4 Tips to Evaluate a Job Offer

4 Tips to Evaluate a Job Offer4 Tips to Evaluate a Job OfferReceiving a job offer that doesnt match what you expected can be a big letdown. But before either walking away or settling for terms you dont really like, examine the whole situation. Careful evaluation- and perhaps some negotiation- may make the package more palatable. Try the four strategies below to evaluate a job offer.Here are four tips to evaluate a job offer before you accept it or dismiss it1. Know the going rate.You might have a magic number in your head that youd like for a salary, but is that figure realistic? Do online detective work, consult professional associations, or ask those in your network to see what others in similar positions earn. Be sure to take into account geographical differences, background, and educational experience.What you find may lead you to reconsider your definition of an acceptable wage, or the data can serve as a solid springboard to discuss the matter with the prospective employer. 2. Look beyond salary.Compensation comes in many forms, so dont make decisions based solely on salary. A package may be much more appealing than initially thought when adding in factors such as a great health plan, a generous vacation package, tuition reimbursement, and telecommuting opportunities. 3. Examine your priorities.While earnings undoubtedly play a big role in whether or not to accept a position, money does not always guarantee job satisfaction. Perhaps youd be willing to accept less in order to join a workplace that meshes with your personality.Maybe the daily tasks truly get you excited, or youd get to be a part of a company youve always admired. Similarly, the location or the hours might be highly conducive to the work-life balance you crave.4. Try negotiation.If you are still on the fence after thoughtful examination of the offer, consider negotiating. Youll never know what you might be able to get if you dont ask. Worried youll offend the employer? In a recent survey, 84 percent of employers said they always expect job applicants to negotiate salary during the interview stage.Your attitude should be, I am enthusiastic to accept the job, just hope we can come together on a few points so I can accept it, says career expert Vicky Oliver, author of 301 Smart Answers to Tough Interview Questions and 301 Smart Answers to Tough Business Etiquette Questions. If the money offered is too low, try to think of things that you spend money on and see if the company might help pick up some of those costs, such as providing a transportation stipend or a health club deal.Another possibility is to ask for a six-month performance review, tied to a raise if warranted. Maybe the company doesnt have the money right now, but will. A six-month performance review may sweeten the deal for you, Oliver says.Above all, stay positive and upbeat. You impressed the hiring manager enough for an offer to be extended. Now, continue to prove that youre the candidate the company needs to find a way to bring on staff.Readers, how do you evaluate a job offer before giving an answer? Share your tips with us below in the comment section

