Two international offers can show similar salaries and still describe very different working lives.
Put both offers in the same format
Create a comparison sheet using the same categories for each offer: employer, role, location, contract length, salary currency, pay frequency, working hours, benefits, accommodation arrangements and conditions that remain outstanding.
Keep unknown information marked as unknown. Do not turn a recruiter’s verbal suggestion into a guaranteed benefit in your comparison. Ask the employer to confirm material terms in writing.
Separate the headline amount from what needs checking
Confirm whether the figure is gross or net. Ask how overtime, bonuses, deductions and allowances are described. If a benefit depends on attendance, performance or another condition, record that condition rather than counting the maximum as certain.
This guide does not calculate take-home pay or estimate living costs for a destination. Use current official tax and employment information, and qualified advice where needed, for your circumstances. Never treat a currency conversion alone as a complete comparison.
Check the practical commitments
- Who provides accommodation, and what written terms apply?
- Who is responsible for travel, insurance and necessary documents?
- What location and schedule are actually stated?
- Which work-permission or professional-recognition steps remain unresolved?
- What happens if a required approval is not granted or the start date changes?
Employment conditions vary by country and contract. The EU’s Your Europe guidance is an example of an official information source for employment-contract requirements within its scope; it should not be treated as the law for every overseas destination.
Compare fit as well as figures
Consider the actual work, support available, development opportunities and how the arrangement fits your responsibilities. Ask questions early enough to make an informed decision. Do not resign or commit substantial money simply because an offer document looks polished.
A comparison sheet should make uncertainty visible. It helps you decide what to verify next; it cannot authenticate an employer, grant work permission or guarantee that an offer will be suitable for you.
Your next step
Build your next international move around evidence and a clearer preparation process. Explore international career information.
Join the conversation: Which non-salary term would most affect your decision about an overseas role?
Further reading: Your Europe: employment contracts and conditions.
