What college graduates should look for in employment offers
As we creep closer to the end of the semester, many graduates will face the task of trying to decide where to work or which job offer to take if they’re approached by more than one company. It’s an exciting problem, but one that can cause a lot of stress.
I sent a few questions to Abigail Barber, a recruiter with Eide Bailly. Barber assists in hiring several hundred people each year.
Here’s what she had to say about evaluating a job offer.
What should students look for in a job offer?
Students should not only look at the salary associated with a job, they should also look at the type of benefits offered by the company (health, dental, vision, 401(k), etc.) and the cost associated with enrolling in those benefits.
Often times a base salary may seem higher; however, it may cost more to take part in the company-sponsored benefit plans – which will be more money out of the student’s pocket each month.
It is also important to look at a company’s “other benefits” or non-traditional benefits. Do they pay for gym membership? Does the company have tuition reimbursement for continuing education?
These “other benefits” can add up quickly and will make a difference in the amount of expendable pay that students will have each pay period.
Is it okay for a recent grad (potential employee) to ask for more money? If yes, what is a tactful way to approach it?
It is okay for potential employees to ask for more money; however, be realistic in the amount that you are asking for. Many students have an “expectation” of what they are worth upon graduation, but in many cases that does not match the current market data.
If you are going to ask for more money, be sure that you know the market and have concrete data based on other offers that the company may have given.
Know what people in your major, in similar positions, in similar communities are making.
Have all of the facts. Also be aware that in many cases an employer cannot offer more than what is on the table due to their own pay structure and internal equity within the company.
Once again, look at the “other benefits” because that may increase your “earnings potential” in the long run.
Can a student ask for time to decide and how much is too much time?
Yes, students can ask for time to decide and weigh all their options. However, most of the time, employers are trying to get a position filled quickly, so allowing for any more than a week or so is sometimes difficult for the employer.
Do you have examples of something a student did right or something students should never do?
An example of “things to never do” would be to not get back to the company promptly when the company is trying to schedule an interview.
I have had students who are very difficult to get a hold of and who don’t return calls timely – which makes me think that they don’t want the job very badly.
I try to utilize phone and e-mail to contact people and I don’t have a preference as to how they communicate back to me.
If you are going to list a phone number or e-mail address as a method in which to contact you, you had better be sure you are checking your messages and/or e-mail account on a regular basis.
Too many times I have been approached with the question “do you have any openings?” I sure may, but exactly what type of position are you looking for? Be specific in what you are looking for.
Gulland-Nelson is a paid employee of the NDSU Career Center. Her job is to encourage students to use the center’s services in helping them find their ideal career.