Our New Job Advice
Placing You First
First things first; do you like the company?
If your gut reaction is “no,” then there’s a good chance that you won’t want to accept the job offer at all. But usually, there’s a lot more complexity in thinking about the pros and cons of working for a specific employer. For example, you will want to consider things like company culture, upward mobility, general work expectations, and how well you think you will get along with your boss and your co-workers. To help orient yourself toward making an informed decision about your job offer, ask yourself these nine questions before signing on the dotted line.
Always negotiate
After receiving your job offer, make a plan to negotiate your salary. Research shows that those who don’t negotiate their first salary lose out on R15 million in earnings over the course of their career. If you are unable to garner a higher salary, you might also be able to negotiate other perks and benefits. Do your research on the average salary for that job, industry, and location, and be confident in advocating for what you deserve. Remember, you don’t have anything to lose by asking for more.
Understand the terms and conditions of your agreement
A job offer isn’t just an offer; it’s also a contract. And as with all contracts, you will want to read the fine print. Understand the legal definitions that appear in your contract, such as non-compete agreement, non-disclosure agreement, and at-will employment so that you aren’t in for any nasty surprises later. You will also want to understand if you are categorized as an exempt or non-exempt employee and how that will affect your rights and benefits as a worker. If anything in the offer letter is unclear to you, you can (and should!) ask the hiring manager or HR for clarification.
look closely at your benefits package
Salary is only one component of your job offer. Your other benefits, such as healthcare and retirement contributions, are also important. Are you offered full medical, dental, and vision insurance? Does the employer offer a 401k match, and if so, what are the conditions and how long before you are fully vested? You will also want to understand the conditions surrounding paid time off, sick leave, vacation days, and parental leave. In some cases, you might find it worthwhile to take a job with a lower salary but great benefits compared to a job with a higher salary but mediocre benefits. It all depends on what matters most to you.
Think about opportunities for future growth
Your first job should be a stepping stone for an even better job in the future. As a result, you will want to understand how your prospective employer can help you advance your career. Ask what professional development and mentorship opportunities are available, especially for entry-level employees. For example, would the employer pay for you to take classes to advance your skill set? How about for a graduate degree, or conferences, or work sabbaticals? If this isn’t something you’ve already discussed in the interview process, have a conversation with the hiring manager before accepting the offer.
Remember that you don’t need to accept the offer