Considerations
You will likely be very pleased when you receive a job offer, but be sure to “look before you leap.” Pause to reflect on the pros and cons and make a sound decision that you can live with. The more of the following questions you can answer before deciding, the more peace of mind you will have in the long run.
Salary and Benefits: Are they fair?
The cost of living varies widely by region and impacts the value of the salary you are offered. Be sure to research the appropriate entry-level salary in your field at both the national and regional levels. Professional associations sometimes conduct salary surveys and publish the results. State salaries are a matter of public record. You may also refer to the many online resources on salary statistics (searchable by job title and geographic area), such as:
More resources are available. Consulting with other professionals in the field can also provide valuable insight. Weigh salary against the cost of living in the area. Homefair.com is a useful resource for comparison.
Inquire about healthcare and benefits, for example:
- Is there a choice between healthcare/retirement plans?
- What healthcare services are covered (vision, dental, orthodontic, psychological)?
- When does coverage begin?
- What part of the premium do employees pay, if any?
- Does the plan cover a partner or dependents?
- What are the co-payment and/or deductible expenses?
- What are the employer’s family leave policies?
- How is the retirement plan structured? Does the company match contributions? Is there a vesting plan?
- What other perks does the employer offer?
- Subsidized membership in a professional organization?
- Professional development (e.g. conferences, courses)?
- Tax-deferred savings plans?
- Pretax reimbursement accounts for healthcare and childcare costs (i.e. flexible spending accounts)?
- Fitness center membership?
- Childcare services/benefits?
- Cafeteria plan? Parking?
Terms of the Appointment
Be very clear on the terms of your appointment. They should be defined in writing.
- What is the exact start date?
- Is there a formal job description?
- Is there a contract? What is the term? Or is the position “at will”?
- Whom will you report to?
- How will your performance be evaluated, and when?
- Are there opportunities for advancement?
Fit
Reflect on how you felt in the environment during the interview and any thoughts or information that may have surfaced since.
- Do you support the employer’s mission, values, and future directions?
- Do the people who will be your colleagues and leaders seem positive, supportive, and collegial?
- Are the expectations for the position clear and reasonable to you?
- Can you be productive and happy there? Do you have a future there?
Working Conditions
Will you be comfortable with your day-to-day routine?
- What hours will you work? Are they set or flexible? How much overtime, if any, is expected or required to do the job?
- Will you be required to travel? How often?
- What resources will you have for your work (e.g. office, computer, clerical support)?
- How much human interaction will you have?
- How much time will be devoted to each of the various job responsibilities? Are you comfortable with the balance?
Family/Lifestyle
Reflect on your comfort with the community, as well as the comfort of your partner or family as the case may be.
- Would you enjoy living in the community?
- Is the cost of living reasonable?
- Is housing acceptable (schools, transportation, etc.)?
- If you have a partner, will s/he be able to find satisfying work in the area? Does the employer offer spousal/partner employment assistance?
- Is the employer supportive of your lifestyle choices?