I just got an offer for my first "BIG GIRL" job but there are a few things I need to find out before I actually accept. They sent me the salary, benefits, and start date -- all which I feel are adequate so I'm not going to try and negotiate anything higher.

I am going to ask the following:
1. Vacation, Sick Holiday or PTO
2. 401K/Roth IRA/ retirement
3. Average Weekly hours....want to make sure it is reasonable and I won't be working 80 hours on the salary given
4. They told me during on of the interviews they either paid or helped pay for a Masters degree...need to find out the details on that
5. Certifcations/ CE's -- if there is time given off for these and if they are paid for by the company

What are other questions ya'll asked when you received offers? I don't want to miss asking something important and end up getting screwed. I've read a lot of things I found on Google but they are all pretty much the same questions. Thanks

12/26/2010 11:43:50 PM

First of all, congrats! Secondly, some comments about your questions:

-you don't need to ask about a Roth IRA. Your employer has nothing to do with your personal IRAs. If it's a larger non-governmental company, I'm sure you'll get the standard x% of the first 6% matching on a 401k. Make sure you find out if by some off-chance they have a pension plan w/ an optional 401k.

-I'm a little surprised you got as far as an offer without knowing how many hours the job usually requires. I'm assuming you are going to e-mail someone working in the same dept/same team as you've been offered a position, and not some bimbo in HR? Since it's your first job, you should have more of a will work as long as it takes to get it done mentality rather than a I'm not putting up with this free overtime bs.

-Definitely ask about the reimbursement for higher learning.

And thirdly, some additional information you might want to ask for:

-When do benefits kick in? Do you have to work x amount of time for med/dental etc.?

-How long is the learning curve? When do they expect you to be up to speed? ~6 months?

-Not just certifications, but if you need some additional training to perform some part of your job (maybe technical?) do they pay for it? Who pays for it?

-Depending on if this is a normal entry level position or part of some management/analyst/associate type program, make sure you understand who you report to and who pays your salary.

-To set the right impression, if you end up accepting, ask if there is anything you can do to help prepare for your start date.

12/27/2010 12:06:28 AM

Thank you for all the advice ..here is a little more information.

- thanks for the info about the Roth IRA....I don't really know what I am talking about haha.

- After about the first year I am going to be doing shift work....I did ask and it is going to be 8-5 approx but I just want to get that in writing or something....I don't mind finishing all my work and I am very excited about learning everything about this job but just want to make sure it won't be anything outrageous

- My benefits kick in day one...dental and vision are included. My mom works for the Carolina Healthcare Systems and she is mad because the insurance I was offered is better than hers.

- The first "year" is the training program...they say people usually finish it between 6 and 9 months though but you can take the first entire year.

- I have already met who will be my boss and then everyone's boss and they both seemed like good guys to work for.

- I have to get a drug screen done so I am going to see if I can do that in Charlotte before moving up there because I that would be easier and they would get the results much quicker...but I will ask if there is anything I can do.

12/27/2010 12:21:24 AM

Sounds like you've got all your bases covered then. While I don't claim to be a personal finance professional, let me know if you want any help w/ Roth vs. 401k etc.

12/27/2010 12:35:11 AM

Just don't commit the ClassicMixup between the two retirement vehicles.

12/27/2010 1:11:35 AM