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      Concerned about Employee Monitoring Software? How to Ask about It in a Job Interview

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      In today’s digital work-from-home world, as many as 60% of companies with remote employees use employee monitoring software to track employees’ activities during work hours. While this may be insightful for the company, it also raises concerns for jobseekers who value their privacy and autonomy. 

      If you’re a jobseeker who wants to know more about employee monitoring software before accepting a job offer, keep reading for tips on how to ask about it during an interview.

      What is employee monitoring software? 

      Employee monitoring software (EMS) is software used to keep track of when and how employees work. It essentially monitors productivity and collects data through employees’ tech devices. From supervising performance to intercepting illegal activities, employers use EMS for a number of reasons.

      The software may track:

      Time 

      Activity

      Project management 

      Email 

      Generally, if you’re on the clock, an employer has full discretion to make the rules. Employers do need to inform employees they maintain the right to monitor behavior. But they don’t need to be specific about the info they are obtaining or what they are using to get it.  

      And in case you were wondering: yes, employee monitoring software is legal. An employer using it might even notify employees and get their consent. 

      New data regulation laws

      In July 2023, New York City will release a new AI law requiring employers to inform candidates of any personal data collected during hiring and promotions. Oher locations inlcuding California, Washington DC, and Vermont are in the process of enacting similar AI-related laws. 

      New York’s AI law has received some mixed feedback from public advocates. Even tech leaders such as Google’s Sundar Pichai and Microsoft’s Brad Smith are calling for more oversight into AI algorithms at the national level. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission also recently warned employers that they’re responsible for any AI-generated discrimination. 

      So, what are some graceful ways during the interview process to go about discovering if a company uses employee monitoring software? 

      1. Research the company’s policy beforehand

      Before going into the interview, do some research on the company’s policy on employee monitoring software. Check the company’s website or LinkedIn page for any information on their policy. You can also reach out to current or former employees of the company to get an idea of how the company uses monitoring software. In this instance, Glassdoor or Blind might provide relevant information.

      2. Ask about the company’s policy during the interview

      We wouldn’t recommend asking this immediately, of course. Determine how critical an issue this is for you and gauge the pros and cons along with the rapport you’ve created with the interviewer. 

      If you feel it’s necessary to your feelings about the role, you could ask the interviewer about the company’s policy on employee monitoring software. You can phrase your question as follows: “Can you tell me more about the company’s policy on employee monitoring software? How does the company use it, and what kind of data does it collect?”

      Tone is important here. Be curious, and upbeat, to keep the conversation friendly but professional. 

      3. Ask about the reasons behind using the software

      It’s important to understand why the company is using employee monitoring software. Ask the interviewer why the company feels the need to use it and what benefits it provides. You can also ask about any specific incidents that led the company to start using the software.

      4. Ask about how the software is used and who has access to the data

      It’s important to know how the software is used and who has access to the data it collects. Ask the interviewer about how the software is used on a day-to-day basis and who has access to the data it collects. You can also ask about the security measures the company has in place to protect the data.

      5. Express your concerns and ask for clarification

      If you have any concerns about the company’s policy on employee monitoring software, express them to the interviewer and ask for clarification. For example, if you’re concerned about your privacy, ask about how the company protects your personal data. 

      If you’re concerned about being micromanaged, ask about how the company balances monitoring with trust. 

      For example, you might say: “Trust is a key value for me. How do you demonstrate trust with employees? Does the company have specific rules around being online at certain times or not using company property for private emails outside of work hours?”

      How can I protect my privacy? 

      Keep your work life and personal life separate. Assume what you do with company property is not private. This includes devices and programs (email, Slack, Zoom, etc.) you use through work.  

      When is the most appropriate time to ask?

      The simple answer is: the sooner the better. If EM software is a dealbreaker for you, don’t let time pass in the process without inquiring.

      Is a company using employee monitoring software right for me?

      Based on the information you get from any questions asked in an interview, how does that company compare to others? Determine what it is you’re looking for in the answers to understand if the company and role are right for you. 

      Concerned about employee monitoring software? Be proactive.

