How To Properly Evaluate A Potential Job Offer

Evaluating a job offer can be exciting but also overwhelming at the same time. Keep reading in order to learn how to effectively evaluate a job offer. You do not want to take a job that sounds fantastic only to find yourself working in a confined cubicle for 10 hours a day with coworkers who do not even talk to you.

A candidate should consider the entire picture by making a list of what you need and want from your next position. Make a dedicated effort to envision your life currently as well as six months from now. If it has improved then this job could be a great fit. If not, you should probably keep looking. Use the following checklist to evaluate your job offer.

Money

Salary is most likely your first consideration when it comes to determining whether a job is going to be a great fit. Once you are offered a salary, double check your budget to ensure that it is enough for your needs. This is especially important if the job requires relocation or a major change in your daily commute. After calculating any additional expenses, make sure you have enough money left over to contribute to your retirement as well as your savings.

Here are some additional financial aspects to consider when evaluating a job offer:

Bonus(es) - Is there a sign-on bonus or an opportunity to earn performance-based bonuses in the future?
Health insurance and wellness benefits - Analyzing the premium you will pay out of pocket and compare that with the co-pays and deductibles. You should compare traditional plans with any high-deductible options.
Retirement - Factor in personal contributions, employer matching and any pre-tax savings.
Profit-sharing or stock options - Request additional details from your recruiter to find out if this is part of your compensation plan.
Relocation assistance - If you have to move, is the company paying for your expenses?
Ancillary benefits - Ancillary or voluntary benefits include cancer insurance, life insurance, identity theft protection or legal services. Some companies include free transportation passes so make sure to ask.

Company Culture

It is important that it pays your bills but you also want to feel like you fit in. Here are some things to consider:

Work environment - Take a tour including where you would be seated. Can you envision yourself working in that particular space? If it is a large room with cubicles, is there a place to go to make private calls on your break or lunch? Are the other employees happy or overwhelmed? Is there natural lighting near the window? What is the dress code?
Professional development - Inquire about potential opportunities for advancement, obtaining new certifications and receiving additional development training as needed.

Take Your Needs Into Consideration

As in-office culture is important, so is the balance your job strikes with the rest of your life. When evaluating a job offer, ask yourself if you will get to spend time with loved ones, travel, etc?

Make sure to get everything in writing. Here's what you should consider:

Travel requirements - How much travel will be required and what expenses will be reimbursed?
Paid time off, vacations, personal or sick days, family leave - Find out upfront about the company’s time-off policies.
Remote work - Are you allowed to work from home part time or full time?
Schedule flexibility - It can be difficult to negotiate more flexibility once you have started, so go for it in the beginning preferably before you start. You can also check the company careers page to see if they mention flexible work arrangements.