The Hidden Costs of a New Job: What to Ask Before You Accept the Offer

7 min read | May 21, 2025

By Marta Gongos

Getting a new job offer is exciting, especially if it’s from a company you’ve been eyeing for a while. Before you commit, have you thought about what it might cost you? Many places have pay transparency laws, but total compensation packages often remain unclear, especially for junior and mid-level roles. 

That’s why, as recruitment specialists, we help candidates ask the right questions besides “When is the expected start date?” so they can make the smartest informed decision. In this guide, you’ll discover what to ask before accepting a job offer, plus a handy checklist to evaluate a potential new employer during a job interview. 

Questions to Ask Before Accepting a Job Offer

A job description gives you an overview, but it rarely tells the whole story, especially about daily tasks. The interview is your chance to dig deeper and uncover any hidden challenges. Ask these questions to know what you’re signing up for.

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What’s Included in The Total Compensation Package?

So many job posts mention “competitive benefits” or “comprehensive packages” without getting into the specifics. More often than not, the actual details are vague or underwhelming. 

Ask your potential employer for a detailed breakdown of other benefits, including:

• Bonuses (and how they’re determined)
• Commissions
• Stock options or equity
• Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) or pension 
• Extended health benefits (including dental, vision, and mental health support)
• Paid time off (vacation days, sick leave, personal days)
• Career advancement perks

Learn more: Why Is Total Compensation Important? 

How Much Will I Take Home After Deductions?

One of the top questions to ask before accepting a job offer is about deductions. Even if your base salary and benefits look impressive, your take-home pay may be significantly less after deductions. 

Before accepting a job offer, clarify:

• Income tax rates 
• Health insurance premiums (if not fully covered)
• Union fees (if applicable)
• Employment Insurance (EI) premiums
• Parking or transit fees
• Pension and retirement contributions (including mandatory and voluntary)
• Stock purchase plans that draw from your paycheck
• Fees for required equipment (uniforms, tools not provided)

Is This Role Fully Remote, Hybrid, or Onsite—and What’s the Commute Like?

The hidden costs of a new job can often be tied to your actual work setup. Whether working remotely or on-site, you’ll want to factor in the time, money, and energy it takes to show up. 

Here are potential questions to ask before accepting a job offer based on job type:

For remote roles: 

• Is there a home office stipend or reimbursement?
• Does the company provide tech gear?
• Are internet or phone bills reimbursed?
• Are there mandatory in-person events or travel expectations?
• Am I responsible for any security software or upgrades?

For onsite/hybrid roles: 

• Do I have to pay for meals, lockers, or storage on site?
• Will I pay for equipment, uniforms, or tools?
• Are relocation expenses covered?
• Will I pay for parking or public transit daily?
• Is there compensation for travel?
  

What’s the Typical Workload and Overtime Expectation?

Aside from salary and benefits, your work-life balance is another important consideration before accepting a job offer. This can vary depending on the company and role. No amount of salary can make up for burnout if you’re regularly working 60-hour weeks with no overtime.

Here are a few more questions to help uncover the hidden costs of a new job:

• What does a standard work week look like?
• How often are employees expected to stay late or work weekends?
• Is overtime compensated?
• Are there seasonal spikes in workload, and how are those handled?
• What happens when team members are on vacation?

What’s the Vacation Policy and How Flexible Is Time Off?

Some companies offer “unlimited” vacation, but rarely approve it. To avoid falling into the trap of too-good-to-be-true time off, clarify what the policy looks like in practice. 

Ask questions like:

• How many vacation days are included?
• Is there a waiting period before I can take time off?
• How far in advance do vacation requests need to be submitted?
• What happens to unused vacation days?
• How is time off treated during busy periods?

What’s the Growth Path for This Role?

One of the hidden costs of a new job you might not notice right away is long-term career growth, or lack thereof. In your employment offer checklist, be sure to include questions like how often performance reviews occur and whether there’s a clear career progression tied to your role. 

Be wary of high turnover, especially if it’s brought up during the hiring process. It may signal limited advancement opportunities.

Learn more: How to Set Career Growth Goals and Achieve Them 

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Employment Offer Checklist

Find Roles That Check the Right Boxes with Ad Culture

The hidden costs of a new job aren’t always obvious, especially when applying alone. At Ad Culture, we cover details most candidates overlook, from pay quirks to work-life balance.

We believe hiring goes both ways, which is why we help you find not only a job, but the right environment to grow, thrive, and feel valued. We’ll only connect you with potential employers who align with your values, work style, and long-term professional goals. 

Ready to land your dream employer? Contact us today!