Puntos destacados
- A job offer isn't just about the pay or salary. You should also consider the benefits being offered, like health insurance, retirement perks like pensions or 401(k) matches, number of paid vacation days, parental leave, and student loan repayment assistance programs.
- Don't be afraid to negotiate-some employers even expect it. Look up salaries for people who have similar roles in your city and practice talking about the value you'd provide, which can help you feel more confident about asking for more.
- Ask about the company culture and work environment during the interview process. Getting more details about team dynamics, communication styles, career growth opportunities, work-life balance, and remote work flexibility can help you decide if it's a good fit.
A new job could come with more pay, incentives, or perks like the ability to work remotely. But even when a job offer looks good on paper, it's important to thoroughly evaluate all aspects of the opportunity to make sure it's a good fit for you.
Here are five factors that can help you determine if a job offer is right for your career, financial well-being, and overall happiness.
1. Consider the full value of the compensation package—not just the salary.
Health insurance and retirement plans are valuable benefits that can vary widely from company to company. If an offer includes a pay raise, but the benefits plan is less valuable than what you currently have, then switching jobs may not be worth it financially.
Just as a higher salary may not be enough to say yes, a lower salary doesn't necessarily mean you should say no. Better benefits and additional perks-like the ability to work remotely, a shorter commute, pet insurance, free lunches, or gym membership discounts-could add up enough to make a pay cut worth it.
2. Negotiate your salary using data and proof points of your expertise.
When you get a job offer, don't be afraid to negotiate for a higher salary. Most people don't ask for more pay, but the majority of those who do receive it.Divulgación 1
Researching salary trends within your industry and across similar positions can help you confidently craft a counteroffer. Some experts recommend building a case for your preferred figure based on your qualifications, certifications, and concrete examples of the value you'll bring.Divulgación 2
“The better you can point out the actual value you bring and the bottom-line impact that you'll make in an organization, the more likely you’re going to be able to negotiate the salary.” –Brian Ford, Head of Financial Wellness, Truist
You'll want to sound confident, so practice your delivery with a friend. If you're not confident of your case, you may want to focus instead on how future raises will be determined. And remember: Salary negotiations are a dialogue. Be flexible but remain firm on the things that are most important to you.
3. Talk to current employees and ask about the company’s culture and values.
Asking employees who'd be on your team about what their experience has been like can help you learn about the work environment-and what it might be like to work with them. Find out how leadership works with employees in your potential position, how departments within the company communicate with one another, and how the department is viewed by the rest of the company.
If you notice any red flags during these conversations, you may want to think twice about taking the job. Don't be afraid to inquire about the challenges of working there as much as the positives.
Checking the company's values against your own can also help you understand if you'd enjoy working there. Pregúntese a usted mismo: "¿Sería un buen aporte para la cultura de la compañía?" "Does their social impact align-or clash-with my beliefs?" "¿Mis valores coinciden con su propósito?" "Would I be proud of the work I'm doing?" What you think about the company can be just as important as what you think about the salary when responding to a job offer.
Job offer red flags to watch out for
Some job offers will come with caveats you should investigate.
- A vague or unclear job description or one noticeably different than what you applied for
- An unwillingness to negotiate salary or benefits
- An overly restrictive non-compete clause
- Poor or slow communication during the hiring or negotiation process
- Premature requests for personal information, such as your Social Security or bank account numbers
4. Take a long-term view.
Siempre tenga sus metas a largo plazo como prioridad. The job offer may be for an ideal position with a higher salary than your current one, but if there isn't room for learning and advancement at the company, it may not be such a perfect fit after a year or two. Contar con más oportunidades de crecimiento en su trabajo actual puede inclinar la balanza a quedarse ahí.
Think about what kinds of support you'll need to work your way up the ladder, and then ask about things like mentorship programs, education, and training reimbursements, as well as access to professional conferences. It's also wise to ask about the company's approach to filling vacancies. Do they prefer to promote from within or recruit from outside? The answer may affect your decision.
5. Be thoughtful about relocating.
Mudarse por un trabajo no es algo menor, especialmente si tiene una familia que debería mudarse también. Tenga en cuenta si la empresa cubriría sus gastos de mudanza y comience a analizar la nueva área donde viviría. ¿Tiene buenas escuelas? What is the cost of living, and how do taxes compare? ¿Hay comodidades de las que usted y su familia disfrutarían? Both personal and financial factors go into the decision to relocate, so take time to consider what relocation would involve before you respond to the job offer.
A new job can bring you many good things, like increased income, new skills, learning opportunities, and a bigger network. But ultimately, your decision should be based on whether the position will be rewarding both personally as well as financially. La carrera adecuada es la combinación perfecta de intereses personales, habilidades, compensación y la oportunidad de hacer lo que ama todos los días.
Próximos pasos
- While interviewing for a new position, look for opportunities to speak with leaders and team members you'd be working with so you can get a sense of the company's culture and what it'd be like to work there. Keep an eye out for any red flags.
- When considering a job offer, run the numbers, which include more than just your base salary. Factor in any possible signing or performance bonuses, retirement benefits related to 401(k)s or pensions, insurance, and other benefits.
- Look at the big picture beyond benefits and company culture as well. Is there room for growth? Would the position require a move-and would moving be worthwhile? Take all factors into consideration.