      As we continue to navigate an increasingly digital landscape, it’s important for both employers and employees to understand the nuances and implications of technology like employee monitoring software. Consider your own comfort and needs as a jobseeker regarding privacy and autonomy at work. Be proactive and ask questions if you have concerns. 

      If you’re a jobeeker on Hired, the Candidate Experience Team is there to help you throughout your search. The team is available to coach jobseekers through the hiring process and even support them if the need to ask tough or awkward questions arises.  More

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      Empower Your Career: Understanding Salary Inequality in Tech (2023 Research)

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      A guide to Hired’s 2023 Wage Inequality Report for tech workers and jobseekers! Download the eBook

      There’s no question this job market is wildly different than a year ago. It’s more competitive and even intimidating. If you’re currently looking, finding a job is your number one priority, but equally important is an employer embracing qualities such as diversity, equity in opportunity and fair pay, as well as an inclusive workplace.

      We’ve curated the most valuable insights from Hired’s 2023 State of Wage Inequality report, and they’re all yours within the pages of this eBook. Consider it your ultimate resource for navigating the hiring market and guiding your search for a job where your contributions are appreciated and your voice is heard. Use this as a resource to understand the hiring market and guide your search for a job where you feel appreciated and empowered.

      Inside this eBook for tech talent you’ll discover:

      Findings on wage inequality and DEI in today’s job market

      Strategies to negotiate fair compensation 

      Real-life success stories from individuals who championed DEI

      Practical tips for identifying inclusive workplaces

      Actionable steps to promote positive change within organizations

      Impact of Salary Transparency legislation

      Are you ready to take control of your career, embrace diversity, and secure fair pay? Don’t miss out on this invaluable resource – download our eBook now and unlock the doors to a brighter future!Remember, the job market may have changed, but your potential for success remains limitless. Together, let’s create a world where diversity is celebrated, equity is embraced, and inclusion is the norm.

      Extra Resources

      Be sure to check out other resources from Hired, including:

      Virtual Event for Candidates June 27th, 2023

      Breaking Through Bias: How to Overcome Discrimination & Get the Tech Job You Want

      Blogs, Videos on Demand, & Guides

      Competitive Tech Job Offers? 6 Ways to Compare and Find the Right Fit

      Invest in Your Success: The Ultimate Salary Negotiation Workshop (Video on Demand)

      Your Guide to Salary Negotiation More

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      4 Ways to Use Today’s Global Mobility Trends to Recruit Top Talent 

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      Are you searching far and wide for new talent? Is that search feeling farther and farther afield? There is roughly a one in four chance (27%) that your company is struggling to find qualified employees locally or feels that the Great Resignation significantly impacted relocations in 2022. This comes despite relocation volumes and budgets increasing by 7% from 2021 to 2022 and is expected to increase in 2023 for 58% of companies of various sizes across industries.
      As pressures from the pandemic continue to ease, employees considering relocations also have evolving needs. Below are a few ways organizations can keep up with them:
      Continuously review benefits.
      When was the last time your organization conducted an in-depth review of its benefits? If it was a year ago or more, it is time to review them again. Simply put, organizations must continuously review their job offerings and relocation benefits to ensure they remain competitive and attractive in a dramatically changing environment.
      According to Gartner, just 32% of workers feel that they are being paid fairly due to inflation and recession concerns. Further, Jobvite shares that 52% of American workers across industries believe they could simply make more money by switching jobs. If the grass looks greener everywhere an employee looks, your organization must be equally appealing. Important questions to ask during your benefits review include:

      Does your organization’s compensation meet cost-of-living demands where you are located?
      How do relocation benefits impact general workplace benefits?
      What are our competitors in the region touting?
      Do you have a trusted House-hold Goods Moving provider that can support you and your potential new hire with the relocation process itself?

