Original worksheet · printable
Compensation Questions to Ask Before Accepting — and an Offer Comparison Worksheet
By Influish Editorial Team · Published · Last updated
Short answer
To print, use your browser’s print command (Ctrl+P or Share → Print); the site header and footer are hidden on paper. You can also download the worksheet as a CSV file (opens in Excel, Google Sheets or LibreOffice).
Which compensation questions should you ask before accepting?
Ask these in the interview or when the offer arrives, and ask for the answers to be included in the written offer. Not every question applies to every role; tick the ones you have had answered.
The money itself
A figure without a unit or a breakdown can mean very different things.
- Is this figure monthly or annual, and is it in-hand or cost to company (CTC)?
- How much is fixed, and how much is variable or performance-linked?
- If there is a variable part, exactly what is it measured on, and who decides?
- What deductions will be made, and what is my expected monthly take-home?
- On what date each month am I paid, and by what method?
Employment type and term
The doomscroller form reportedly offers full-time or internship; the terms differ sharply.
- Is this a full-time employment contract, an internship, or a freelance/consulting agreement?
- How long is the contract or internship, and what happens at the end?
- Is there a probation period? Does pay or notice change after it?
- For an internship: is there a route to a full-time role, and on what basis?
- What is the notice period on each side?
Hours, location and equipment
For a role built around watching video, time and data are real costs.
- What are the working hours, and how much screen time is expected per day?
- Is the role on-site, remote or hybrid? If on-site, where exactly?
- Will I use my own phone and mobile data? If so, is it reimbursed?
- Are there breaks or limits on continuous screen time?
Leave, growth and reviews
The second year's pay is decided by what you agree now.
- How many days of paid leave and holidays are included?
- When is the first pay review, and what is it based on?
- What would promotion to the next level look like, and what would it require?
Paperwork and protection
If it is not in writing, it is not part of the offer.
- Will I receive a written offer letter or contract before I start?
- Does the contract say who owns the research I produce, and can I show samples in a portfolio?
- Is there any fee, deposit or payment I am expected to make? (The answer from a genuine employer is no.)
- Who is my contact for payroll questions?
How do you ask about pay without sounding difficult?
Asking precise questions about an offer is normal professional behaviour, and most employers expect it. Frame questions around understanding rather than demands: “Could you confirm whether this figure is monthly in-hand or annual CTC?” or “Before I accept, could you share the terms in writing, including the probation period?” If an employer refuses to put basic terms in writing, that is useful information in itself.
If you want to counter, anchor on evidence: the research behind your expected-salary range, the samples that prove your skills, and any competing offer recorded in the worksheet below.
Offer comparison worksheet
Fill in one column per offer. Leave a cell blank if the employer has not answered — a column full of blanks is itself a comparison result. Convert every pay figure to the same unit (for example, monthly take-home) before comparing.
| Line item | Offer A | Offer B | Offer C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employer and role title | |||
| Employment type (full-time / internship / freelance / retainer) | |||
| Contract length or internship duration | |||
| Probation period and terms | |||
| Gross pay as stated (monthly or annual - label it) | |||
| Fixed component | |||
| Variable or performance component and how it is measured | |||
| Estimated monthly take-home after deductions | |||
| Statutory contributions mentioned (Y/N and which) | |||
| Phone / data / equipment provided or reimbursed | |||
| Working hours and expected daily screen time | |||
| Location: on-site / remote / hybrid | |||
| Commute cost per month (if on-site) | |||
| Paid leave and holidays | |||
| Notice period (both sides) | |||
| Pay date and payment method | |||
| Review or increment timeline | |||
| Conversion route (for internships) | |||
| Written offer received (Y/N, date) | |||
| Portfolio use allowed (can I show my work?) | |||
| Red flags noticed | |||
| My overall rating (1-5) |
How do you compare an internship with a full-time offer?
Directly comparing a stipend with a salary rarely works, because they buy different things. A practical approach:
- Compare monthly take-home for the period the internship lasts.
- Add what each gives you after that period: a conversion route, a letter, a portfolio you are allowed to show.
- Count costs: commute, relocation, phone and data.
- Note risks: an offer with unclear terms is worth less than one with clear terms at the same figure.
For background on each structure, see how trend research work is paid.
What are the red flags in an offer?
- Any request for a registration fee, security deposit, training fee or “equipment charge”.
- Pay described only as “attractive” or “competitive” even at the offer stage.
- Pay based only on the number of Reels watched or liked rather than research output.
- Pressure to accept within hours, or refusal to provide a written offer.
- Requests for bank passwords, OTPs or full ID documents over chat before any verifiable contract.
This checklist is general guidance, not legal or employment advice. For questions about a specific contract, consult a qualified professional.
Sources (news reports verified 6 November 2026)
India Today
Scrolling reels all day? This Udaipur company has the perfect role for youNKTV
Get Paid to Watch Instagram Reels! Udaipur Company Announces Unique Job Opportunity for Social Media LoversAsianet News Hindi
Instagram Reels Job: रील्स देखो और पैसे कमाओ! उदयपुर में निकली 'डूमस्क्रॉलर' की नौकरी, जानें कैसे करें अप्लाई· Hindi
Links go to the original publishers. Summaries on this page are our own; publishers are not affiliated with this site.