5 Things You Should Ask About Every Salary Offer

Before You Accept the Job

The scene is set. You have landed the job and the employer has put an offer on the table. Before you dive into negotiation mode, make sure you understand exactly what is being offered. Salary negotiations get more important as you advance in your career, so clarity at this stage matters.

1. What Are the Numbers?

Money talk can feel awkward, but misunderstandings here are costly. When someone says the offer is 100k, you need to know if they mean:

Examples of Package Variations

• 100k base salary plus super.
• 91k base salary plus super.
• 76k base salary plus a 15k bonus if all targets are met, plus super.

These variations can equal a difference of roughly 300 dollars a week in take home pay.

What Makes Up a Total Package

• Base salary
• Superannuation
• Bonuses or commissions
• Benefits such as company vehicles
• Share schemes or stock options

Why This Matters

If variable pay is involved, your actual fixed income can shift. Always calculate your take home pay before agreeing to anything.

2. What Are the Variable Components?

If bonuses or commissions are part of the package, dig deeper. Targets can be unrealistic or outside your control.

Questions About Bonuses

• Is the bonus based on personal, team, or company performance?
• What metrics are used?
• Is there partial payment if you nearly hit the target?
• Who else shares the targets?
• Is the bonus usually paid each year?

Questions About Commission Structures

Commission plans should be simple, fair, and achievable. If you are in doubt, get a second opinion before signing anything.

Good Questions to Ask

• Is this the standard structure for the role?
• What does typical performance look like once trained?
• How exactly are targets tracked and measured?

3. Can I Get the Offer in Writing?

Verbal offers can be misunderstood, misquoted, or adjusted by internal approvals. Getting the full offer in writing protects you and ensures every detail is correct before you sign.

Important Details to Confirm

• Base salary
• Super
• Bonuses
• Commission structures
• Any other variable components

4. What Other Benefits Are Offered?

Many employers include perks that add real value to your total package. These might include mobile phone access, internet, discounted products, company vehicles, purchased leave, or salary packaging options.

Why Benefits Matter

Salary packaging can reduce your taxable income. Some household expenses can effectively become tax free, which saves thousands. Once you understand the benefits on the table, you may decide that a slightly lower salary is worth the trade.

5. How Will Pay Increases Be Managed?

Your goal is to understand how the organisation handles future pay adjustments.

If a company has rigid rules around salary increases, negotiate harder upfront. If you are entering a new field with strong development opportunities, a lower starting salary may be fair. Just be aware that some employees end up stuck below market rates due to poor internal salary structures.

Questions to Ask

• How and when is pay reviewed?
• What factors influence salary increases?
• If I become a top performer next year, what increase is typical?
• If promoted internally, will the new package be based on my existing salary or the new role?

Closing Thoughts

• Stay positive, enthusiastic, and focused on facts.
• Avoid negotiating bit by bit. Get the full picture first.
• Remember to value work life balance, not just salary.
• Consider lowering your asking price for a role with great culture, balance, or future potential.

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