      Prioritize balance.
      There is far more an employee must consider today when weighing a relocation opportunity than in the past. Develop workplace management policies that take remote work, work/life balance, voluntary relocation, and flexibility into consideration. While many employers want to see their employees back in the office, in January 2023, almost 30% of all work happened at home. This is six times greater than the remote work rate in 2019. How and where we work has changed.
      How does your organization accommodate working from home, and what does that mean for relocating talent? You must have an answer to this question because even if an employee is willing to relocate, it does not necessarily mean they only want to work in the office. What flexibility options are you offering to entice in-office work with the desire to relocate your employee to your headquarters’ hometown?
      Consider family.
      For many families in the U.S., remaining close to home is both practical and personal. Data from the Pew Research Center shows that about three in 10 U.S. citizens live within an hour’s drive of some or all extended family. More adults today are also living in multigenerational households than ever before. One in five adults now lives with parents or grandparents – a rate that has quadrupled since 1971.
      This closeness to family is a preference and value for social and economic benefits, as family members are often available to help working parents, especially in sharing home labor such as childcare. Ensuring your organization’s relocation policies include resources to support the relocation of spouses, children, and residences is vital for prospective employees considering moving away from extended family.
      Offer guidance.
      Moving to a new city or state can be intimidating. New residents want to know where the best schools are located, where the best restaurants are, and what the best commute to take is. These are just a few of the barriers holding back prospective residents without someone on the ground to guide them.
      Workplaces that offer robust resources or partners to help guide employees through the relocation process can help. This can be a go-to individual who can share insider information on the most popular suburbs and best nightlife – complete with parking tips – or it can be through lump sums or flexible policies that allow employees to spend time seeking these answers on their own. Allowing time to tour houses while also paying for temporary housing can make a difference in an employee’s willingness to relocate and their happiness once they do.
      The war for talent is in full swing. When many companies are touting remote-first work policies, enticing new employees to physically relocate to a new city, state, or country can be difficult. Of all the stressors related to starting a new job or relocating to a new area, moving there should be the easiest part.
      Mary Beth Johnson is Vice President of Business Development for Atlas Van Lines. 
      Share this post: More

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      Tech Candidate Spotlight – Autumn Skerritt, Site Reliability Engineer in the UK

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      Let’s start by talking about your educational background!

      I have a degree from the University of Liverpool in computer science. I have not attended any bootcamps but I do have the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Certification. 

      What’s made the biggest impact on my tech career is choosing to work on side projects (which have become popular on GitHub!). I realized my degree does not matter nearly as much as my GitHub projects do. I highly suggest others think about projects first and degrees second.

      What would you like to learn more about?

      I’d love to learn more about building solutions for business problems. Right now I code and write solutions for bugs but actually adding business impact is where I find the challenge.

      Related: Site Reliability Engineer Career Path

      What led you to pursue a career in tech?

      I had no other choice! I wanted a job where I could earn money and tech was the right fit. Maybe I could crochet or skateboard but tech is far more viable for me than skating!

      How has your skill set evolved over the course of your career?

      I originally started off with a small skill set of Python and Bash. Eventually, I learned more about pen testing. Then I started doing AWS certifications to land my first job. I moved into infrastructure and then security. I currently use a mix of both!

      Related: Code Your Career: Staying Competitive in the Developer Job Market (VIDEO)

      I have not really decided on what I want to specialize in yet. My ideal specialty is being able to make things quickly. I currently work in infrastructure but at a security company, I’m mostly doing IAM projects.

      Is your new role different from previous ones?

      It’s in a different industry but roughly has the same tech stack. I did IAM work before, which used SCIM/ OIDC protocols and I currently work with these a lot.

      What are some of the things you’re most excited about in your new role?

      I’m super excited about innovating and making our team more efficient. Currently, there’s a mishmash of things and we’re not too focused on a specific process to streamline our work. 

      What was your job search experience like before you joined Hired?

      It was actually very hard. I applied to 90+ companies and had 27 interviews, most of which were not an ideal match. Hired was super good for my job search! Companies applied to me. Plus, I knew the salary before having to struggle in an interview to find out how much they’d offer.

      What’s your best advice for job seekers registered on the Hired platform? 

      Generalise the roles you’re looking for. Instead of DevOps, I wrote software engineer, which means a larger pool of companies can see you. Also, reply to employers quickly! Being responsive is really important on Hired. It will show companies how much you care.

      What would you tell someone who’s curious about Hired?

      Just try it. There’s no harm. It takes maybe an hour to sign up and you get to see the platform. You might also just find a job!

      Any general advice you’d like to give other tech professionals?

