Evaluate a job offer calmly

Check pay, benefits, schedule and conditions in writing — and spot offers that don't add up.

Who this is for: You received an offer or are close to one.
You will have: A written comparison of the offer against your must-haves, and clear next steps.
Time: 30–60 minutes

Before you start

The written offer
Your pay floor and non-negotiables from your plan

Steps

Get the offer in writing
Title, pay and how it is paid, hours, location or remote terms, start date, benefits, and any conditions such as background checks.
Compare with your must-haves
Pay floor, schedule, commute, health coverage, paid time off. Note what is missing.
Understand the total package
Ask how health insurance, retirement and paid leave work and when they start. Unclear answers are worth a follow-up question.
Check it is real
Be careful if you were hired without an interview, asked to pay for equipment or training, or told to deposit a check and send money back. Verify through the company's official website.
Respond professionally
Accept, ask for time, or ask a question about a specific item. It is normal to ask for a short time to decide.

Example

Offer check:

Pay $52,000 ✔ above floor · Remote 3 days ✔ · Health insurance from day 1 ✔ · PTO not stated → asked by email · Equipment shipped by employer, no payment ✔

Illustrative example — invented for this guide.

Offer comparison

Select the text and copy it

Role / employer: ____
Pay: ____ (my floor: ____)
Schedule / location: ____
Health coverage starts: ____
Paid time off: ____
Conditions (checks, probation): ____
Anything unusual (fees, checks, chat-only contact): ____
Questions to ask: ____
Decision by: ____

Common mistakes

Accepting verbally without written terms
Ignoring requests to pay or move money
Deciding under pressure

Free resources

Job Scams — Federal Trade Commission, checked 2026-10-13
ReportFraud.ftc.gov — Federal Trade Commission, checked 2026-10-13
Health coverage options if you're unemployed — HealthCare.gov, checked 2026-10-13

JoRoute tools for this

Next step

Practical steps for your situation.

See all guides

Limits

Not legal or financial advice; employment terms and protections differ by state.

Reviewed 2026-10-13. Sources were opened and checked on the dates shown.