Most people consider the salary offer as the job offer. But it is more than that. You need to consider the entire benefits package: insurance, retirement, commission and bonuses, potential for growth, and “intangible” benefits like the working environment, job location, etc.

I suggest reading this article from Talent Zoo about 5 Financial Secrets to Know When You Look for A Job by Ted Jenkin. He discusses many of these additional benefits and poses some questions for you to consider when you get the long awaited offer.

I just read this great article from Heidi Ehlers over at Talent Zoo about how to “Get Your Shiznit Together” during the next couple weeks.

1. Spend some time thinking about your career.
2. Figure out the top 3 reasons why someone should hire you over someone else with the same title.
3. Consider where you want to be with your career 5 years down the road.
4. Think about what your website would be like if you were trying to communicate the top 3 reasons from #2.
5. Build a website using the ideas you generate in #4.
6. Update your resume!
7. Craft a follow-up voice mail message that’s more interesting than “Hi, I sent you my resume. Did you get it?”
8. Bask in your past accomplishments.
9. Forget those accomplishments long enough to figure out how you can improve yourself and what you offer.
10. Be confident and ready once the break is over!

When I came across Michael Driehorst’s latest blog post on Talent Zoo today, I immediately knew I had to share his thoughts with you. Michael is a PR professional that’s currently out-of-work. He’s a blogger (check out his blog: Mike’s Points) with some great insights into how you can market yourself in a job search much like advertisers and public relations professionals market their clients’ brands.

Here are some excerpts from his post:

1. It’s what you know AND who you know

• People aren’t hired just by his or her resume.
• The hiring process is subjective – you’re judged by the way you look, present yourself, sound, answer questions
• You can’t know about every job opportunity – that’s where networking comes into play

2. Typing a poor substitute for real communication

• It’s easy for written/typed words to be misconstrued
• Take care to be clear and concise when you write cover letters and thank you notes
• Consider how social media can help your job search – blogging, Twitter, forums3. Look outward

3. Look outward

• Look for ways to add value to your prospective employer by sharing insights and information
• Reach out to your network of friends, family and acquaintances to help others find careers and business opportunities

4. Timing is everything

• Keep looking for a job, even when you’re discouraged
• Build relationships with prospective employers you’ve already spoken with and your network -  in case a new position opens up, you’ll already be on their mind

5. Have faith

• Be confident in your abilities
• Be honest and ethical in your approach
• Remain persistent in your search
• Continue to build connections
• Help others
• Your time will come