Should I Sign This Job Offer? Decision Framework
You got the offer. Before you sign, ask: Is total comp fair? Are there red flags? What am I giving up? This framework helps you decide.
Red Flag Checklist: Should You Walk Away?
WALK AWAY IF: (1) Salary way below market (>20% below). (2) Non-compete prevents future career (too broad). (3) Clawback exceeds remaining salary (debt risk). (4) Vesting cliff >2 years (loss of equity too much). (5) No severance + employment is at-will (zero safety net). (6) Company is financially struggling (equity worthless). (7) Red flags about culture/management. YELLOW FLAGS (Negotiate): (1) Salary slightly below market (5-10%). (2) Non-compete is reasonable but broad. (3) Clawback exists but reasonable. (4) Vesting cliff 1-2 years (negotiate down). (5) No severance but company is stable.
Decision Tree
START: Do you want this job? If NO → reject. If YES → continue. COMP: Is total comp at least market rate? If NO → negotiate or reject. If YES → continue. RED FLAGS: Are there major red flags (non-compete, clawback, etc.)? If YES → negotiate or reject. If NO → continue. ALTERNATIVE: Do you have better offer? If YES → compare. If NO → continue. SIGN: Sign if you've negotiated acceptable terms.
What to Do Before Signing
(1) REVIEW: Use our contract review. Red flags? (2) RESEARCH: Market salary. Below market? (3) NEGOTIATE: Ask for changes. (4) VERIFY: Get all negotiated terms in writing. (5) WAIT: Sleep on it. Does offer still look good tomorrow? (6) SIGN: Once comfortable, sign.
Frequently Asked Questions
How bad do red flags need to be to walk away?
Depends on how much you want job. If multiple major red flags: walk. If one major + otherwise great: negotiate. If all yellow flags: sign.
What if I'm desperate for a job?
Even desperate, avoid worst terms (non-compete that kills career, clawback that exceeds salary). Some terms are dangerous even if job hunting is urgent.
Should I sign if I'm not 100% sure?
If uncertain, negotiate until confident. Take time to review. Once signed, hard to change. Get it right before signing.
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