Evaluating Offers- What does that mean?

As you are applying to jobs and interview with companies, you may begin to feel overwhelmed when you begin getting offers. Picking a company may seem difficult but think of it as a good thing that you have so many offers, it shows that you are a high-quality candidate and many companies are interested in your unique skill set. You got the hard part out of the way, now it is time to reap the benefits of your hard work.

Do not feel pressured to instantly accept an offer when it is given to you, as most companies will give you roughly two weeks to think about the offer. Companies understand, and do not take offense to the fact that you interviewed with more than just them. They are well aware of the fact that if they’re offering you a position, more than likely so are more companies.

Additionally, don’t be afraid to ask for an extension on an offer if you are still waiting to hear back from another company you interviewed with. There is nothing wrong with asking a company to give you more time- it shows that you are thinking about their offer and considering it.

So, now that you have all you offer on the table, it is time to pick a company to begin your career with. How do you decide though? Well, you evaluate your offers:

  • Salary: Consider each salary offered to you. While this is an important factor in getting a job, this is most certainly not the only factor to consider. (Remember, salaries are always negotiable!)
  • Cost of living: Even though a salary may be higher form one company, that doesn’t mean you will be making more at that company. For example, if you are offered a job at $65,000 a year in Dallas, Texas, you would have to make $117,748 a year in Los Angeles, California, to match the lifestyle afforded to you in Dallas.
  • Hours: Ask yourself what type of hours you would like to work. Do you like to work a 9am to 5pm, or do you want something unorthodox? What do you see yourself working? What types of hours is each job offering you?
  • Growth Opportunities: Do you want to work your way up the ladder, or do you want to remain stationary in your position? What are the growth opportunities like at each company?
  • Culture: Are you somebody who likes to show up, do your work, and go home, or are you somebody who likes to get to know your co-workers? Do you prefer a relaxed work environment, or do you prefer a formal work environment? What feel did you get during the interview?
  • Benefits: What are the benefits that each company is offering you? Healthcare, Dental care, tuition reimbursement, life insurance, any benefits that a company offers. Consider what they are offering and remember this plays a major part in salary as well.
  • Arguably the most important, Passion: Are you passionate about any of the jobs your being offered? Is the job something you will enjoy doing, or is it just a job? Is it something you can make a career out of, or is it something that you are just doing for a paycheck? Consider what you are passionate about when choosing an offer.

Remember, your interviews were not just a company interviewing you, you were interviewing the company as well. Did it seem like you could work with the people that you were interviewing with?

 

The Business Career Center is always available to help you in your endeavors and offer career coaching for anything you may need.

By Hunter R. Anderson
Hunter R. Anderson Career Service Intern