You will probably be pleased when you receive a job offer—whether it’s a good job in industry or the government, a postdoc, an academic research position, or a tenure-track position. But even if the offer is appealing, don’t accept the position without considering your professional and personal goals. Talk to a Cornell career advisor if you need help.

For most early-career positions, you should weigh the work itself, the level of responsibility, and the opportunity for learning new skills more heavily than the initial salary. Advancement opportunities can make an initial salary differential negligible within a few years. Here’s some help to guide you through the process.

• Consider job satisfaction
• Evaluate the compensation package
• Negotiate a salary package
• Delay your response
• Protect your good name
• Respond to an offer
• Additional resources from Cornell Career Services