Will this job help you fulfill your goals?
Perhaps you want to become CEO of an international company. Or help other people overcome personal problems. Or break new ground in technologies that will change the world. Whatever your goal, if the job you're applying for isn't something likely to lead you in that direction, your job satisfaction may be low or non-existent.

Does it fit into the rest of your life?
Most of us would agree that interacting with family and friends is at least as important as our professional activities. So a two hour commute could make you resent your job because it limits your social life. Or if you're the primary caregiver for a preschooler, being on call as a manager 24/7 could be a major source of stress. Remember, being torn between your obligations at work and your personal responsibilities is not conducive to professional success no matter how great the job offer.

Improve the offer through negotiation.
Sometimes the job is right but the salary isn't. Or the company is one you admire but the title is lower than you deserve. Or maybe you'd like more vacation time, better health care benefits, or the chance to pursue more education. You can often negotiate a satisfactory compromise on these issues at the time an offer is made. Because, believe it or not, it's as hard for a company to find good people as it is for you to find a good job.

Always assume you can work things out.
Both sides may have to give a little, but in the end each will feel they've gotten a good deal. For example, if you want three weeks vacation time but the company only offers two weeks, ask if you can take an additional week off without pay. It will give you the time you want, and your manager can use the salary saved to get temporary help if necessary.

If your beginning salary is significantly lower than you hoped for, ask if your manager can review your performance after six months and raise your salary based on this review. Or he or she may be willing to give you another week of paid vacation to make up for less income. You might also be able to get some money-saving perks such as free parking, tuition reimbursement, or lower health care premiums.

Keep the big picture in mind.
Remember, the idea is to build a career with this company, not go head-to-head over trifles. Listen to their side before presenting your case so you can couch your argument in terms they would be most likely to agree with. If you show that you're eager to support the company's goals, they will most likely be willing to reward your cooperative attitude.