How To Evaluate A Job Offer
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1. How to Evaluate a Job Offer
Let’s assume your employment interview went well, and there’s sincere and mutual interest on both sides. You now need to decide two things: first, whether the new position is right for you; and if so, what sort of offer you’d be willing to accept. To help in the decision-making process, take the following test as a way to compare the two positions.
Position Comparison Guide
Directions: Compare the new job with what you already have.
|
Old job |
New job |
Element under consideration |
| Position title | ||
| Supervisory responsibility | ||
| Project authority | ||
| Decision-making autonomy | ||
| Freedom to implement ideas | ||
| Ability to affect change | ||
| Promotion potential | ||
| Challenge of tasks | ||
| Ability to meet expectations | ||
| Access to professional development | ||
| Professional growth potential | ||
| Company/industry growth | ||
| Company/industry stability | ||
| Starting salary, benefits, perks | ||
| Future compensation | ||
| Commuting distance | ||
| Travel requirements | ||
| Work environment | ||
| Rapport with co-workers | ||
| Rapport with management | ||
| Comfort with corporate culture | ||
| Other considerations (specify) | ||
| Total score: New job vs. old job |
2. Your Next Job: What Does it Really Pay?
Compensation will be a key factor in your decision whether to accept a new position. However, few people take the time to really understand their economic choices, mostly because there are so many hidden factors, such as cost of living, benefits, and so forth. To help you put your choices into perspective, use the following guide to evaluate your prospective compensation package with what you’re currently earning.
Position Compensation Guide
Directions: Compare the economics of the old and new job.
|
Current Job |
New Job |
Element to Consider |
| $ | $ | Base salary |
| $ | $ | Bonus, commissions |
| $ | $ | Additional perks |
| $ | $ | Profit sharing potential |
| $ | $ | Value of stock or equity |
| $ | $ | Pension |
| $ | $ | 401(k) contribution |
| $ | $ | Reimbursed expenses |
| $ | $ | Cost of living differences |
| $ | $ | Moving expenses |
| $ | $ | Travel expenses |
| $ | $ | Insurance premiums |
| $ | $ | Property taxes |
| $ | $ | State, local taxes |
| $ | $ | Sales taxes |
| $ | $ | Other expenses (specify) |
| $ | $ | $ Difference (+/-) |
Regardless of where compensation ranks on your list of priorities, it’s a good idea to know what you may be getting into when faced with a career decision.
