Accepting a Job Offer - 10 things to consider
Everybody is excited when they receive confirmation for a job they had eagerly awaited.After the tidious work of applying for the job,going for numerous types of interviews,waiting for the reply then finally the call comes in confirming the job offer.So how do you react to the job offer call?
1. How long do you have to respond:
Always ask how many days you have to make your decision. Use the time to think over the job offer so as to look at all the job dimensions. . Furthermore by asking this question, you're signaling that you may want to discuss the offer, so they'll be expecting your negotiation to come.
2. Can you receive a copy of the offer and the benefits package:
Make sure you request a follow-up email with the job title, the annual salary, and a complete copy of the benefits package.
3. If you have questions about the job terms amd benefits, who should you speak with:
Find out who you should direct your questions to about the job.Mostly this would fall in the human resources department as they deal with job applications.
Keep in mind that this conversation needs to happen on the phone-not through email. Emails come off more demanding than you'd think. If an employer opens up an email and sees a list of questions, they will get put off. Also, the speed of their answers gives you an indication of where you have negotiating room, but you can't tell that through an email. That said, below is a list of questions to consider asking about your offer:
4. When is the start date
Make sure you're on the same page concerning your start date. The employer may think you can start ASAP, but you may need to give two weeks' notice to your current employer or need more time to relocate.
5. Is the salary negotiable
If you're unhappy about the salary, now is the time to negotiate. If the person you're speaking with hesitates when you ask if the salary is open for discussion, there's probably room to negotiate a higher salary, says James Chopra. If the response is a quick, firm "no", you need to decide whether you want to settle for it. Now is also the time to ask about a signing bonus.
6. What are the core hours
Make sure you know what daily schedule you're getting into. Is the typical workday 7 to 4 or 8 to 5? Figure out whether you'll be working 40, 45, or 50+ hour weeks.
7. Who will I be reporting to
You should have already covered this in the interview, but make sure you know who your boss is. Supervisors can make or break a job, so you want to make sure you can get along with yours.
8. Can you confirm _______ as we discussed in the interview
The key phrase in this question is "as we discussed in the interview." Avoid springing it on your employer that you want to telecommute every Tuesday and Thursday or work four 10-hour days instead of five eight-hour days. However, if this is something you discussed in the interview, you should confirm that it stands as part of the offer.
9. Will the company help me with my moving expenses
If you need to relocate for your job, this is a required question. The company may offer to pay for your movers, which can relieve the financial burden.
10. Can I have all this in writing
After wheeling and dealing to get the perfect offer, ask to get a confirmation of everything you negotiated, even if it's just an email that sums up the modified offer. If you're happy with the offer agreed upon over the phone, accept it before relocating or quitting your current job.
Liz Seasholtz
Everybody is excited when they receive confirmation for a job they had eagerly awaited.After the tidious work of applying for the job,going for numerous types of interviews,waiting for the reply then finally the call comes in confirming the job offer.So how do you react to the job offer call?
The Job Offer
When you're initially offered the job, don't automatically accept-even if you're thrilled to have received the offer. Remain composed, and make sure you ask the three following questions during the first call.1. How long do you have to respond:
Always ask how many days you have to make your decision. Use the time to think over the job offer so as to look at all the job dimensions. . Furthermore by asking this question, you're signaling that you may want to discuss the offer, so they'll be expecting your negotiation to come.
2. Can you receive a copy of the offer and the benefits package:
Make sure you request a follow-up email with the job title, the annual salary, and a complete copy of the benefits package.
3. If you have questions about the job terms amd benefits, who should you speak with:
Find out who you should direct your questions to about the job.Mostly this would fall in the human resources department as they deal with job applications.
The Job Negotiation
Once you've thought over your follow-up questions, call the person who extended the offer (whether it's your potential boss or HR) and ask away. Prioritize your questions-if you're happy with the salary, there's no need to negotiate that point. Keep in mind that this conversation needs to happen on the phone-not through email. Emails come off more demanding than you'd think. If an employer opens up an email and sees a list of questions, they will get put off. Also, the speed of their answers gives you an indication of where you have negotiating room, but you can't tell that through an email. That said, below is a list of questions to consider asking about your offer:
4. When is the start date
Make sure you're on the same page concerning your start date. The employer may think you can start ASAP, but you may need to give two weeks' notice to your current employer or need more time to relocate.
5. Is the salary negotiable
If you're unhappy about the salary, now is the time to negotiate. If the person you're speaking with hesitates when you ask if the salary is open for discussion, there's probably room to negotiate a higher salary, says James Chopra. If the response is a quick, firm "no", you need to decide whether you want to settle for it. Now is also the time to ask about a signing bonus.
6. What are the core hours
Make sure you know what daily schedule you're getting into. Is the typical workday 7 to 4 or 8 to 5? Figure out whether you'll be working 40, 45, or 50+ hour weeks.
7. Who will I be reporting to
You should have already covered this in the interview, but make sure you know who your boss is. Supervisors can make or break a job, so you want to make sure you can get along with yours.
8. Can you confirm _______ as we discussed in the interview
The key phrase in this question is "as we discussed in the interview." Avoid springing it on your employer that you want to telecommute every Tuesday and Thursday or work four 10-hour days instead of five eight-hour days. However, if this is something you discussed in the interview, you should confirm that it stands as part of the offer.
9. Will the company help me with my moving expenses
If you need to relocate for your job, this is a required question. The company may offer to pay for your movers, which can relieve the financial burden.
10. Can I have all this in writing
After wheeling and dealing to get the perfect offer, ask to get a confirmation of everything you negotiated, even if it's just an email that sums up the modified offer. If you're happy with the offer agreed upon over the phone, accept it before relocating or quitting your current job.
Liz Seasholtz