After experiencing blood, sweat and tears going through the interviewing process, you look forward to receiving at least one offer. Once you get the job offer, what do you do next? How do you know it’s a good offer? Do I have to take it? Weighing the advantages and disadvantages of the job will help you make a more informed decision.
Whether you receive one offer or are lucky and receive multiple offers, how do you determine which position and company is the right fit? A couple of things to think about:
Is the company’s philosophy, vision and strategic plan in line with your own?
Is the company growing? Is there job security?
Is the position going to challenge you and support you in a way to help you achieve your short-term goals?
Some values to consider and rank when evaluating a job offer are:
Job Content
Supervisor
Salary and Benefits
Co-Workers
Typical work week and work/life balance
Location
Organizational flexibility
An initial offer may be verbal but it is best to get it confirmed in writing. Look over it carefully once you have received all of the information in the mail.
Consult with others whose opinions you value. Ask yourself why you want the position. Are you accepting the job to gain much needed experience and skills? Are you accepting the offer just to have a job?
Most employers don’t expect you to make a decision when the offer is made. You should be given some time to make your decision. The time frame can vary from a couple of days to two weeks to three months.
If you receive an offer but are still interested in working for or hearing back from other companies, e-mail these companies upon receipt of your offer and ask them where they are in the job search process and are you still a viable candidate.
If you receive an offer and know that you will need an extension, ask for one right away. Don’t wait until the deadline date arrives to ask for an extension.
After accepting an offer, all interviewing stops! It is not acceptable to renege on an offer because a “better one” came along.
Most companies hiring for entry-level positions DO NOT typically negotiate salary! Most companies that recruit on campus determine their salaries by market value and pay close to or above the average undergraduate salary. The one thing you can negotiate is a start date!!
When accepting or rejecting an offer, CALL the employer. Accepting or rejecting an offer should NEVER be done over e-mail. You need to talk with the employer to explain why you are accepting or declining the offer. Once you have accepted or rejected the offer by phone, you might want to write a follow up note.
If you have any questions regarding your offer(s), please see your career advisor!
If you are thinking of going to graduate school, check out next week’s post on Graduate School 101!