Welcome! It looks like you're new here. Be sure to subscribe to my RSS feed so you don't miss a thing! Thanks for visiting!

As you use the various resources and tips we’ve provided here for finding a job, odds are you’ll start seeing some job offers heading your way. This is exactly what you have been waiting for, but be careful when negotiating with potential employers that you don’t get taken advantage of. Make sure to always get any and all offers in writing. The following are some pitfalls I myself have experienced, or others I know have had happen to them when negotiating a job. Some of us had protected ourselves by getting things in writing, others hadn’t.

• One of the benefits listed was travel re-imbursement, but it wasn’t specified what travel could be recouped. The intention of the employer was for travel to and from meetings only, while the expectation of the employee was for all work related travel. Given the price of gas these days, that’s a significant difference that ended up costing this employee a lot of money that thought they were entitled to.

• Another employee thought that the weekly deduction for health insurance was structured to provide coverage through the entire year, except it was designed to only cover the school year – a definite issue.

• Everyone likes vacations, so it’s usually a good idea to make sure that the vacation/sick time you are allotted is outlined in your contract offer so that you know how much time off your are allotted and don’t use to much (like someone I know) or not use nearly enough when needed (like someone else I know).

• Start dates and end dates for job are also very important for the numerous positions that don’t run all year long. Being clear with when you are expected to start and when you are expected to finish up can avoid a lot of confusion and getting started on the wrong foot.

photo credit: joebeone

As these examples clearly illustrate, having all the details of your potential employment laid out in advance is not only helpful, but can serve to protect you in the event that your employer tries to change the terms on you. You have every right to ask for these things in writing, so don’t hesitate to do so if you feel that the employer isn’t being up front with you. Additionally, you may want to reconsider working for someone who is exhibiting any of these tendencies.

Popularity: 15% [?]