Evaluating a Job Offer in Mexico

Jan 22nd, 2009 | By Fernando Espinosa | Category: Negotiating Offers

Due to the different compensation structure in Mexico, this article was adapted from our other article prepared for professionals that are compensated in the U.S. or Canada. This article is meant solely for professionals that are compensated via the Mexican payroll.

For the purposes of this article, let’s assume your employment interview went well, and there is sincere and mutual interest from yourself and the prospective employer. You will now need to decide two things: first, whether the new position is right for you; and secondly, what sort of offer you’d be willing to accept if you decide the new position is right for you. To help in the decision-making process, take the following test as a way to compare the two positions.

Position Compensation Guide

Directions: Compare the new job with what you already have.

Old job	New job	Element under consideration
		Position title
		Supervisory responsibility
		Project authority
		Decision-making autonomy
		Freedom to implement ideas
		Ability to affect change
		Promotion potential
		Challenge of tasks
		Ability to meet expectations
		Access to professional development
		Professional growth potential
		Company/industry growth
		Company/industry stability
		Starting salary, benefits, perks
		Future compensation
		Commuting distance
		Travel requirements
		Work environment
		Rapport with co-workers
		Rapport with management
		Comfort with corporate culture
		Other considerations (specify)

Compensation will be a key factor in your decision whether to accept a new position. However, few people take the time to really understand their economic choices, mostly because there are so many hidden factors, such as cost of living, benefits, and so forth. To help you put your choices into perspective, use the following guide to evaluate your prospective compensation package with what you’re currently earning.

Position Compensation Guide

Directions: Compare the economics of the old and new job.

Current Job	New Job	Element to Consider
$	$	Base salary
$	$	Christmas Bonus
$	$	Vacation days
$	$	Vacation Premium
$	$	Profit sharing (PTU)
$	$	Savings Fund
$	$	Food Coupons
$	$	Punctuality bonus
$	$	Attendance bonus
$	$	Performance bonus
$	$	Gas allowance
$	$	Car allowance (Car bonus)
$	$	Company car
$	$	Tuition reimbursement
$	$	Medical insurance
$	$	Life insurance
$	$	Stock Options
$	$	Moving expenses
$	$	Travel expenses
$	$	Other expenses (specify)
		Cost of living differences
		Other
$	$	$ Difference (+/-)

Regardless of where compensation ranks on your list of priorities, it’s a good idea to be fully aware of what you are being offered when you have to make a career decision.

Fernando Espinosa is a Mexico Executive Recruiter in Qualifind, Inc. and is Mexico’s only member of the prestigious Pinnacle Society. He can be reached at (619) 421-7134 or fespinosa@quali-find.com for questions and comments.

Qualifind, Inc. provides professional and executive search services for specific disciplines and industries throughout the U.S. and Mexico. We are a U.S. based firm with our corporate offices in San Diego, California. We have branch offices and recruiting staff in the U.S. (i.e Chicago, Austin) and Mexico (i.e. Monterrey, Mexico City).