5 ways to get your office to be healthier

5 ways to get your schreibstube to be healthier5 ways to get your office to be healthierStrong colleague friendships can have a major impact on your life. They make you happier and more fulfilled when youre logging those long hours between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., but they can also impact your choices - and some can even add a few inches to your waistline.In fact, registered dietitian and nutrition expert Bridget Swinney, MS, RD says some new employees can expect to gain five pounds within their first few months at a new job - or more.Without willpower, it can be huge. Thats because some staff work very long hours and turn to food for stress relief or to stay alert. Others must rely on fast food for lunch and dont always choose the healthy options- peer pressure is common in adult eating habit, she says. Working environments are often filled with unhealthy food - like candy, pop tarts, snack bars, cookies, ice cream and chips. Junk food is cheap, so that makes it appealing.But if you wa nt to turn your habits around - and maybe encourage your colleagues to do the same - here are some tricks and tips on improving the health of your officeLimit the birthday sweets to one big party a monthWhile a generisch shift that allows workers to take off their birthday without sacrificing paid time off would be a welcome change, more than likely, youll work plenty of birthdays during your tenure. And if youre going to have to attend meetings, answer e-mails, send reports and hold brainstorming sessions on your once-a-year celebration, you definitely appreciate when your manager acknowledges your lap around the sun. Though, sure, a cupcake or a slice of cake on your birthday is definitely encouraged, if you have several of these celebrations every week, Swinney says they can add up to weight gain, poor glucose control and even high cholesterol.To remedy the temptation of devouring endless sugar-sweet snacks, Swinney suggests hosting a once-a-month birthday celebration for emplo yees, and handing out a card on their specific day instead. Or flowers or a bottle of alcohol they can take home. This way, youre still making them feel special, without inviting the whole office to have their 10th double-chocolate slice of the month. If the birthday person is more of a health nut, she also recommends making a watermelon cake or a fruit bouquet in place of a dessert. In addition, she notes selecting cupcakes can provide damage control, since you have more choice over your portion.Make your office a no-alcohol zone (or at least offer nonalcoholic options)Blame it on Mad Men, the stress of overtime or the emergence of the startup culture thats bringing craft beer into the office kitchen, but alcohol and work seem to be synonymous in most working environments. And hey, while its definitely a perk to be able to crack open a cold one or pour a glass of your go-to red vino, when you consistently find yourself drinking at your desk as soon as the clock strikes 5 p.m. - th anks to the encouragement of your cubicle mate - those extra calories will add up fast.This is when a conversation with your operations manager may be your best tactic, according to Swinney. Approach the topic as a trite-but-true tactic of a compliment sandwich, starting with how appreciative you are of all they do to keep the office stocked. Then, mention how healthier options would help improve productivity and offer a less expensive route for those who simply cant say no to round two. Ask if they will provide sparkling water with have lime and orange slices, or unsweetened iced tea with fresh mint, Swinney says. This way, even when your co-worker grabs a beer, you can join them in drinking even if its alcohol-free.Find something else to do with your coworkers during happy hourBefore you give yourself too hard of a time, Swinney reminds us moderate drinking especially wine can be beneficial to our long-term health. The only issue is that middle ground may feel different for eve ryone two drinks for you may feel like the equivalent of four for your office BFF. As defined by nutrition experts, moderate boozing means one to two drinks per day. But at an after-work happy hour, where everything is half-off, strong and perfectly satiates your stress? Chances are slim youd stop at number two. After work happy hour can often add up to more drinks, as well as drinks that pack on a lot of calories. Add on the bar food that will most likely tag along, and youve got a diet disaster, she says.The solution to your daily invite outside the office walls is to help nurture your friendship without it being about alcohol. With sweat-working as an ever-growing trend in the professional landscape, Swinney suggests a shared workout class, a bike ride or a hike, if youre near trails. And hey, if your pals isnt really into fitness? There are other options that get up your heart-rate and dont put weight on you. Even going shopping would get you some exercise and help with stress. Active options that work for stress relief and for improving health, she says.When all else fails, order a faux-tiniBeing the only one not drinking at the monthly corporate happy hour can make you stand out in the sea of raised eyebrows (or raise questions about your family planning status, if youre a woman.) If youre truly trying to improve your health scores, lose some weight or merely need a break from alcohol, Swinney says theres a way to cleverly avoid actually boozing, while appearing like you are part of the crowd. She recommends filling yourself up with an apple right before you head out and making a pact with the bartender to keep giving you sparkling water with lime for the night, making it look like youre having a vodka tonic.If you are okay with one drink, she suggests a lower-alcohol concoction like a wine spritzer, a well-drink or a diet soda with a shot of liquor. She also says to down as much water as you can, while will also make you feel more fulfilled and less lik ely to reach for another glass or the fried food appetizers your boss charged to his company credit card.Volunteer to bring the healthy alternativesWhen you see free breakfast on your calendar, its a relieving way to begin your TGIF workday. But then upon arrival you only notice fatty, sugar-filled muffins and high-calorie bagels with cream cheese, youre likely promptly disappointed in the selection. Swinney explains carbs - especially super-sized ones like these breakfast favorites - can add on the pounds, spike your blood sugar and leave you starving a few hours later, since they offer little-to-no nutritional benefits. With nothing else left to munch on, you might find yourself deckenfries between a chocolate chip muffin and an everything bagel, with no nutritious option to turn to.Again, talk to your manager about a different solution by suggesting cost-effective ways to offer a complimentary weekly breakfast, without the unnecessary fluff. Bring in an electric griddle and co ok some over-easy eggs. With a couple of packages of whole grain English Muffins or some baked tostada shells and avocado and some fruit on the side, youve got a much healthier, stick-to-your-ribs breakfast, she shays.

