Students

A successful job search will result in one, and perhaps multiple, job offers. Offers should be in writing, even if initially extended verbally.

Make sure you know when your prospective employer would like a response to the offer. If the employer’s time frame does not allow you ample time to assess the offer, request additional time. To assist you in evaluating your prospective employer, ask if there is an employee with whom you might speak on an informational basis.

The research that you conducted early in your search will once again prove beneficial as you evaluate your job offer(s). Make sure you consider both financial and non-financial factors in making your decision.

Evaluating your offer

Among the questions you should ask when evaluating your offer(s) are:

• Which position offers the salary and benefits that meet your requirements?
• Does the position provide opportunities for you to utilize your skills and competencies?
• Does the position offer room for advancement?
• Which position offers the managerial style with which I feel most comfortable?
• Is the organizational culture a good match for your work style?

Once you have accepted an offer of employment, custom dictates that you no longer interview with other employers and that you advise other employers with whom you have interviewed that you are withdrawing your candidacy. It is a good idea to confirm your understanding of the terms of your offer (e.g., salary, benefits, start date, etc.) in a letter of acceptance to your prospective employer. Finally, to assist the Office of Career Services in tracking employment rates and developing salary data, please complete the Graduates Survey. 

Tips for Negotiating Salary

• Ask if there is flexibility in the salary offered
• Indicate that although you are excited about the opportunity, you are uncertain if you can accept given the salary offered and your financial obligations.
• Be prepared to justify (based on education, experience, and unique qualifications) why your request for increased salary should be granted.
• Check with the Office of Career Services (OCS) for current salary ranges.
• Visit the salary calculators at: CollegeGrad.com, salary.com, payscale.com, JobStar, NACE Salary Calculator, and What Is Public Health.
• If the salary is not negotiable, ask if the benefits are (sign-on bonus, additional vacation time, released time to participate in career development activities, etc).
• Refer your prospective employer to the Office of Career Services for the most up- to-date information about salaries of Mailman School of Public Health graduates.

Visit NACE's JobWeb and/ or Collegegrad.com for additional tips on salaries and benefits, evaluating job offers, and negotiating salary.