Seton Hall Home
Exploration Main Hallway
career portfolio
ethics of the job search
the career center's services
decisions
graduate school
reflections [PDF]

CHOICE: DECISION MAKING

Once you have received an offer of employment, how do you decide if the organization is right for you?  This decision making process can be broken down into three basic steps:
 
Assess the Organization:

  • How did you feel about the interview process and organization?
  • Did you like the people you met?
  • Is the organization growing or downsizing?
  • Who are the organization’s main competitors?
  • Would you be working in a strong division or on a strong team?
  • How well will your style and your supervisor’s style work together? 
  • How well will they merge with the organization as a whole?
  • What is the organization’s employee retention rate?
  • Can you see yourself working in this organization?
  • Do your values align with the organization’s mission and culture?
     

Assess the Position:

  • What are your specific job responsibilities?
  • How much overtime, if any, do people in this position usually work?
  • Will there be travel?  If so, how much and how often?
  • What is the history of the position?  What happened to your predecessor?
  • What career track do employees in this position usually follow?
  • How long are you expected to stay in this position before advancing?
  • How does this position fit with your long and short-term career goals?
  • How can the position prepare you for future opportunities?
     

Assess the Salary and Benefits Package:

  • How does the package compare with what others are receiving for the same position and the same level of experience?
  • How comfortable do you feel with the package?
  • What is the industry standard for salaries at your level?
  • Is overtime paid or unpaid?
  • If you have been offered a salary much higher or lower than usual, what are the reasons?
  • Does the organization offer a pension plan?  What is the vesting period of the plan?
  • Does the organization offer a 401(k) or a 403(b) plan?  What percentage is matched?
  • How much vacation, sick time and personal days will become available to you?
  • Does the company offer tuition reimbursement?
  • Check into the full range of medical, dental and disability benefits.  Try to determine their worth by reading through the company literature.
    Remember, base salary is not everything!  A good benefits plan can often add thousands of dollars to the compensation package.  In addition, vacation time, incentives, bonuses and frequent performance reviews will augment your salary. 

TO TOP

 
Career Center Home