Evaluating a Job Offer

By Murray A. Mann and Rose Mary Bombela-Tobias
Co-authors, Barron's The Complete Job Search Guide for Latinos
www.JobSearchGuideforLatinos.com

Felicidades! All your preparation and hard work has paid off. You wrote strong H.I.S.P.A.N.I.C. Resume, were the S.T.A.R. of Your Job Interview, and solidly closed the interview following the Conducting a Winning Interview Checklists. We have responded to numerous questions on how to assess the job offers iHispano.com members receive.

Our primary advice is that you perform your due diligence in assessing a job offer. There are many issues to consider including: the organization, position, people, salary and benefits, and especially the alignment with your career and life goals. Accepting a position for salary alone is often a bad idea.

Consider consulting with your career board of directors, mentors, and other members of your career familia. You might need to conduct additional research using iHispano's Career Development & Management Resources.

Taking these steps will help you accept a position that is a "career fit", fulfilling, and empowering; rather than one which is misaligned, uncomfortable, and disheartening.

We have compiled the following checklist to share with our readers. Mark the items that are most important for you and then compare your offer with your career plan and personal needs.

Evaluating a Job Offer Checklist

The Job

How does the position fit into your career goals?

1. Nature of the work.
• What are the day to day responsibilities of the position?
• Ask for a copy of the detailed job description if you do not have one already.
• Do the responsibilities play to your strengths and not your weaknesses?
• Will you be learning new skills?
2. Status of the position.
• Where does the job fit into the organization?
• How will you contribute to the overall company objectives?
3. Commute.
• Where is the company located?
• How long will your commute be to and from work?
• Is public transportation available?
4. Hours.
• What are the normal working hours?
• Will you be required to work weekends, holidays, overtime?
• How will this fit into your personal schedule?
5. Travel.
• How much travel is required?
• Are you comfortable with the areas?
• What about the countries that you may be required to visit?
6. The boss.
• Have you met your supervisor?
• Can I get along with this person?
• What do you know about his/her management style?
7. Co-workers.
• Have you met them?
• How long have they been employed with the company?
• Do they seem friendly and happy?
• What is your compatibility quotient?
8. Performance Standards
• What are the performance goals for this position?
• How does the performance appraisal system work?
9. Promotional prospects.
• How long do most people stay with the company?
• What are the promotional opportunities?

The Company

Is the company a good fit with your values, attitudes and goals?

1. Company stability.
• How old is the company?
• What is its financial condition?
• Will you be helping to create a new company?
• Is working in a more stable, established environment better for you?
2. Corporate philosophy.
• Is the company employee friendly?
• What is its workplace philosophy?
• What are the average stress levels?
• Is it a place you would be proud to work?
3. Company product.
• Does the company product or business appeal to you?
• Does it match your interests?
4. Size of the organization.
• Do you prefer working for large or small companies?
• Larger companies may be more highly structured, smaller ones may offer broader authority and responsibility.
5. Work environment.
• Is the company family friendly?
• Is there flexibility for emergencies?
• How will this position alter my lifestyle?
6. Diversity.
• Does the company embrace diversity?
• What are the diversity employment statistics for all levels of the organization?
• Does it value a Latino perspective?
• Does the company have a senior level diversity officer?
• Does the company have formal diversity recruitment, retention, development, and advancement programs?
• Is there a formal Latino employee group organization?
• What support does it get from management?
7. Management style.
• What is the management style of the company leadership?
• Is it compatible with your style of leadership?
• Will you be allowed a certain level of autonomy?
8. Training Opportunities.
• What types of training opportunities are available?
• Is there a professional development plan for employees?
• Will the company support involvement in professional associations and organizations?
9. Security.
• What type of building security is available?
• What security access is required?
• Are there security arrangements for travel status?

Salary and Benefits

Is the combined salary and benefits package at market level? Does the benefits package meet your needs? How often is salary reviewed?

1. Salary.
• Will you be paid the going rate for a position, commensurate with your title and industry standard?
• Would taking this position create an economic hardship?
• How are salary increases determined?
• How often are salary reviews done?
2. Bonuses.
• Are there bonuses available for peak performance?
• How are they determined?
3. Vacation.
• How much vacation will you be eligible for?
• What is the vacation policy?
4. Sick Days and Holidays.
• What is the sick day policy and how much time will you be eligible for?
• How many paid holidays are there?
5. Medical Insurance.
• Does the employer pay all or part of the premiums on the policy?
• Is the plan a HMO, preferred provider or other type of plan?
• Is there an employee cost for routine physicals and prescriptions?
• What about coverage for family members?
• When does coverage start?
6. Retirement.
• Does the company offer a 401K?
• With a match?
• What other pension plan is available and how long does it take to get vested?
7. Stock options.
• Are stock options available?
• Below market value or with employer contributions?
8. Life and Disability Insurance.
• Are they available?
• Can you buy added coverage at low cost?
9. Tuition Assistance.
• What is the program?
• Does the company pay all or part of employment related classes?
10. Child care.
• Are there on site facilities?
• Any after school programs?
• Does the company pay any cost or offer a pre-tax program?

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