Career Success Guide

Offers & Negotiation - Evaluate the Offer

EVALUATE THE OFFER

Never accept an offer on the spot! It is expected to take time to think over all aspects of the position. The evaluation process can be broken down into three basic steps: assessing the employer, position, and salary and benefits package. If you need more information, do not hesitate to reach out and request additional information during the evaluation stage.

EMPLOYER • Did you feel comfortable during the interview? Did you like the people? • Where is the organization going; is it growing or downsizing? • What is the organization’s market share? • What are the organization’s competitors? • What is the growth potential of the organization’s products/services? • Would you be working in a strong division? • Are the functions of the position well supported and respected by the rest of the organization? • What is the culture of the organization? • How will your style and your manager’s style merge with the organization as a whole? • What is the organization’s rate of employee retention?

SALARY & BENEFITS • How does the complete package meet or exceed what others are receiving for the same position at the same skill level? • How comfortable do you feel with your salary and benefits package (online resources on the Career Services StoutCloud site)? • What are the industry standards for salaries at your level? • What are the reasons if you have been offered a salary much higher (or lower) than usual? • How much personal time off (PTO) will be available to you? • Does the benefits package meet your personal needs (retirement, health care, educational benefits, etc.)? • Take time to understand the benefits package. Benefits often greatly increase the overall worth of the job offer.

POSITION • What are your specific job responsibilities and are they clearly defined? • What is the history of the position? What happened to your predecessor? • Where does the “normal” career track lie? • What is the growth potential in the position? • How long are you expected to stay in the position before advancing? • How does the position fit with your short-term and long-term goals? • How can the position provide bridges to future opportunities?

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