Black Collegian Career Center

What Constitutes a Good Offer

To begin with, there is no such thing as a perfect job with an ideal company.  Every employment situation has its positives and negatives.  But, without the benefit of a crystal ball, how do you determine which offer will be most beneficial in the long run?

Let's begin with some key ingredients to consider in weighing one offer against another.

Starting salary and earning potential.    Starting salary is an important baseline indicator of how much you can expect to earn during your tenure with the company.  Most companies have a pre-determined dollar range for entry-level employees.  But, actual offers are flexible according to how eager the company is to hire given candidates. 

Higher salaries are extended to college graduates with superior academic performance, exceptional leadership or sports ability, impressive co-op or internship experience, and the like.  In some cases, companies even offer a sign-on bonus to candidates who are considered to be a prime catch by campus recruiters.

When comparing offers, consider not only starting salary, but also employee fringe benefits.  Company A may offer a lower starting salary but better benefits than Company B.   Examples:   a more generous 401(k) savings plan, greater comprehensive health insurance, more accrued vacation time, use of a company car, and so on.

As you compare earning potential, consider the long-term picture.  There again, one firm may offer a substantially higher starting salary, but typically may give employees smaller raises.  Or vice versa.   What you should focus on is the overall earning curve associated with your new job.  How can you determine this before accepting an offer?

The subject can often be opened during an interview--once the company has expressed an interest in hiring you.  In a typical interview, the hiring manager may verbally tender an offer that he hopes will be acceptable. You can get at the heart of the matter by mentioning:  I would find an offer in that range acceptable, but I'd really like to know what kind of earning potential is associated with this position.  For someone who does an outstanding job, what can one expect to earn two or three years down the road? How the interviewer answers that question says a lot about the company's expectations for rewarding its top producers.   If they envision a bright future for you, that will be reflected in their estimation of your projected earnings.

One caveat: As an entry-level employee, your negotiating hand is limited.  It's not smart to turn down a good offer in hopes of dangling it in front of another employer to get an even better offer.  Weigh each offer on its merits and decide accordingly. 

Support from the boss.  Job satisfaction is measured in ways other than the dollar amount of your paycheck.  Another key ingredient of a good offer is to work for a supportive boss who is committed to help you succeed as a young professional. This kind of manager will delegate projects that challenge you to use your talents to the fullest.  As you grow in the position, he will pinpoint other opportunities that will allow you to expand your capabilities to serve the company in an exceptional way.

Furthermore, a supportive boss will be a good role model and mentor.   As such, he will provide appropriate guidance as you make long-range career decisions.  After all, you will not work for him forever.  But, if you leave his employ with an outstanding track record, that's a favorable reflection on him as well as yourself. How do you know who will be the best boss to work for?  Making that decision is highly subjective, but there are objective clues you can discern along the way.  For instance, during the interview, does the hiring manager focus on your goals and aspirations--or simply stipulate what the job duties are?  Does he/she allude to other college graduates who have advanced within his/ her department or the company?  Likewise, does he/she discuss a logical career path that might appeal to you? 

Opportunity for advancement.   No one expects to work in the same job forever.  The better companies recognize this and offer various advancement opportunities for aspiring young professionals. Some corporations offer clear-cut career tracks; others are less specific in indicating options for upward mobility.   In comparing overall advancement potential, consider factors such as company size and revenue, industry reputation, and what constitutes logical career progression in your field. Working for an industry leader is inherently beneficial.   Starting your career with a brand name organization automatically paves the way for association with equally impressive companies in the future.  As a general rule, these are the kinds of companies that hire the best and brightest graduates--and offer the more attractive promotional opportunities over the long haul. By doing your homework on each company that makes you an offer, you can determine which holds prominent industry leadership and has the best reputation for promoting their junior employees. 

Job enjoyment.   No matter which offer you accept, it's important to work in an environment that will contribute to your happiness.   Along with earning a decent salary, reporting to a great boss and making strides toward professional advancement, it's wonderful to enjoy what you do on a day-to-day basis.

How can you determine potential happiness in advance?  Although no one can predict this with absolute certainty, some indicators are noteworthy.  The following questions can help steer your thinking. 

1.  When you interviewed with the company, did you feel comfortable with everyone who greeted and spoke with you?

2.   Do the job duties appear to be challenging and mentally stimulating?

3.   Did co-workers appear to be genuinely friendly and happy to have you as a future colleague?

4.   Is the commute time and distance to work acceptable?

5.   Does the company and job feel  right for you?

6.   Can you envision yourself working there a long time?

Honest answers to these sorts of questions will help you pinpoint which employment opportunities would likely contribute to your personal and professional satisfaction. 

Consider Necessary Trade-offs

Since there is no perfect job, it's important to consider key trade-offs in weighing one opportunity against others.   Assuming that every employment offer has similar key   ingredients as discussed above, you must decide what matters most to you. To illustrate: Quality of life may count more than an impressive starting salary.  For instance, taking a sales job requiring less travel may be more beneficial than a higher-paying position that necessitates spending greater time away from home.   This consideration is especially important for graduates who plan on marrying and starting a family early on.

As another illustration: Advancement potential may outweigh company size as a significant consideration.  The benefits of associating with a large, blue-chip corporation have been discussed.  On the other hand, working for a smaller company sometimes opens up quicker promotional possibilities with significantly more responsibility.  That's how it's possible to be a big fish in a small pond.   For some people, this is vital for their self-esteem and sense of professional accomplishment.

Receiving Valuable Input

Choosing the right job offer is not a minor decision.  For that reason, it helps to receive wise input from appropriate parties.  For starters, it's smart to get feedback from family members -- particularly parents, spouse, fiancee, or your significant other. You need not rehearse all the specifics of every offer, but cover the highlights of each opportunity.  As you describe a given job and company, your enthusiasm (or lack thereof) will clue your family as to whether the job seems right for you.

College placement officers and professors are another source of valuable input.  They keep tabs on graduates who work for different companies--perhaps the ones that have made you an offer.  Former students are quite candid in conveying what they like and dislike about companies they have joined.  Their views can provide additional perspective as you make your evaluations.

Lastly, other professionals can offer helpful advice.  For instance, if you are close to someone in the clergy, he or she can add a spiritual dimension into the decision-making process.  If you feel the need to pray over the matter, they can help you petition for divine guidance. 

Accepting an Offer

No matter how many people you talk to, you ultimately must make a decision.  Keep in mind, accepting a given opportunity doesn't bind you for a lifetime.  Yet you don't want to make a decision you'll soon regret. Once you decide which offer to accept, communicate your acceptance with sincere enthusiasm.  If possible, get the offer in writing--and respond in kind.  But, accompany your written acceptance with a phone call to your future boss to indicate how much you look forward to joining his team.

How soon should you accept?  In extending the offer, the company will usually indicate when they require a response.  This could be several weeks, or several days.  In any case, asking for more time is usually viewed as a convenient stall tactic.  Companies want to hire employees who are decisive in making important business decisions. 

After you give your acceptance, don't delay in informing the other companies wanting to hire you.  It's only fair to give them as much time as possible in extending an offer to the next candidate(s) in line. Be courteous in declining any offer.  Smart professionals never  burn their bridges behind them.  Once you accept employment, thank all the persons whom you have used as references.  They will appreciate your thoughtfulness and wish you well as you embark on your new career.