Understanding Your Compensation and Benefits

Learn what is involved in a typical job offer so you can negotiate your compensation and benefits package when accepting a new job.

Introduction

• A job offer is more than salary and a start date

1. Prepare Yourself for the Offer

• Understand your employment category
• Prepare for pre-employment testing
• Consider the whole offer before accepting a job
• Negotiate your job offer effectively
• Request a written job offer

2. The Compensation

• Understand the benefits and drawback for biweekly vs. bimonthly pay
• Review your compensation package like an employer
• Decide if a paid or unpaid internship is right for you
• Negotiate the timing of performance reviews and salary increases

3. The Benefits Package

• Review your health benefits
• Consider taxation, timing, and eligibility of health benefits
• Understand cafeteria plans and flexible spending accounts

4. Additional Perks

• Evaluate your perks
• Evaluate your time off
• Evaluate your retirement benefits

Conclusion

• Put your knowledge of benefits into practice