The 10-Point Job Offer Verification Checklist
- Total compensation calculation: Calculate base + employer 401k match + health insurance employer contribution + bonuses + equity. Compare to current role’s total comp, not just base salary.
- 401k match details: Percentage matched, vesting schedule (cliff vs. graded), and eligibility waiting period. A $5K match that doesn’t vest for 3 years has different value than one that vests immediately.
- Health insurance total cost: Your monthly premium + typical copays + deductibles. A lower salary with excellent insurance may be better than a higher salary with expensive coverage.
- Vacation and PTO policy: How many days, carryover rules, and payout if unused. 2 extra weeks is worth $2,885 on a $75K salary.
- Remote and hybrid policy: Explicitly confirmed — not implied. Get it in writing. Calculate commute cost and time value if fully in-office.
- Bonus structure: Is it discretionary or guaranteed? Based on individual vs. company performance? Historical payout rates? A $10K 'target bonus' with 30% historical payout is worth $3K, not $10K.
- Equity / stock options: Type (RSU, options), vesting schedule, cliff date, and recent exercise price vs. FMV (for options). Equity is real compensation with real complexity.
- Career growth path: What is the promotion timeline and criteria? What roles have people in this position moved to?
- Salary review timing: Is your first review at 6 months or 12 months? Negotiate for 6 months if the offer is lower than desired.
- Any other benefits with real value: Life insurance, disability insurance, tuition reimbursement, parental leave, gym membership, child care assistance — calculate the annual value of each.
The Compensation Comparison Worksheet
Total compensation comparison worksheet
| Compensation Element | Current Role | New Offer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base salary | $ | $ | |
| 401k employer match | $ | $ | |
| Health insurance (employer share) | $ | $ | |
| Remote work value | $ | $ | |
| Annual bonus (expected value) | $ | $ | |
| Equity (annual vesting value) | $ | $ | |
| PTO value (days × daily rate) | $ | $ | |
| Other benefits | $ | $ | |
| TOTAL COMPENSATION | $ | $ |
💡The 48-Hour Evaluation Rule
Never accept or decline a job offer on the day it’s received. Request 24–48 hours to review. This is standard and professional. Use that time to complete the checklist, calculate total compensation, and check the salary against market data. Pressure tactics ('we need an answer today') from employers are a yellow flag.
Calculate the True Value of Your Offer
Enter the base salary and all benefits — see the total compensation and compare to what you currently earn.