Weighing a Job Offer
I'm going to share a little first-hand story with you. Recently, I've been involved in a very interesting situation that I feel could only happen in the current 'iffy' work climate of 2010. My whole process has been a bit backwards, so by telling you the story - I hope for you to gleam a few nuggets of information about taking a job and weighing an offer.
My job search started officially in January after I returned back to the States from living in Asia for 2.5 years. Originally, I interviewed at a few places in NYC looking for HR/Recruitment work. I talked to a few staffing agencies, and one of them loved what I had to say about my social media skills. They hired me on the spot and created a position for me for a two week trial run in February to get their social recruiting up and running.
I negotiated an hourly rate over the phone for those two weeks after I discussed with a friend in the industry what some of the standards were for a smaller market. Now, this is where maybe I made a mistake because I assumed that this rate was for the temporary working situation, and not for the long term. I assumed (as I should) that there would be an offer letter made when the time came. If you ever get into a temp to perm situation, make sure you are clear on what the negotiation and schedule is.
After those two weeks of work, I was able to telecommute and work from home in Central NY. Today I was given an offer over the phone to think about, and I'm hoping to discuss further and get things in writing.
Now, some of the things to think about when weighing any offer should include (but are not limited to):
- What style of employment is this? Temporary? Temp to Perm? Contract? Full time?
- Will there be benefits?
- What is the vacation/sick days package?
- Will the offer be written and delivered via email or in the mail?
- What is the salary?
- Are there training benefits, conference possibilities, etc?
- Location? Travel?
When those questions get answered, and once an offer letter is in hand, do your research. This is the start of your negotiation.
Salary - www.salary.com is usually the site most people recommend but I would use www.payscale.com. It is much more comprehensive and gives an accurate portrayal of the position, industry, location. It also creates a PDF print out that you can give directly to your potential employer. PayScale is used by companies as well to find out what industry standards are and it also helps you to know your worth.
Cost of living - check with your College/University Alumni, or Career Services centers if you're relocating. They will be able to point you in the right direction. Do a quick search for apartments on Craigslist to see what they would cost. Make a list of your monthly bills and total it up. Think of your car insurance - will it go up if you live in a different city? Call up a local relocation company to find out what the costs of moving would be as well. Check cable/gas/electric prices in the area you're hoping to move to.
Do not accept an offer right away. When you receive one, thank the company, and tell them you'd like some time to look it over and think about it - they will be expecting this. This is your chance to figure out all of your concerns. Figure out your 3 most important factors - for example, Salary, Vacation Time, Hours. If a company can't reach your maximum salary, maybe they can make up for it with extra vacation days, or maybe working from home every other Friday. If the terms of your letter change, do not accept until it has been rewritten and sent to you by the company.
As with my story above and working a bit first, each company will be different, have varying expectations, and give different benefits and processes. Make sure that everything is always is writing, make sure offer letters are given, and always make sure that you negotiate and get things you deserve. Stand up for yourself, because no one else will. Once you take the job, put your money where your mouth is, and work hard for what you're earning.
My job search started officially in January after I returned back to the States from living in Asia for 2.5 years. Originally, I interviewed at a few places in NYC looking for HR/Recruitment work. I talked to a few staffing agencies, and one of them loved what I had to say about my social media skills. They hired me on the spot and created a position for me for a two week trial run in February to get their social recruiting up and running.
I negotiated an hourly rate over the phone for those two weeks after I discussed with a friend in the industry what some of the standards were for a smaller market. Now, this is where maybe I made a mistake because I assumed that this rate was for the temporary working situation, and not for the long term. I assumed (as I should) that there would be an offer letter made when the time came. If you ever get into a temp to perm situation, make sure you are clear on what the negotiation and schedule is.
After those two weeks of work, I was able to telecommute and work from home in Central NY. Today I was given an offer over the phone to think about, and I'm hoping to discuss further and get things in writing.
Now, some of the things to think about when weighing any offer should include (but are not limited to):
- What style of employment is this? Temporary? Temp to Perm? Contract? Full time?
- Will there be benefits?
- What is the vacation/sick days package?
- Will the offer be written and delivered via email or in the mail?
- What is the salary?
- Are there training benefits, conference possibilities, etc?
- Location? Travel?
When those questions get answered, and once an offer letter is in hand, do your research. This is the start of your negotiation.
Salary - www.salary.com is usually the site most people recommend but I would use www.payscale.com. It is much more comprehensive and gives an accurate portrayal of the position, industry, location. It also creates a PDF print out that you can give directly to your potential employer. PayScale is used by companies as well to find out what industry standards are and it also helps you to know your worth.
Cost of living - check with your College/University Alumni, or Career Services centers if you're relocating. They will be able to point you in the right direction. Do a quick search for apartments on Craigslist to see what they would cost. Make a list of your monthly bills and total it up. Think of your car insurance - will it go up if you live in a different city? Call up a local relocation company to find out what the costs of moving would be as well. Check cable/gas/electric prices in the area you're hoping to move to.
Do not accept an offer right away. When you receive one, thank the company, and tell them you'd like some time to look it over and think about it - they will be expecting this. This is your chance to figure out all of your concerns. Figure out your 3 most important factors - for example, Salary, Vacation Time, Hours. If a company can't reach your maximum salary, maybe they can make up for it with extra vacation days, or maybe working from home every other Friday. If the terms of your letter change, do not accept until it has been rewritten and sent to you by the company.
As with my story above and working a bit first, each company will be different, have varying expectations, and give different benefits and processes. Make sure that everything is always is writing, make sure offer letters are given, and always make sure that you negotiate and get things you deserve. Stand up for yourself, because no one else will. Once you take the job, put your money where your mouth is, and work hard for what you're earning.