is a job that really interest you don’t risk losing the offer just because it is the only company you’ve interviewed with.