Understanding Your Job Offer: Salary, Bonuses, and Hidden Benefits

Understanding Your Job Offer: Salary, Bonuses, and Hidden Benefits - featured image

You got the job—congratulations! 🎉
But before you say “yes,” take a moment to read your job offer carefully.

Many people focus only on the salary figure, but there’s often more to the offer than meets the eye. Bonuses, benefits, deductions, and work conditions can all affect your real income.

Here’s how to understand what you’re really being offered:

1. Check the Gross vs. Net Salary

Gross salary is the total before any deductions.
Net salary is what you take home after tax, pension, and other deductions.

✅ Ask for a breakdown so you’re not surprised on payday.

2. Look for Hidden Benefits

Some companies add extra value through:

  • Health insurance

  • Transport allowance

  • Meal subsidies

  • Internet or remote work stipends

  • Performance bonuses

  • Staff discounts

These benefits may not be cash—but they reduce your personal expenses.

3. Understand the Bonus System

Ask if bonuses are:

  • Fixed or performance-based

  • Monthly, quarterly, or yearly

  • Guaranteed or optional

Some offers include a 13th-month bonus, which is a great extra if included.

4. Know the Working Hours and Leave Policy

A high salary might not feel worth it if:

  • You work weekends without extra pay

  • You don’t get annual leave or sick days

  • There’s no clear overtime plan

Make sure the offer includes:
📅 Official working days
🕒 Working hours
🌴 Leave allowance

5. Clarify the Probation Terms

Most jobs in Nigeria have a 3–6 month probation period.

Understand:

  • The salary during probation

  • When you’ll be confirmed

  • If benefits start immediately or after confirmation

Your job offer is more than just the monthly salary. Always take time to ask questions and understand the full package before accepting.

Francis Oyitoba

Francis Oyitoba

Head Developer

JobNet.ng

Full-stack developer with experience building scalable web applications using modern technologies across front-end and back-end. Passionate about clean code, intuitive UI/UX, and continuous learning.