To find the answer, set aside your question of compensation—pay and benefits—and ask these ten questions first.

1. What have you envisioned yourself doing for your life’s work? 

Have you had a sense of what you wanted to be or do for a long time—and does this seem like what you’ve envisioned?  If not, could it be a variation of that vision or dream?  You are trading a day of your life for each day you work with this prospective employer.  Will it get you to the life you want to lead?

2. In case you are not clear on your answer to Question 1, ask yourself: what do you love to do even if you don’t get paid? 

Does this job have some of the elements of your own passion?  If not, what about this prospective employment would sustain your interest and commitment (Hint: salary alone is not reason enough to go forward.  No pay is high enough if you are bored or uninterested in the task at hand).

3. Have you done your research about the company? 

Have you heard good news about them?   Any complaints or scandals?  Is there room for you to grow and advance?  Learn about the company and its leaders, their history, growth and vision for the future.  You are looking for a place to invest yourself professionally, so consider if this is the group with whom you want to be affiliated.  Look at the big picture—the company’s role in the industry and the community they serve, the people doing the work, and the connections you might make working there.

4. How do the values of the company align with your own values? 

List the values you hold personally and professionally.  Does the work help others?  Does the organization you are considering working for provide products or services that you respect?  Is their impact on the environment a concern?  Do they consider it important to hire Latinos?  Are there political leanings in the corporation that concern you?  Listen to your conscience, to what is said in interviews and in conversation with coworkers and the corporate leaders and do more research.  This is an important consideration since you will be working to support and advance the company’s values.  If they don’t fit with your own, it’s not a fit.  (Tip:  Don’t assume the organization’s values will change.  They won’t—at least not quickly or soon).

5. What do your instincts tell you about the people you have met? 

Listen to what your future supervisor, fellow coworkers and former employees say about this business as a place to work.  Pay close attention to positive and negative statements. Did you pick up a positive vibe from the people and the place?  Did it feel like the right place to be?  (Caution:  Feedback from disgruntled employees can be helpful and harmful.  An unhappy worker has reasons for their discontent but remember that there are two sides to every story).

6. What did the working environment feel like to you? 

Was it well-organized and well-equipped with the tools you will need?  Was there adequate space and good lighting?  A pleasant place where you will be comfortable, focused and get the job done is important.  If you are working remotely from a home office, see what systems the organization uses to assure that communication and support are good.  If you will be traveling for your work, ask about the amount of time spent away from home, scheduling flexibility, policies for overtime (if you are paid by the hour instead of flat rate or salary), mileage, accommodations and reimbursement for other costs you will incur while working.

7. How does the company size up technically? 

Regardless of what type of work you are doing, are the people you are working with experienced and well-trained?  Will you be the one training current staff in different systems or areas of service?  Listen carefully to attitudes and expectations of training and performance on the job.  An employer should give you the tools, training and supervision/support to get the job done.  If those aren’t in place, it will be a struggle.  (Tip:  If a prospective employer promises new equipment, systems or training, politely ask when they anticipate getting them in place).

8. From a practical point of view, consider any other factors that will affect your ability to do the job for this prospective employer.  What benefits do they offer? 

Tuition abatement, health insurance, flextime, retirement accounts, wellness initiatives and parental leave are valuable.  What are your costs of getting to work?  Commute time, location and hours of childcare or schools may be important considerations if you have a family of your own.

9. Are there any risks you can identify that would impact the stability of the prospective employer? 

If it is a start-up company, you may need to go with a more modest work set-up than if it were already an established enterprise.  Is the outlook good financially for this company?  What are the market forces that might change the viability of the business?

10. Take another look at your personal and professional long-term picture. 

Where do you want to be and what will you be doing in five years?  Ten?  Does this prospective employer offer opportunities and innovation that would help you get where you want to go?  Will the company help you accrue social capital—relationships and connections that can help you currently and support you moving ahead in the long-run?  This potential position may be a transitional move for you—a step that can help you move forward toward a larger goal in your career. •