Maybe it was the strength of your professional network, a killer application, or a standout interview – or, more likely, all three: Whatever the reason, you’ve received a job offer.

First, congratulations … it’s likely you’ve had to clear more than a few hurdles along the way. Second … now what?

As a transitioning servicemember (or younger veteran) taking your first steps into the private sector, you may have gone decades between receiving civilian job offers. Changing roles while in uniform didn’t come with salary ranges, benefit plans, new vacation policies, and a pile of other private-sector considerations.

Take advantage of these five tips as you consider your next step.

1. Don’t Rush

“Take your time to evaluate the offer,” said Col. Brian Anderson, USAF (Ret), MOAA’s senior director of career transition and member services. “Take it home. Talk to your spouse. Talk to significant others. Talk to people in your network. If you are a MOAA Life member and you get a job offer, send it to us and our career transition team! We’d be delighted to take a look at it.”

[RELATED: Career Consulting From MOAA]

Most offers will come with an expiration date. Allowing applicants three to four days to review their offer is common practice in the private sector, Anderson said.

2. Salary Triage

Have three numbers in mind as you consider your potential future wage, Anderson said:

• Bare Minimum: The figure that covers the rent and the rest of your current quality of life.
• The Sweet Spot: The figure that represents your ideal compensation for the new role.
• ‘Mad Money’: As Anderson put it, “You just won the lotto and you can’t believe somebody is willing to pay you that kind of money.”

Why find all these figures? It’s a good way to set your work-life balance, Anderson said: A job with a relaxed schedule may be worth considering a near-minimum pay rate, for instance, while a crazy travel schedule might not make sense … unless it comes with Mad Money.

3. Making the Call

You’ve got three options once you’ve received the offer, and two are straightforward: Accept it as-is, or decline it and seek a different opportunity. The third option – negotiation – does come with risk: About 5% of negotiations dissolve, Anderson said, leading to the applicant not accepting the position or the employer withdrawing the offer. Know the risk, but also appreciate the potential reward …

4. Remember the Little Things

Salary and benefits certainly are in play when you decide to negotiate your offer. But other items that would improve your quality of life should be on your radar – smaller considerations that could make a big difference (and might be less of a lift for an employer to include in a renegotiated package). Examples include:

• Company-provided gym membership
• Transportation perks (upgrades, frequent flyer programs, parking)
• Hardware (company-provided computer/phone/etc.)

[RELATED: You Got the Job! Now What?]

5. Start Strong

Still not sure where you can find wiggle room in your negotiation? Your employer may be receptive to items tied to the start of your employment – moving expenses, a signing bonus, or even a delayed start date. Depending on the company, approval for such requests might take fewer steps than a revamped health care plan or a new starting salary, for example, and these immediate perks could ease some transition stress for you and your family.

Want more? Visit MOAA’s Transition and Career Center for advice on all stages of your professional journey, and check out upcoming webinars, seminars, career fairs, and more at our events page.