Start with the work you would actually do

An employer's name or size will not tell you whether a particular role fits. Ask which team you would join, where you would work, whom you would report to, and which patients or services you would support. Check whether the role covers one site or several, and how often that might change.

Describe a typical working week with the hiring team. Questions about shift patterns, weekends, travel, on-call expectations, and responsibilities often reveal differences between otherwise similar opportunities. Ask which arrangements are fixed and which depend on staffing needs.

Ask how the team supports its work

Discuss orientation, supervision, access to equipment, and the people available when you need help. Ask how new colleagues learn local systems and how responsibilities are shared. Examples of a normal day or a difficult shift can be more useful than broad claims about culture.

If development matters to you, ask about training time, education support, and opportunities to move into different responsibilities. Confirm who decides and which commitments will be recorded in the offer.

Compare the whole offer

CareerOneStop's offer evaluation guidance recommends considering the work, location, employer values, compensation, benefits, and training together. Make a checklist that reflects your own priorities rather than choosing on a single headline figure.

  • Pay: What is the base amount, pay period, and expected paid time? Which additional payments are conditional?
  • Schedule: Which shifts, weekends, on-call duties, and travel are expected?
  • Benefits: Which benefits apply to this position, when do they begin, and what would you contribute?
  • Development: What orientation and training are included, and what time or funding is available?
  • Location: What would commuting, parking, relocation, or travel between sites involve?

Use local occupational data as context. For US roles, CareerOneStop's salary finder provides occupation and location comparisons. In Canada, Job Bank's labour market information includes regional wage ranges and occupation profiles. These describe groups of workers, not a guaranteed salary for your offer. Check the reporting period, occupation, and location before comparing figures.

Resolve gaps before deciding

Write down unanswered questions and discuss them with the employer. Compare opportunities using the same headings so that a missing benefit or a different schedule remains visible. Confirm important arrangements in the written offer instead of relying on an informal conversation.

If contractual terms are unclear, get help from a qualified professional familiar with the relevant jurisdiction. This checklist is for organizing your questions; it does not assess a contract's legality or provide a current compensation benchmark.

Still building your shortlist? Read how to find healthcare employers and apply directly.