By: The Capella University Editorial Team
Reading Time: 3 minutes
Did someone just offer you a job? Congratulations! Your hard work has paid off, and you have an exciting new opportunity.
Before accepting, consider the big picture: compensation, benefits eligibility dates, schedule, remote-work expectations, role responsibilities, reporting line, commute and other out-of-pocket costs like parking. Ask the employer for the written offer and clarify any terms that are unclear. Use the same questions for each offer so you can compare immediate needs, career goals, workplace fit and long-term value.
Job offer checklist
Here’s a checklist to help you evaluate the position to ensure it’s a good fit for you. This list is also useful if you’re considering multiple job offers. Compare how each position measures up against the following factors.
- Salary. Of course, money is at the top of the list. Find out what the salary range is for the position relative to your experience. Does the offer fall within the range? If it doesn’t give you a raise from your current salary, make sure it at least allows you to maintain your current standard of living for the following year. (Most companies only offer raises once a year, after an annual review.) Also, find out if the position or company offers any hiring, performance or annual bonuses.
- Pay period. Another thing related to salary that you may want to consider is the paycheck schedule. Some companies pay weekly or biweekly; others pay twice a month (on the 1st and 15th of the month, for example), and still others might just pay once a month. How does the paycheck cadence affect your lifestyle and finances?
- Benefits. Your paycheck isn’t the only compensation you should consider when accepting a new job. Carefully evaluate the position’s health and dental benefits. Ask about their retirement plan, disability benefits and other financial protections. Make sure you understand how they compensate or account for sick days. How much vacation time and how many paid holidays do you get? Can you negotiate for more? Do they offer any special discounts for transportation, health clubs or other services?
- Schedule. Find out what the typical workday looks like for your team and position. What time do people normally arrive and leave? How many hours are you expected to be in the office each day, and how many breaks do you get? If needed, can you work from home? Consider how important flexibility with work hours and telecommuting is to you, and how this new position accommodates your needs.
- Role and responsibilities. Make sure you have a clear understanding of the job duties and your supervisor’s expectations. Also, consider whether you’re happy with the job title itself. Does the title match the responsibilities that come with the job? Is there an opportunity to negotiate for a more fitting title?
- Reputation. Consider the prestige and stability of the company or industry. Have they received any awards? How has their financial track record been in recent years? Do they give back to their community? Is this an industry with a future? How important are these factors to you?
- Leadership and team. Did you meet your potential new boss in the interview process? Do you think you could work well under their leadership? What about the people who will be on your team or anyone you’ll be directly supervising? Make sure you’re comfortable with them. If you’re at all concerned, consider asking a few questions to help you better understand the team dynamics.
- Career goals. When you started your job search, you likely had an idea of what your new job could look like. How closely does this one match your idea? Is the offer compatible with your short- and long-term goals, values and interests? Do the company and the position have advancement opportunities that will help you grow?
- Location. How does the job location and your commute impact your personal or family life? Is it close to home, daycare, kids’ schools, the gym or other key places you frequent? If not, are you okay with that?
- Red flags. Do you have concerns about the offer? What are they? Make sure you identify and address any potential red flags.
- If you thoroughly examine each offer using this checklist, you can feel confident in your decision – whether that means accepting, negotiating or turning it down – so your next move is the right step for your career.
