The job offer: What you should know before you say no

The job search can be daunting: Research, resumes, interviews, and thank-you notes. Finally, you get the offer! And the doubts begin. How do you know if the package they're offering is really worth accepting? Here are a few things you should know before you make your final decision:

Know your intentions. Are you looking for your first big break into the industry? Or are you in it for the money? Often the opportunity to work for a particular company or with a specific technology is far more important than having a big paycheck. Be sure to consider the implications this job may have on your career path and professional network.

Know your geography. What's the cost of living for the area you're considering? Look at economic indicators and salary calculators to determine if that salary is really as big as it appears. Sure it looks good to be offered $60,000 for an entry-level job in DC, but not when you consider that $40,000 will afford you the same standard of living in Dallas.

Know your industry. Company size and classification can also impact earning potential. For example, finance and health care typically pay better than government and education. In addition, larger companies usually offer more comprehensive benefit packages than their smaller counterparts. On-the-other-hand, where will you find stability and job security? Where's the best opportunity for professional development and/or advancement? Who offers the least bureaucracy and greatest flexibility? Know what's important to you – and where to look for it!

Know your needs. Perform an inventory of your finances: Expenses, investments, goals, etc. Be sure to distinguish between how much you have to earn versus how much you'd like to earn.


Know your value. If you're a recent college graduate with limited experience, an employer is going to have to invest a significant amount of time (and money) in your orientation to the company and the position. This is especially true in fields that require certifications, such as computer networking, radiography, and digital forensics. If, however, you bring credentials with you, you're in a much better bargaining position.

Know how to evaluate your compensation package. When you first get the job offer, it's easy to focus on salary alone; however, compensation covers so much more. Consider the value of having a flexible workweek, tuition reimbursement, matching contributions to your retirement plan, and on-site childcare before you slough off that mediocre paycheck. Some benefits are worth more than money!

Know your limits. Are creditors beating down your door? Then you may not want to hold out for more money. Does the job promise a high salary but compromise your values? If you're committed to spending time with your family and the company expects you to travel 80% of the time, you may need to re-examine the offer – and count the costs!

Get the low down on top jobs

Most job seekers are pretty savvy about how to research careers on-line. Two of the more popular sites for generic employment information are the O*Net and the Occupational Outlook Handbook. Here, you can evaluate jobs according to industry, function, education, working conditions, compensation, trends, and projections.

However, sometimes it's helpful to hear from someone who actually works in the field -- a first-hand account, so to speak. That's the beauty of The Career Project. This site features profiles of professionals who are working in the very positions you're interested in. Want to know what a Chief Technology Officer does every day? Curious how she got the job? How much money she makes? What kind of training she had? Enter the job title you're researching (or click on the industry you'd like to learn about) and, voila! Complete profiles -- including work histories and words of advice -- appear!

Granted, the site is new, so the database is not complete by any means. But it's growing. And, true, The Career Project protects each professional's identity, so you can't use the site for networking. But it does tell you the person's age and gender, so you you can speculate and make comparisons. Of course, nothing beats the real thing -- talking with someone face-to-face. However, when the informational interview is not an option, The Career Project is a nice alternative.

Nice niche job boards for IT pros

With names like "Monster," generic job boards can be scary to navigate. So why not target sites that are geared toward your experience and expertise? With fewer, more relevant positions, these job boards won't be quite so daunting to search. Start with the more popular boards, like Dice and Just Tech Jobs, but don't neglect some of the lesser known sites listed by Champlain College. Of course, you'll want to check with your professional and trade organizations, too. Just keep in mind that some job boards will require membership or charge a fee to view positions, so job seekers beware!

Need a job? e-Networking works!

Facebook and MySpace have gotten a lot of negative press lately. HR managers and career counselors lament the personal -- and sometimes crude -- details that are revealed on "walls" and in pictures. But what about the merits of e-networking? Could an online profile ever prosper the job search process? You bet!

More and more college students and new grads are connecting with potential employers and industry professionals on LinkedIn, the professional networking venue with more than 25 million users around the world. In fact, a well-crafted profile on the popular site is a great way to gain entry into the business world. Not only does it promote your experience, education and abilities, it also demonstrates initiative and drive, two traits employers value.

LinkedIn is like many of the other social sites in that it starts with a profile page. However, since LinkedIn targets a professional network, your profile is more of a resume than a billboard or photo album. It features your education, experience, interests, expertise, and more. Once you create a profile, you can begin building your network by giving and gaining recommendations, responding to questions, joining groups, and inviting others to connect.

Think you're ready to get LinkedIn? View my profile, then invite me to join your network... it's an offer I won't refuse!

Where's the best place to work?

Every year Fortune Magazine surveys more than 100,000 employees at 400+ companies to identify the best places to work. In 2008, Google came out on top. With on-site fitness centers and child care, liberal professional development policies, and a generous profit-sharing plan, it's no wonder Google's number one.

But what if you're more motivated by making the big bucks than general perks or company name? No worries! Fortune tracks those statistics, too. In fact, you can target your next job search using a variety of criteria, including ethnic diversity, biggest bonuses, and fastest rate of job growth. An online search tool matches your employment requirements with offerings at the top 100 companies.

If you've got it, flaunt it!

The job market is much like any other retail environment: To sell your "product," you've got to know what the "buyer" wants. Find out what employers are looking for in recent grads and new-hires by checking out these resources:

College Grad ranks the top eight criteria employers consider when hiring recent college graduates. (Keep in mind that this survey spans the spectrum and isn't focused on technical jobs and/or technology companies).

Tech Republic identifies the top 10 soft skills IT pros need to advance their careers.

Highlighting such attributes and abilities will convince recruiters that you're a good fit for their company and improve your chances of securing that important job offer!