Questions to Ask When Accepting a New Job Offer
Congratulations! You've been looking for a new job, gone on some interviews, and now you've finally gotten a job offer. Though you may be tempted to jump the gun right away and accept, you'd do well to clear up a few things before you start getting overly excited. Reviewing the job offer carefully is one way you can familiarize yourself with what you're getting yourself into before you start your new job.
Other People Are Reading
-
Start Date
-
Before you can begin your new job, settle things at your old job. Most jobs require you to give at least two weeks' notice before leaving. If you fail to give the proper notice, not only are you potentially destroying any goodwill you've built up at your current company, but you might miss out on cashing out any accrued personal time.
Hourly or Salary
-
There might not seem like there's a huge difference between being paid on an hourly basis or by an annual salary, but it's actually pretty significant. If you're paid by the hour, you should expect to receive overtime pay for anything beyond your normal shift. However, if you're on salary, your new employer doesn't owe you an extra dime for anything you work beyond your scheduled work time. In fact, you may have to work from home at night and on weekends if you're a salaried employee.
-
Benefits
-
Your base salary or hourly rate is just one part of the package you'll be offered. Another critical component is the slate of benefits at the company, which may includes health insurance, paid time off and a retirement savings plan. You'll want to ask about the availability of these options as well as when they become effective. For example, if your health coverage doesn't begin for three months after your hire date, it could make a huge impact on whether or not you accept the offer.
Get it in Writing
-
As you receive the job offer, you're likely to become flush with excitement. In that state, you may not be thinking clearly, which means there's a chance you'll forget a few of the particulars of the offer. For this reason alone, it's a good idea to get the job offer in writing. This also ensures that your future employer can't go back on anything they told you on the phone. If you change any of the details of the offer during your conversation, you should ask to get those changes documented, as well.
-
