Headhunter Hints Presents: Evaluate the entirety of your job offer

I often speak to candidates who have recently received an offer and they’re just not excited about the job, or the responsibilities, or the company itself–but there’s ONE thing that the company really has to offer them that they’re excited about.

Recently, I’ve heard from a lot of people in the cannabis industry in regards to this –  when they get an offer letter and all the other things don’t necessarily line up but they’re offered benefits. Health benefits, dental benefits, maybe even a 401(k) contribution match.

Often I have conversations with them hoping to redirect what’s really important to them. Of course, we all want health insurance and what’s important to all of our families is obviously to be kept healthy. But if you’re not excited about the opportunity and you’re not going to thrive or do well there, then health benefits or whatever it is that you’re really excited to finally have may not be exactly enough to keep it it making sense. Financially, mentally, or emotionally.

So, if we were speaking about health benefits (as an example). When deciding whether or not it is worth taking that job simply because of the health benefits, I suggest you try to get that information ahead of time. What’s your cost to cover yourself and your family members, if any?

And then on top of that, what is the health insurance? Call around locally to your existing doctors and specialists and ask them if they take that insurance. If they don’t, ask them who does or why not. Sometimes you can get doctors, if there are enough people asking, to consider other insurance carriers. But really that may take some time.

I’m continuing to see this happen and feel it’s really important for job seekers to know. If you’re going to accept a job on something solely such as receiving healthcare, make sure it makes sense, that you can actually use those benefits, and at a reasonable cost. Otherwise, you may be left feeling a little disheartened that you have a benefit that you really don’t utilize. Not to mention a job you may not enjoy.

My two cents, whatever those things are that are really important to you in the beginning of your search should remain as important to you as you accept the job and sign that offer letter.

Looking for ways to support a job seeker? Check out my recent post, 10 Ways to SupportJob Seekers.