For transitioning servicemembers, military spouses, and even veterans already in their civilian careers, receiving a new job offer can be a very exciting time. However, before you get to this stage in the job search process, it's important to do your homework.

MOAA’s job board partner, Indeed, offered some tips on this topic in a recent Indeed.com post. Here are the basics:

Analyze Your Career Goals

Getting a job may be the immediate priority, but you are thinking too short-term if you haven’t considered how the job relates to your future career advancement.

Will the position let you learn valuable new skills and expand your network within your desired industry and sector? How will future employers react to seeing the role on your résumé?  A career coach, mentor, or adviser may be able to help you discern whether a particular opportunity or career path is a good fit. 

Reflect on Your Personal Needs

Salary, benefits, and overall compensation are clearly important: Most of us want or need a paycheck. But how do you put a price tag on other important considerations such as job title, work/life harmony, commute, and company culture, just to name a few? Where do those items rack and stack on your priorities?

In addition, while all employers have unique guidelines for remote, teleworking, and personal accommodations, understanding the flexibility or rigidity of a given work environment may help you to determine if it's a good fit.

[RELATED: MOAA's Transition and Career Center]

Know Your Value

You may feel eager to accept the first offer you receive, but it’s important to consider your value proposition based on your unique education, experience, and knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Do your research: Companies within a given sector, industry, or locality may offer vastly different salaries and benefits packages for similar job titles. Educate yourself on the differences, and ensure you are prepared to negotiate in a manner that best meets the needs of you and your family.

Understanding yourself and how to reflect on and respond to a job offer at the beginning of your job search can go a long way toward making sure you're happy with the terms of your employment before you commit to a new civilian role.