Evaluating Your Job Offers

When you start receiving job offers, the excitement can take over. Your hard work and perseverance are paying off, but there are still a few steps to go through. Taking time to consider and evaluate your offers is important because you want to make a good decision that fits your personal needs and desires.

• Create a document to list your offers along with the details that are important for your decision. 
• Factors to consider may include: salary, geographic location, hybrid vs. fully remote vs. on-site, bonuses, time-off, vacation, insurance coverage, mentorship, relocation fees, etc.
• You may also want to think about the work environment and culture, type of leadership, mission and values of the employer, and opportunities for growth and development.
• Look at the pros and cons for each position and rank your offers according to the things that you value in your employer and your work.
• As you review your offers, you may have questions about specifics. If you're serious about an offer, it's okay to contact your recruiter to clarify contents of the offer so that you can make a decision with accurate information.

Negotiating your Salary

While the prospects of a new job can be exciting, it can also be nerve-wracking, especially for newer graduates without a lot of experience. Talking money can be the most stressful part of the interview process because the last thing anyone wants to do is start an exciting new chapter of their life in a new job, but getting paid less than their worth. Here are a few helpful tips to help guide you through the process.

• Know your worth - Research the position and salary range using sites such as Salary.com and Glassdoor. Set a minimum acceptable salary range. Your starting salary can set the tone for how much you earn down the road.
• Factor in the benefits - Consider your personal living expenses (monthly expenses, loans, taxes, etc.) while keeping in mind the total compensation package (health insurance, paid vacation days, etc.).
• Don't throw out the first number - Employers are becoming more transparent about the pay for their positions. If that is not the case, allow the employer to be the first to state a salary. 
• Don't be afraid to push back - Thank the employer for their offer but take time to thoroughly evaluate it before accepting (or declining). Negotiation is a standard part of the job search process, and is often expected, so don't accept a low offer hoping they'll see your talents and increase your pay.

Always negotiate in good faith. You should only go through with negotiating an offer if you are serious.