Congratulations! You have an offer! Whether you accept the position, being selected is an achievement. After taking a moment to feel pride in your accomplishment, it’s time to evaluate your options.

When you receive a job offer, it's important to evaluate it carefully so you are making an educated decision to acceptor reject it. The last thing you want to do is to make a hasty decision that you will regret later on.  Whether you want more time (the norm is one to two weeks) or are ready to respond right away, make sure to communicate.

Show your professionalism. Promptly respond to the employer. Be enthusiastic and professional. For example—when leaving a message: 

“Hello, this is _________. I can be reached at: _________. I was excited this evening to receive your offer and I am interested in discussing the details of the position. I will contact you tomorrow, between 1-3PM. If this time isn’t possible, please call with an alternate suggestion. Thank you again.” 

Determining Your Bottom Line

Evaluating job offers can be unsettling, especially if you have only a vague idea of what you want from employers. Your bottom line is based on the things without which you cannot even contemplate accepting an offer of employment. For instance, determine the minimum level of compensation you'll need to meet your financial obligations. Then add your essential benefits, like health and dental insurance. What about the commute? Flextime? Just make sure your list contains the bare minimum you can and will accept.

Evaluate the Options

Theoretically, if a job offer meets your predetermined bottom line, you could accept it. But meeting the bottom line is really a prerequisite that allows you to progress to the third step: Evaluating options to make sure the total package is the best for you. Here is a basic checklist of options you can use as a guideline for evaluating a job offer and negotiating the best deal:

Money Matters  

Money isn't the only consideration, but it is an important one. Is the offer what you expected? It’s important to keep in mind that the average starting salary you think you “deserve” is going to get from an employer will be much less than what you will be offered. You must research the realistic starting salary before making any hasty decisions or impractical demands to your future employer.

If it’s not a salary you can accept without feeling insulted? Or you will not be able to pay your bills. Then don't accept the offer, at least right away. Make sure that you are getting paid what you're worth and you are happy with the compensation. Nobody wants to be in a position where they realize that the salary isn't enough after they have accepted the job offer. If the compensation package isn't what you expected, consider negotiating salary with your future employer.

Learn how to negotiate your salary like a pro, read RealWorld101.org/Salary-Negotiation

General Benefits 

Beyond the salary, review the benefits and perks offered. The benefit package can be as important as what you get in your paycheck.  Find out details on health and life insurance coverage, vacation, sick time, disability, and other benefits. Inquire about how much of the benefits costs are provided by the company, and how much you are expected to contribute. If there are a variety of options available, request copies of the plan descriptions so you can compare benefit packages.

For a list of questions to ask about your benefits package, visit RealWorld101.org/General-Benefits

Other Things to Consider 

While salary is an important consideration, it should not be the only one. There are other factors to keep in mind when selecting a job, should you have multiple options. Besides evaluating the responsibilities of the job itself, consider the strength and values of the company, the training offered, and the advancement opportunities.

Tool: Job Offer Evaluation Checklist

While salary is an important consideration, it should not be the only one. There are other factors to keep in mind when selecting a job, should you have multiple options.

Weighing Your Priorities 

To decide what's most valuable to you in a job offer, it can be helpful to rank your priorities. Use the Job Priorities Worksheet to list what is important to you.

Tool: Job Priorities Worksheet

To decide what's most valuable to you in a job offer, it can be helpful to rank your priorities. Use the Job Priorities Worksheet to list what is important to you.

Comparing multiple job offers

If you are offered more than one job, use the Job Comparison Priorities Worksheet to rank your values. Review each job with your priorities in mind. Which job fits best with your values? To make your final decision, create a list of pros and cons for each job.

Tool: Job Comparison Worksheet

When assessing job offers, it is often helpful to list the pros and cons of each job.

Most importantly, keep it all in perspective. Remember: You don't have to live forever with any career decision you make now. Most people change careers several times during their lives, so the first job you choose right after college probably won't be your career 40 or 50 years from now, unless you want it to be. So don't put too much pressure on yourself to make the perfect decision, and always keep your eyes open.

This is an excerpt from Finding Your First Job After College Guide which is included in our Real World 101 Care Packages. Visit our Care Package page to find out how to get one for yourself or for a lucky college grad!