Interviewing Skills

Evaluating the Job Offer

If you do get a job offer, how should you respond? You may want to accept the job immediately if you feel that the employer is offering you a fair wage. Or you may want to take some time and think it over, especially if you have other opportunities to weigh. Either way, express your enthusiasm and ask to take some time to consider the offer.

The only way to know if an offer is fair is to compare the offer to the regional average and evaluate the offer against your personal and financial considerations.

To compare the offer against the regional average:

• Consider your location (city and state) and determine how much salary and benefits someone in your field and position earns.
• Consider your education, experience, and skill level.
• Determine whether or not the offer includes benefits such as medical insurance, life and disability insurance, sick/vacation/personal days, employee retirement program, etc.

Use Salary.com's Salary Wizard (seen below) to find out how your offer stacks up against the average. Answer a few questions and you can get a free report that graphs your salary versus the regional average.

To evaluate your job offer against your financial considerations, answer the following questions:

• What are my (and my family's) living costs?
• How many hours a week will I work?
• How much time and money will I spend getting to work (gas and other commuting costs)?
• If I am asked to relocate, what are the costs of moving and living in another city?
• How much will I pay for daycare?

Personal factors to think about when evaluating a job offer:

• Do I expect to be successful and happy in this role and within this industry?
• Do I anticipate enjoying the culture of the organization?
• Does this job fit in with my professional goals?
• Will I be able to balance the requirements of this job against my family obligations?