Job Offer Evaluation Checklist for Developers

What this checklist is

A step-by-step checklist for reading, comparing and accepting a software job offer. It covers working out total compensation, the basics of stock options and vesting, the contract clauses that matter (notice, probation, IP, non-compete), benefits and leave, remote and location terms, the team and growth you are signing up for, negotiating without burning bridges, and getting every promise in writing. It is practical guidance, not legal, tax or financial advice.

It has 8 chapters and 38 checks, each with how to verify it and how much it matters. For developers holding one or more job offers.

Chapter by chapter

1. Get the full offer before you judge it (4 checks)

An offer is more than a number on a call. Collect every term in writing first, so you are comparing complete offers, not first impressions.

2. Work out total compensation (5 checks)

Turn each offer into numbers you can compare: what is fixed, what is variable, what is paper value, and what it costs you to take the job.

3. Understand equity before you count it (5 checks)

Stock options and shares can be valuable or worthless. Know what you are being granted, when it vests, what it costs to own and how it is taxed.

4. Read the contract terms that bind you (6 checks)

Who employs you, probation, notice, intellectual property and restrictions after you leave. These clauses decide how free you are later.

5. Benefits, leave and protection (4 checks)

Check the safety net: health cover, leave, retirement savings, and what happens if you are ill or the job ends.

6. Remote, hybrid and location terms (4 checks)

Where and when you work is part of the deal. Get the arrangement in writing so it cannot quietly change after you join.

7. Team, manager and growth (5 checks)

Pay is easy to compare; the team you join is harder and often matters more. Ask questions that show what your first year will really be like.

8. Negotiate politely and get it in writing (5 checks)

Ask for what you need without damaging the relationship, then make sure every agreed term is in the signed contract before you resign anywhere.

How it works on Sefism

The checklist is one page: each check has a severity (must, should or nice to have) and a concrete way to verify it, and members can tick checks off as they go. The opening chapters are open to everyone. Adding it to your account uses credits, opens every chapter and keeps your progress.

Every claim is checked against the sources listed on the page (7 cited).