Throughout your job search, you’ll be gathering information and making comparisons between different organizations. You’ll want to consider many factors beyond the job and the salary. For example:
Use this questionnaire as a guide as you gather information from potential employers.
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| Issues to consider |
It's important to understand |
Ask yourself |
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Organization Performance |
The level of employment stability you can reasonably expect given the organization’s market strength and the values of its management |
- How does this organization compare to others in the industry?
- What is the future outlook for the industry?
- How critical is this job to the organization’s core business?
- What are the organization’s greatest competitive challenges?
- Has the organization gone through recent changes, or is a future change likely?
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Organization Values |
The values that are important to the organization and how it conducts its business affairs |
- How committed is the organization to workforce diversity?
- How prominent is the organization’s commitment to its values and code of professional conduct?
- How does the organization contribute to the community?
- Is the organization known for promoting from within?
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Nature of the Work |
The substance and purpose of the job in the organization — this includes the value of your contribution, the level of personal accountability, assignment variability and challenge |
- What will be the primary responsibilities of the job?
- How well does this position fit your career interests?
- How well will this job meet your need to be challenged?
- How much variety will the job involve?
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Work Environment |
The atmosphere of the work environment, the quality of the facility and surrounding area |
- How comfortable will you be working in an organization of this size?
- What is the dress code?
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Professional Development Opportunities |
The resources available to broaden your knowledge and prepare you for more variable assignments — these may include in-house and external training, on-the-job coaching, tuition reimbursement, professional certification programs and job rotation |
- What types of formal and on-the-job training will you receive?
- How much coaching and mentoring can you expect?
- What career growth opportunities are available?
- What types of training are available to prepare you for future opportunities?
- What level of tuition reimbursement is provided?
- How well are career paths documented?
- How effective is the performance management program?
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Work-Life Balance |
The degree to which the organization’s values, programs and practices accommodate your personal needs — these may include flexible work scheduling, work-at-home arrangements and child care assistance |
- How many hours do people typically work?
- How much travel does the job require?
- How convenient is the location?
- How much flexibility will you have in your work schedule?
- How committed is the organization to providing technology support for employees who work at home or travel?
- What dependent care assistance does the organization offer?
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Base Pay |
The regular stream of income you will receive, consistent with the value of the job in the marketplace and responsibilities in the organization |
- What is the near-term pay potential beyond the starting salary?
- How often will pay be reviewed?
- How much will individual development and performance influence your salary growth?
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Variable Pay |
The additional cash compensation you may receive for your individual contribution to the organization’s performance — this may include individual bonuses, sales commissions, profit sharing and stock options |
- What types of variable pay programs does the organization offer (bonuses/ profit sharing)?
- What is the variable pay expectation for this job?
- How have recent variable pay awards compared to targeted payout levels?
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Benefits |
The level of protection against loss of income due to illness, death or your need for time off |
- How soon does coverage begin?
- How much will you pay for benefits?
- How much time off will you have (vacation, holidays, sick time)?
- What types of retirement programs does the organization offer (pension, savings, other)?
- How does the organization support employee wellness?
- What are the opportunities for stock options and other ownership in the organization?
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