Career moves
That bigger salary might not be bigger: compare job offers properly
Hourly, monthly, yearly, plus a bonus that may or may not happen. Put the numbers on the same footing before choosing a winner.
By LaunchHire · Updated · Free guide
Write down the units
For each offer, record currency, pay period, expected hours and whether the amount is gross or net if specified. If something is missing, ask rather than filling it in with an optimistic assumption.
Do not compare an hourly contractor figure directly with a salaried employee’s annual pay. The arrangements may cover different working time, benefits and responsibilities.
Separate guaranteed and uncertain amounts
Keep base pay separate from discretionary bonuses, commission, equity or estimated overtime. Ask how variable amounts are determined and when they are paid.
An attractive potential total is not the same as a guaranteed payment. Use written terms rather than a casual statement about what someone might earn.
Before
The hourly figure is larger, so this is definitely the better offer.
Clearer
I compared expected hours, guaranteed pay, currency and benefits before deciding.
Example wording to adapt to your own situation, not a claim or result to copy.
Consider practical costs and conditions
Compare the commute, schedule, equipment expectations, leave and benefits alongside pay. A role that pays more may also demand a different number of hours or a costly relocation.
Currency conversion changes over time and does not settle tax or purchasing-power questions. Use current sources and qualified local guidance for financial or legal decisions; this checklist is not a take-home-pay calculation.
Resolve missing information before deciding
Make a short list of unresolved terms and ask the employer for clarification. Confirm the role, compensation and conditions in writing before treating the offer as final.
Use your profile preferences to express what you are seeking, but do not assume a match label confirms the terms. The actual offer is the document you need to review.