Did you recently get an attractive job offer? The opportunity to work at a new firm is exciting, but there are several things you should do before taking the plunge. Preparing can make your transition much smoother, and avoid burning bridges with your current workplace.

1. Clarify the responsibilities

A new job often comes with new responsibilities, and it is crucial that you find out exactly what these are. You have to know whether or not you can really handle the new job, or if you will need training first.

Even if the new job is more difficult than you can handle right now, don’t give up immediately. Taking an advanced online paralegal certification course from legalstudies.com, or any other well-known educator, might be enough to sharpen your skills.

2. Research the firm

What is the company culture like? How are the work hours? Will you have plenty of opportunities to advance? These are all valuable questions, and they barely scratch the surface of what you have to consider. Spend at least a few hours learning everything you can about the new firm.

3. Weigh the compensation carefully

While money isn’t everything, it should definitely be one of the biggest things you have to take into account. How much more will you be earning, and does it justify the trouble of switching jobs?

• Low increase – Many paralegals are willing to take a minimal pay increase (or even none at all) for the opportunity to work at a bigger firm with a better work environment and culture.

• High increase – Conversely, you should also be somewhat wary of “too-good-to-be-true” offers. This might just mean your firm has been grossly underpaying you, but it could also indicate problems at the new workplace.

4. Leave with professionalism and grace

Even if you are unhappy with your current firm and have more than a few grievances, it is best to depart on good terms. Give them a proper notice of at least two weeks, hand over a formal letter of resignation, and be good natured at all times. Remember, your contacts there might come in handy in the future, so avoid hurting your reputation.

5. Understand how to deal with counter offers

If you are a highly valuable employee, there is a chance that your firm might present you with a counter offer. Be very careful here; only entertain it if money is the sole reason you are leaving, and understand that they might not trust you as much going forward. There is a chance that they will only hold on to you until they find a good replacement.

Taking on a new job is a valuable step forward in your career. Even if it is a significant challenge, always remember what you will get in return.