1. WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE ACCEPTING A JOB OFFER
Use decision-making process
Look at pros/cons of your choices

2. Consider several aspects of the job
Consider several aspects of the job. (not just the hourly wage or yearly salary.)
Payment system
Fringe Benefits
Perks
Union or non union

3. Payment system Hourly- Paid hourly wage + possible overtime
Salaried paid a set wage for the year. No overtime offered but usually higher to begin with.
Commissioned Salespersons receive a % of their sales as part or all of their payment. Directly tied to performance.

4. FRINGE BENEFITS Financial extras in addition to the regular paycheck.
Insurance
Paid Vacation
Sick Pay
Retirement Plan or Profit Sharing

5. INSURANCE Health Know terms of contract
Premiums ( KNOW HOW MUCH PREMIUMS ARE AND WHO PAYS THEM)
Deductibles
Co-pays
Maximum out of pocket expense
Covered/non-covered expenses

6. Dental
Same questions as for health insurance (what are your co-pays, deductibles, max. out of pocket amounts)
How many services are covered per year? (check ups, x-rays,etc)
Is orthodontic work covered?

7. DISABILITY Continue to receive partial wages if injured or become ill
Long term
Short term

8. LIFE INSURANCE May get term policy at discounted group rate.
May offer “Double indemnity” where if you die on the job, benefits to your loved ones are doubled.

9. FLEX SPENDING/CAFETERIA PLAN
Put money away PRETAX to pay for extra medical expenses you pay for yourself.
Co-pays and deductibles
Band-aids, contact solution ect.
Turn in receipts and company reimburses you out of your own, untaxed money.

10. PAID VACATION TIME Usually based on length of service.
Usually increases the longer you are employed.
Know if you have to use it up each year or if part or all will roll over to the next.

11. SICK PAY
Days you are allowed to be sick or to care for sick family members.
Know if unused days can be rolled over to the next year or if get paid for them.

12. RETIREMENT PLAN OR PROFIT SHARING PLAN
Your contribution is automatic with each paycheck.
Company may contribute up to a certain percentage
Different types:
401K
IPERS
KEOGH PLAN

13. BONUSES
Do they give yearly bonuses based on company performance or your performance?

14. PERKS- extra little items that make the job more enjoyable
Company car
Expense account
Incentive Trips
On site cafeteria/food service
On site child care
Others??

15. UNION VS. NON-UNION
Union= a group of workers who have formed together to voice their opinions to the employer or the employer’s representatives(management).

16. PROS OF UNION
1. Work toward better wages, benefits, working conditions.
2. Camaraderie/friendship
3. Workers have a collective voice in their place of employment
4. Workers have a way to voice complaints or deal with problems.
5. Have legal representation (lawyers) when dealing with the company.

17. CONS OF UNIONS 1. Must pay union dues ($200+)
2. Strike pay is not full wages
3. Must abide by majority vote to strike or not to strike
4. Division of labor and management can be stressful and hurt friendships.
5. May not be able to get a job in a non-union plant (in future) because of union association.

18. Deciding to take a job is a big “decision”
Deciding to take a job is a big “decision”. Do your research, look at pros and cons of each option and pick what’s best for you at the time.