      Take a break. It’s not life or death. You’ll survive and it’ll all be okay! Just breathe. If you lose your job, you’ll find another one and life will go on. Be sure to look on the bright side.

      Related: Recently Laid Off? A Jobseeker’s Guide to Bounce Back Better Than Ever

      Congrats on the job, Autumn! Interested in landing a great role in the UK like Autumn did? Complete your free profile on Hired today!

      About Cisco

      Cisco hardware, software, and service offerings are used to create the Internet solutions that make networks possible. Founded in 1984, Cisco has 5,001+ employees and is headquartered in San Jose.

      Tech Stack

      Python, Spark, Javascript, React, AWS, Kubernetes, Java, Go, Docker, Microservices, Kafka, iOS, Android, Kotlin, Kibana, Datadog, Terraform

      Benefits

      Health/dental/vision/life/disability insurance, 401k plan/matching, tuition reimbursement, paid time off, stock options, employee discount programs, job training, and more. More

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      Ace Your Engineering Manager Interview: A Comprehensive Guide to Prepare

      by

      Engineering Manager interviews may feel the most challenging in the tech industry. They require you to have a well-rounded balance of technical, people, and business skills. 

      Just remember, you wouldn’t have come this far if it weren’t for your leadership ability and experience driving company success! This interview is your opportunity to demonstrate your capabilities and your passion for guiding other engineers to bring results. 

      Hired Engineering Manager Prakash Patel reflects on his experience, saying: “My success is measured by the performance of my team and my individual reports. My goal is to develop technical excellence across the company as an EM. I enjoy driving project execution but I make sure my individual reports receive exciting, diverse responsibilities in a way that infuses the company’s culture with our team.”

      To help you, we’ve collaborated with our partner Educative to fully prep you for your next Engineering Manager interview. 

      What this Engineering Manager Interview Guide Covers

      1. How to prepare for Engineering Manager interviews

      We start by breaking down the typical EM interview process to give you a better sense of what to expect.

      2. How to perform well during Engineering Manager interviews

      We help you understand the purpose and expectations of each area so you can put your best foot forward.

      3. Sample interview questions

      Get a sneak peek into potential interview questions in this chapter. We offer examples of technical people management, and behavioral questions you may encounter.

      4. Helpful resources

      By now, you’re well on your way to impressing interviewers. Use this compilation of articles and courses for a deeper dive into refining your interview skills. More

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      8 Final Round Interview Questions You Should Be Prepared for as a Tech Jobseeker

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      Be ready for common final round interview questions with this guide

      Congratulations – you’ve made it through the hiring process and you’re preparing for final round interview questions to secure your dream job! This is a big deal – it means you’ve impressed the hiring team with your skills, experience, and potential. However, it also means the stakes are higher and you need to prepare thoroughly to stand out from the other candidates.

      If you’re a jobseeker in tech, you know how competitive the industry can be. Final round interviews often consist of more challenging questions designed to assess your technical expertise as well as your soft skills, cultural fit, and problem-solving abilities. This final round interview is your chance to really showcase your skills and experience, and to demonstrate why you’re the best candidate for the job. 

      In some cases, the hard skills assessment period is over and the final round is more about determining team fit, or more appropriately, “add.” It’s to determine between the finalists which one will bring the most value to the team, or be the addition it needs. You may also discover this round is focused on selling you on the role. 

      To help you prepare, we’ve compiled a list of top final round interview questions for tech jobseekers, along with tips on how to answer them.

      1. Tell Me About Yourself

      You’ve probably already answered this classic question in early stage interviews, but be prepared to respond again, especially if you’re meeting new people in the final round. We’ve written an article about how to answer ‘tell me about yourself’ question for tech talent with some great tactics. 

      As a bonus, use this final round interview opportunity to further personalize your response. Revise your answer using what you’ve learned about the role and the team so far.

      2. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

      This classic interview question is often used to gauge your self-awareness and honesty. However, in the final round, the interviewer may be looking for more specific examples and how they relate to the job requirements.

      When answering this question, it’s essential to focus on the strengths that are relevant to the job and the company culture. For example, if you’re applying for a software development position, you could mention your strong coding skills, attention to detail, and ability to work well in a team.

