Evaluating Job Offers

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WHAT ARE SOME CONSIDERATIONS?     [Top]
Know your baseline criteria.
Are you a good fit for the job and is it a good fit for you?
What is really important to you? Consider things like:
 
Advancement potential
Stress level
Hours
Working conditions
Prestige
Stability
Job content and level of responsibility
Opportunity for learning new skills
Location/relocation
Commuting distance
Salary and benefits
Reputation of employer
Corporate values and culture
Health care
Retirement package
Flexible schedule
Supervisor/co-workers
 

 

SHOULD YOU NEGOTIATE A SALARY PACKAGE?     [Top]
In many entry-level jobs you may not be able to negotiate however, do not hesitate to negotiate an offer that is unreasonable. If you do negotiate, be sure you are tactful and base your case on accurate information. Remember, you are in a more powerful position now then after you have accepted the offer but do not be demanding or overdo it, you may find that the offer has been withdrawn.
HOW WILL YOU RECEIVE THE OFFER?     [Top]

You will probably be notified by telephone that you have been selected. Do not commit right away, talk it over with friends, family members, or CSC counselors. Be rational not emotional in decision making. The telephone notification is often confirmed in writing. Ensure that it contains the job title and salary and that the benefits match or improve upon what you had agreed upon; if not, do not hesitate to seek clarification.

Be sure you have a clear understanding of your job responsibilities. Ask for a job description that includes all your responsibilities. This will help you understand the position and the expectations.

HOW LONG DO YOU HAVE TO MAKE YOUR DECISION?     [Top]
You may find that you need more time than an employer initially extends to make a decision, especially if you have other employment opportunities pending. When asking for an extension, it is important to provide a specific date by which you will make your decision and then stick to it. Another reason you may not want to accept an offer on the spot is that once you accept an offer, whether it be verbally or in writing, you are obligated to that position even if you get a better offer later. Telling an employer "No" after you have already said, "Yes" is unethical and unprofessional. Once you have accepted a job offer you may not consider any other positions. You should immediately stop interviewing, cancel any further interviews, and notify all employers who are still considering you. If you are not ready to make that commitment, do not accept the job offer.
HOW SHOULD YOU RESPOND TO AN OFFER?     [Top]
If you are accepting the offer, you can confirm your acceptance verbally and then follow up with a written confirmation letter of acceptance. Express your appreciation and enthusiasm for the opportunity! Restate your understanding of the offer and remember to include salary, starting date, time, location and any perks, signing bonuses etc. that were negotiated. Also, address any other factors you feel were vague or were not in writing.

If you are declining the offer, inform the recruiter verbally and follow up with a letter that thanks the recruiter for the opportunity. Without going into excessive detail, explain that you are accepting a position that is a better fit for your current needs. Stay positive and do not burn any bridges. You do not want to close the door on the possibility of working with that employer in the future.

ARE THERE ANY ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS?     [Top]
Yes. Once you have accepted a job offer, you must terminate all other job-search activity. Notify all other employers that you are no longer available for employment, and cancel any interviews (on campus or off) you might have pending. Acceptance of an offer is a commitment to your future employer. Your behavior in such situations is a reflection of your values, priorities, and ethical/professional conduct. In addition, your behavior affects future relationships between the employer and UNCG.
USEFUL SITES     [Top]
Evaluating a Job Offer

The Riley Guide Information on salary surveys, how to find and evaluate salary information, and how to evaluate the offer.  
Top Entry Level Employers for 2004 From CollegeGrad.com, good entry-level job site.
College Grad
Black Collegian
University of Virginia University Career Services

Salary Information & Negotiation

Salary Relocation calculators
JobStar Salary Information Index
Salary surveys, negotiation guides, and more.
MonsterTrak Salary Center
Up-to-date salary ranges based on job category, job title, location. Cost-of-living adjuster.
How much should I ask for? The Salary WizardTM can show you what your peers are making, what relocating will cost you, or what a career change could mean to your paycheck. Select a job category and location to begin.
International Salary Calculator
Job Offer Negotiations
Job Search Compensation Center Salary information, salary surveys, negotiation strategies, salary tools, and more resources to research how much you should be paid.
Salary Research and Negotiation links concerning salary research, negotiation, and what is a good job.
Salary.com Easy to navigate site by major.
Salary Statistics Relocation Information.
DataMaster Salary calculator lists a few cities in each state. Also lists salary survey for IT people.
Find a Rental Apartment, storage, furniture, etc. rental information.
MapQuest Maps, driving directions, travel guides, etc.
The Salary Calculator
Compares the cost of living in hundreds of US and International cities. Also has city snapshots.
MonsterMoving.com Lists many resources such as real estate, employment, moving, cost of living, parent resources, and gives quotes.

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UNCG Career Services
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Greensboro, NC 27402-6170
VOICE (336) 334-5454
FAX (336) 334-5185
EMAIL career_services@uncg.edu