Evaluating Your Offer

You had a great interview and perhaps they’ve made you an offer. How do you know if you should accept? Here are some things to consider:

Job fit

  • Does the role fit with your goals?
  • Do you enjoy doing the majority of the tasks that make up your responsibilities?
  • Are you working within your preferred environment (on a team vs. more independently, remote/hybrid or in-person, etc.)

Location:

  • Consider factors such as the weather, cost of living, and how you’ll spend your time outside of work
  • Will you have to relocate? Do they help cover your relocation expenses?
  • What would your commute look like?
  • How close are you to friends and family?
  • If your work requires frequent travel, are you close are you to the nearest airport?

Benefits:

Beyond salary, benefits can increase the value of an offer. What benefits does the employer provide? Consider…

  • Paid time off,  or paid vacation and sick leave
  • Health insurance
  • Retirement
  • Childcare or wellness benefits
  • Tuition repayment assistance or tuition assistance for continuing education
  • Bonuses or commissions

Employer culture:

  • Can you visualize yourself within the organization?
  • How well do your values align with the organization’s values?
  • What are examples of the organization’s values in practice?
  • What are the expectations for what you wear if you work on-site?

Compensation:

  • Is the offer competitive for the industry, job level, and location?
  • What are the criteria for advancement and are they transparent within the organization?

Advancement:

  • Will the position challenge you and give you room to grow?
  • Will you learn new skills and gain experience to further your career?
  • Are there opportunities for you to be mentored by more experienced professionals?
  • Are there opportunities for professional development or trainings (skill-building courses, conferences, etc.)?

You can ask about any of these considerations to gain further clarity on whether to accept an offer or continue your search to find a better fit.