      For your weaknesses, avoid generic answers like “I work too hard” or “I’m a perfectionist.” Instead, be honest about an area where you could improve but also show how you’re actively working on it. For example, you could say, “I tend to get nervous when presenting to large groups, but I’ve been taking public speaking classes to improve my confidence.”

      3. What experience do you have in this particular area of tech?

      Interviewers ask this question to see how well you understand the specific area of tech the company is focused on, and how you might be able to contribute to the team. To answer a final round interview question like this, highlight any relevant experience you have, and talk about any specific projects or accomplishments to showcase your skills in this area.

      4. How do you stay up-to-date with the latest trends, technologies, and developments in your field?

      In tech, staying up-to-date with the latest trends and developments is crucial. Employers want to know you’re committed to continuing your education and staying current with industry changes. The interviewer wants to know if you have a passion for learning and if you’re proactive about keeping your skills relevant.

      When answering this question, show that you have a growth mindset and that you enjoy exploring new ideas and technologies. Talk about any industry events you’ve attended, online courses or certifications you’ve completed, or any side projects you’ve worked on to expand your knowledge. 

      For example, you could say, “I’m passionate about keeping up with the latest trends in software development. I regularly attend tech conferences and meetups, read industry blogs and newsletters, and take online courses to expand my knowledge. 

      Recently, I implemented a new cloud-based infrastructure in our company that reduced our costs and improved our scalability.”

      Interview Tip: 

      Don’t forget to include hobbies or volunteer activities here. If you help coach a high school robotics team or provide a nonprofit with web development support, for example, it’s great to share.

      Related: Hired’s 2023 State of Software Engineers report

      5. How do you approach problem-solving in a tech environment?

      Tech jobs are all about problem-solving, and employers want to know you have a solid approach to tackling challenges. When answering this question, talk about any specific problem-solving techniques you use. This might include breaking down problems into smaller parts. Perhaps it’s using data to inform your decisions or collaborating with team members to brainstorm solutions.

      Related: Want to Ace Technical Interviews? A Guide to Prep Software Engineers

      6. How do you handle working under pressure or tight deadlines?

      Chances are your work environment will be fast-paced and high-pressure at times, so demonstrate you can handle these kinds of situations. When answering this question, discuss any experience you’ve had working under tight deadlines, and how you managed to stay focused and productive in those instances. You might also share any strategies you use to manage stress, such as exercise or meditation.

      7. Can you walk me through a project you worked on from start to finish?

      Employers want to see how you approach projects from beginning to end, and how you collaborate with others along the way. In your answer, highlight your specific contributions to the project. Be sure to mention any challenges you faced and how you overcame them. You can also tell your interviewer about any lessons you learned from the project and how you might apply them to future projects.

      Related: Interviewing with the CTO? 3 Strategies to Help Prepare

      8. Why do you want to work for this particular company?

      Show you’re genuinely interested in the company and the work they do. When answering this question, do your research beforehand. Highlight specific aspects of the company that appeal to you. This could be the company culture, their mission or values, or specific projects or initiatives they’re working on. 

      Don’t be afraid to reference previous interviews in which you gained new insights. This shows how engaged you’ve been throughout the interview process and that you’ve connected with the team. 

      Final round interview questions? You’ve got this!

      Before we close, let’s review a great quote from author Thea Kelley. She said, “Interviewers are sick of robotic, canned answers people have read in books. So think through and prepare your own answers—ones that are both authentic and strategic.” We hope this article has given you food for thought. And, provided you with some material to contemplate as you organize and prepare some response options.

      Making it to the final round of a tech job interview is a major achievement. By preparing for common final round interview questions and practicing a bit, you’ll go into the interview feeling ready as ever. Remember to highlight your relevant skills and experience, and to showcase your passion for the industry and the work you do. With a little preparation and a lot of confidence, you will land the tech job of your dreams. Good luck! More

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      Tech Candidate Spotlight – Evan Feliciano, Senior Product Designer

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      Can you share a little bit about your educational background? 

      I studied Marketing at the University of Pittsburgh. I started working in tech during and after college. Then, I completed a product design bootcamp and transitioned into design after completing it.