13 of the Smartest Interview Questions to Ask a Hiring Manager

13 of the Smartest bewerbungsgesprch Questions to Ask a Hiring Manager13 of the Smartest Interview Questions to Ask a Hiring Manager13 of the Smartest Questions to Ask a Hiring ManagerAdd these questions to your einstellungsgesprch checklist.Whether youre looking for your first job or are a seasoned professional, a positive impression during the interview is key to getting an offer.When you ask a hiring manager insightful questions during a job interview, you demonstrate your professionalism, thoughtfulness, and commitment. Unfortunately, many candidates trail off when it comes to questions to ask a hiring manager.In my experience, that blunder is due to either lack of preparation, or the stress of the interview. How do you set yourself up for success? Keep in mind that the best interview questions are ones that emerge naturally from the conversation. You may find it helpful to jot down notes that can prompt questions to ask in an interview. Brainstorming beforehand and coming in wit h a few prepared questions can be effective, as well.I want you to end the interview in a powerful and impactful way. Here are some questions to inspire your own brainstorming session.1. What is the history of this position?This is an important question to ask in an interview because if you are offered the job, you will have to work in the environment affected and shaped by your predecessor.Perhaps this opening welches recently created to support company growth. If that is the case, ask a follow-up question about who owned the responsibilities up to this point, and how the duties will be transitioned.If you are interviewing for a position left vacant by someones departure, get a sense for what happened. Why did the predecessor leave the job? Was he or she promoted or internally transferred? If the predecessor left the company, ask about the circumstances.On the same note, it is usually fair game to clarify whether the company is considering internal candidates for the position.2. Wh at about this position is most important? How does it support management and serve direct reports?This is an important question to ask in an interview because it can help you get insight into the position and how it fits into the network of the company. Who will you support? Who will you supervise and guide? What skills are critical for success?3. What would you want to see me accomplish in the first six months?All too often, job descriptions present routine tasks and responsibilities. Asking about specific expectations and accomplishments can allow you to tailor the conversation to demonstrate your fit for the position. It also shows your commitment to adding value.4. How would you measure my success, and what could I do to exceed your expectations?I like this question because it addresses expectations in concrete terms. Beyond stock descriptions of good communication and analytical skills, what does excellence look like for that position?5. Which part of the position has the steep est learning curve? What can I do in order to get up to speed quickly?For some jobs, learning the technology or the internal company procedures is the most challenging aspect of coming on board. For others, it is about understanding the menschengerecht network. Any guidance on how to speed up the learning process and make you effective and productive quicker can give you a significant advantage.6. What are the expectations about managing workflow?Virtually every company has enough work to keep everyone busy 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In practice, everyone gets to go home at the end of the day. How do you know when you are done for the day? What are the expectations around working on weekends and responding to emails outside the normal working hours?7. How is the feedback process structured?Asking this question in an interview has been critical for me as a candidate. Feedback is how humans get better. Excellence and mastery have always been important to me, and I am aware tha t they are impossible without regular feedback. Does this company limit its feedback cycle to the annual reviews? Does the hiring manager make it a priority to deliver just-in-time acknowledgment and suggestions for improvement?8. What opportunities will I have to learn and grow?Does the company offer formal or informal mentoring and coaching? Does it invest in continued education or professional training? Great companies want to hire people who are dedicated to personal and professional growth. Show your hiring manager that continued development is important to you.9. What is the most challenging part of your job? What is your favorite part of your job?Your hiring managers job is different from the one you are interviewing for. However, insight into his or her challenges and favorites can offer a glance into the support and assistance you can offer.10. How did you get to your role?Asking deeply personal or intrusive questions wont get you high marks on the interview. However, most professionals enjoy sharing their career journey. Ask what first attracted the hiring manager to this company and what the career progression has been like.11. Do you have the tools and resources to do your job well?Asking this question in an interview can give you insight into the challenges the hiring manager has in doing his or her job. Resources trickle down, so if the hiring manager is pressed for time, dealing with an unusually tight budget, or is short on human capital, you will be affected as well.12. Do you feel that your opinions count?Having an opportunity to contribute is one of the key indicators of job satisfaction and team performance. If your hiring manager feels heard, appreciated, and valued for his or her input, chances are the same will translate into your position.13. Is there anything I have said that makes you doubt I would be a great fit for this position?Asking this question at the close of the interview can feel terrifying. After all, you are asking whether there is any reason why the hiring manager wouldnt want to extend you an offer. However, if you have the courage to ask this, you stand to gain a better sense of the next steps in the process and an opportunity to address any reservations that the hiring manager might have about your candidacy while you still have his or her attention.Having considered some of the questions that can put you in the best light and close the interview on a high note, here is a short list of questions that you should never ask in an interview.Bonus Questions you should never ask during an interviewInformation that can be found through a simple Google search. Interview questions such as, What does your company do? or Who is your competition? make you look like you did not do your research and are not serious about your candidacy.Gossip. If you have heard something through the grapevine that makes you doubt the companys financial strength, ask your question in a non-confrontational way. Instead of, Why a re you about to lay off 1,000 employees next month?, ask the hiring manager for his or her opinion about how well positioned the company is for the future.Pay, raises, and promotions. All of that will be discussed as part of the offer process. Its best to avoid questions that make you look too cocky, or paint the picture of someone who makes the decision based primarily on money.Background checks. Assume that the company will run a background check as part of the pre-offer due diligence. Asking this question makes you look like you have something to hide.Email or social media monitoring. Assume that the company monitors network usage in some way. The internet has a long memory and written comments have a way of getting around. Play it safe and dont use the companys network in ways that can make you look unprofessional.Deeply personal or invasive questions. You dont want to make the interviewer feel uncomfortable or defensive.Need more help preparing for your next job interview? Clic k on the following link for additional interview advice.Need help preparing for your next interview? Talk to a qualified TopInterview coach todayRecommended ReadingHow Not to Answer the Most Common Interview QuestionsThe 8 Best Questions to Ask in an Informational InterviewTurn Interview Anxiety into Excitement with This Simple TechniqueRelated Articles