When you receive a job offer, it can be very easy to focus mainly on the annual salary amount. In order to make a well-informed decision about whether you will accept the offer, it is in your best interests to take your time to review the written and unwritten details of an offer. First, and most importantly, you need to evaluate the position itself. Next, you should consider the workplace environment you observed throughout the interview process. Lastly, turn your attention to the compensation package. The questions below will help you to create a pro and con list of whether accepting a job offer will be the right next step for you. Connect with Career Services & Internships today to schedule an appointment with a Career Advisor to discuss your specific situation.
Alignment with the Position
Am I genuinely interested in the duties and tasks of this position?
Do I have the sense I will work well with my immediate supervisor and their management style?
Am I comfortable with the method of my performance evaluation and schedule?
Am I comfortable with any expectations and requirements on my time outside of my traditional work hours and schedule?
If travel is required, am I comfortable making the necessary time commitments to complete travel for my position and the frequency of travel that is required?
Workplace Considerations
While visiting the office during the interview process, did I feel comfortable with the workspace?
While interacting with people form the company, did I feel comfortable, welcomed, and respected?
Is the commute realistic, and did I consider the impact of rush-hour in the morning and afternoon?
Total Compensation and Benefits
Annual base salary: is it in line with my market research?
Additional Compensation: bonus pay, commissions, profit-sharing, and/or stock options. If I am eligible, is this additional compensation amount/percentage written into my offer including any applicable schedule?
Insurance: health, dental, vision, prescription drug coverage, life, and disability coverages. Are any of these benefits offered to me and when would coverage begin?
Retirement savings plans with any potential match structure and schedule. If available, what is offered and when am I eligible to participate?
Paid-time off: vacation days, sick days, personal days. If offered, how much time will I be allotted or accrued? Also, does it increase over time and at what rate?
Tax-Advantaged Benefits: Health Spending Account, Health Reimbursement Account, Flexible Spending Account. If offered, when am I eligible to participate in these programs?