      Working in tech, the bootcamp, and mentorship from experienced designers and other tech workers definitely had a big impact on my career trajectory.

      Related: Thinking About a Career Transition? General Assembly’s 4 Immersive Tech Programs to Help You Pivot

      What would you like to learn more about?

      I am very interested in getting more into animation, 3D modeling, and developing my software engineering skills. I built my own website from scratch, but haven’t had as much time to continue learning in this area yet.

      Related: Hired’s 2023 State of Software Engineers report

      What led you to pursue a career in tech?

      I actually first started working part-time for a tech company while in college. It was in a business and operations role and I loved the startup environment. That was my first exposure to product design and research. I knew right away I wanted to work in tech – and more specifically, product design.

      How has your skill set evolved over the course of your career?

      Early in my career, design was all about design. While my visual and research skills have definitely evolved, the biggest change has been adopting a business mindset as a designer with a focus on product strategy.

      What did you choose to specialize in?

      Definitely visual design. To me, this area of design is the most fun and allows for the most creativity. Visual design is also a great place for designers to infuse their personality into the product.

      Is your new role different from previous ones?

      My role is a bit different, as this is a true tech company selling software. In my last role, I was in the fintech space where technology was only a part of the product.

      What are you most excited about in your new role?

      I am really excited about working with very smart teammates! I’m also looking forward to helping scale the business and improve the product experience for users and partners.

      What was your job search experience like before you joined Hired?

      Before Hired, there were a lot of cold applications and time wasted typing the same information in over and over and over again – just to never even hear back from most places. Using Hired was by far the best hiring experience I’ve had in a long time!

      The best part about Hired to me is that it’s very low maintenance. Apart from keeping your profile up to date, the most important thing is to respond to companies as quickly as possible.

      Related: Want More Interviews and Better Matches? 5 Key Tips!

      What would you tell someone who’s curious about Hired?

      I would definitely recommend it! Even if you don’t get hired right away, it provides a much better hiring experience. It’s easier to make meaningful connections with hiring managers at various companies for future opportunities too.

      Related: How to Get Approved on Hired

      About Lob

      Lob is the only direct mail automation platform that enables businesses to transform campaign ROI and employee productivity. Lob is looking to make the world programmable by providing tools for enterprise companies to automate their workflows. Founded in 2013, Lob has 51-200 employees and is headquartered in San Francisco.

      Tech Stack

      Node.js, Postgres, Docker, Elixir, Go

      Benefits

      401K plan, RSUs, health insurance, maternity/paternity benefits, unlimited time off, flexible working hours, employee groups and committees, and more. More

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      Competitive Tech Job Offers? 6 Ways to Compare and Find the Right Fit

      by

      Steps to take when deciding between multiple job offers

      If you’re considering competitive job offers, you’ve already passed the hardest part of finding a new role. However, it doesn’t mean your job hunt is over yet. Choosing the right company and position might be challenging, particularly given the many factors playing a part in your final decision. Read on for some key tips to help lucky professionals with more than one offer on their plate.

      1. Determine your priorities

      Before you start evaluating job offers, ask yourself: What matters most to you in a job? Is it a high salary, flexible working hours, work-life balance, company culture, or growth opportunities? Knowing your priorities will help you evaluate job offers based on how well they meet your needs.

      Related: Ready to Find Your Dream Job? Start with Knowing What You Want 

      For example, let’s say work-life balance is your top priority. You may want to consider an offer with a flexible schedule or remote work options. On the other hand, if you value career growth, you may want to prioritize competitive job offers with a clear path for advancement and mentorship opportunities.

      2. Consider the salary and benefits

      By the time you’ve reached the offer stage, the salary they offer should not be a complete shock if you’ve had a transparent conversation with the company about your expectations. But, regardless of whether conversations have taken place, chances are the offers will vary slightly. This depends on how each company is calibrating the role and responsibilities for the position they’re offering you.

      An advantage of competitive job offers is your ability to leverage them against each other. This won’t always work depending on the company’s circumstances, but it could be worth a shot. 

