what to ask when you have an offer

The most common question I get from young professionals is what to do or say when they have an offer on the table. What a lot of people do is take the role, the salary, and find out the rest of the information later. (Like I have done many times.)

Unfortunately, women, especially, are hesitant to ask questions or fully advocate for themselves in the negotiation process. Did you know men initiate negotiations four times as often as women? (Shakes fist.)

A year and some ago, while I was trying to land a new role, I decided to hire a career coach. After all of the work I've done advocating for other people, I didn't want to miss out on even the smallest opportunity available to me in the negotiation process.

I put together this list of questions to prepare for *the moment,* so I could make sure I asked alllll the questions. I'm happy to share it with you now. Let me know if it helps!

Your salary:

ALWAYS ask for more. My advice for this part is to ask a trusted advisor if they think the offer is fair and look at Glassdoor and see where your offer falls on the spectrum for your position. Be realistic, but also be generous with yourself. I can go into more detail in a future post if you want me to break this down more.

Your title:

This isn't going to be able to happen everywhere, but for example, my friend worked at a smaller company and negotiated her title from copywriter to copy lead because of her years of experience, but lack of hierarchy in the company.

Questions about your work life: (A lot of these can be asked before an offer is given. Feel it out, and flag what's important to you in case you run out of time in your interview.)

1. Is there a sign-on bonus or opportunities for bonuses throughout the year? What does that process look like?

2. Is there an allowance for home office supplies? Monitor, printer, accessories, etc.

3. Is there an allowance for internet while working from home?

4. What is the plan or expectations around returning to the office?

5. What is the process around promotions/pay increases?

6. What kinds of learning and development opportunities are available? Conferences, workshops, tuition reimbursement? And how much $$$?

7. Does the agency have internal initiatives to help support the growth of its employees? And how are they measuring the growth and satisfaction of their employees?

8. PTO/Sick days? Process? Negotiate more days!

9. Does this agency have a 401K matching program?

10. Does the agency have a severance package should you get let go due to pandemic challenges?

11. Are there any mental health/physical health perks like gym memberships Headspace subscription, yoga, etc?

12. Who will be my manager? Will I have a direct report? Are there opportunities to mentor someone? Or are there mentorship programs available?

13. What is the agency’s stance on diversity, equity, and inclusion, and how are they putting a plan of action together? Are there employee resource groups available?

14. Is relocation reimbursement available? (If the job requires you to move.)

15. Can my first day be on (this date)? (Don't feel pressured to start right away! I asked for a month before starting my first job and they said yes.)

Anything to add? Leave me a comment. <3