      Related: How to Leverage Multiple Offers to Get the Job You Want

      The job offer with a higher salary and better benefits might be very attractive too. However, it’s important to consider the entire compensation package, including bonuses, stock options, and other perks. Additionally, account for the cost of living in the area where the job is located.A high salary may seem impressive, but if the cost of living is also high, it may not go as far as you think. Consider the overall value of the compensation package, including both salary and benefits when evaluating job offers.

      Related: See how companies value your experience with Hired’s Salary Calculator

      Does the offer include other types of cash compensation?

      In addition to base salary offers received, don’t forget to account for stock options and bonuses, or other incentives. 

      Stock options can be difficult to value for private companies since they’re not actually worth anything until (or if) an exit event occurs. That said, many startup employees have made off well after their employer goes public or gets acquired. So, stock options may be a valuable perk if you believe in what the company is doing. 

      Offer packages typically indicate a number of shares. Ask the hiring manager for the total number of shares outstanding to calculate the percent ownership of the company you’ve been offered. This is a better indicator of value than the absolute number of shares. 

      What benefits do the competitive job offers provide?

      Health insurance, commuting costs, and retirement plans are commonly added perks used to attract talent. It’s worth comparing these benefits between companies. If you really want to get granular, research the market value of each of these perks. Then, add it to your cash offers to get a holistic sense of how each package affects your finances.

      For those thinking about starting or growing a family, research the maternity and/or paternity leave policies for the companies you’re comparing. Given the significant cost of adding a new member to the family, a great parental leave policy might make or break whether a salary package makes sense for you.

      In addition, research vacation allowances for each company. Many established tech companies and startups have flexible, or even unlimited, vacation policies. If you’re a big traveler or need frequent weekends away, vacation policies might play a significant role in your decision.

      3. Assess the company culture

      Company culture is also an essential consideration as it will have a significant impact on your job satisfaction and overall well-being. Research the company’s values, mission statement, and work environment to determine if it aligns with your personal beliefs and preferences.

      Consider factors such as work-life balance, employee perks, social events, and company values. A company with a strong culture aligning with your personal beliefs can make a big difference in your job satisfaction and long-term happiness.

      Keep this in mind: There’s more to negotiate beyond salary. The number of options might surprise you! Check out this ebook for guidance on all the perks and benefits you could integrate into your total compensation. 

      How well do you get along with the team?

      At the end of the day, you’ll be spending most of your days with the rest of the people on your new team, so how your personalities mesh is one of the most important factors to consider before accepting a position. 

      Depending on the role and team dynamic, it may even make sense to ask to meet some of the team outside of the office. Maybe ask your potential new manager for a coffee chat if you’re questioning whether you’ll enjoy working with them.

      4. Evaluate growth opportunities

      Assessing each job offer’s potential for career advancement can be difficult before starting a new role. But do your best to have frank discussions with the hiring manager for each position you’re considering. 

      Consider factors such as training and development programs, mentorship opportunities, and potential for upward mobility. You may want to look for a job offer with opportunities for learning new skills, attending conferences, and taking on leadership roles.

      While smaller startups can offer unparalleled opportunities to explore new job functions and learn quickly, career progression isn’t always as clear as it might be at a larger company. Think about what your near and longer-term career goals look like, and how the various companies do (or don’t) fit into those goals.

      5. Analyze the job responsibilities

      The job responsibilities and expectations can significantly impact your job satisfaction and work-life balance. Therefore, you’ll want to analyze each job’s responsibilities and determine if they align with your skills, interests, and career goals.

      Consider factors such as job duties, work hours, and travel requirements. If you’re not excited about the job responsibilities, it’s probably not the right fit for you. 

      6. Seek feedback from people you trust

      Finally, get feedback and advice from trusted friends, colleagues, or mentors. They can provide insight into factors you may have overlooked and offer a fresh perspective on each job offer.

      Ask for feedback on the company culture, job responsibilities, and growth opportunities. Additionally, get their input on how each job offer aligns with your long-term career goals and personal priorities.

      Making the decision between competitive job offers

      When it comes down to making a decision, there is no perfect formula for making a decision when you have multiple offers to choose from. It depends on a variety of factors you ultimately have to prioritize for yourself and your career path. These tips will help organize, guide, and hopefully lead you to the right decision. More