In the job interview process, getting the offer may seem like "the easy part. But mishandling this big moment can cost you thousands in lost salary – or even the job.
It is in your moments of decision that your destiny is shaped.
– Tony Robbins
This post is based on chapter 17 of my book, Get That Job! The Quick and Complete Guide to a Winning Interview.
The Big Moment: Getting the Job Offer
The moment when you're offered a job can be a mini-whirlwind of excitement joy, relief, nervousness, you name it. You may be tempted to scream "YES!" – quickly, before they can change their mind!
Many a job seeker has done exactly that, only to think later, "I sure wish I had thought about … (negotiating the starting date, the salary, leaving early on Tuesdays? the potential offer from that other company?) … before I said yes."
Do yourself a favor. Have a plan for handling this important turning point in your career.
Buy Yourself Some Time to Think
When you receive the offer, chances are that one of the following will be true for you:
- Certain aspects of the offer – maybe salary, the start date or the work schedule – could be better, and you have no reason to think the employer won't negotiate.
- You have been interviewing elsewhere and may be close to an offer from another company.
- You're not entirely sure this job is the right one. You have questions in your mind, such as:
- Is this company financially stable? Any chance of layoffs in the next year or two?
- Is this the right company culture for me?
- Is there anything about the work schedule, the commute or the working conditions that's going to get old fast?
- What effect would this job have on my long-term career path?
- Can I live on this salary?
- Will I need to relocate? Will my family and I be happy in the new place?
- Can I afford to wait for a better opportunity?
If so, I suggest you give an answer like this:
"This is a very exciting offer! I so appreciate it! Of course, it's a very important decision, so I'd like to give it some careful thought. How soon do you need my answer?"
If you plan to negotiate, ask for a meeting:
"Is there a time tomorrow when we could meet to discuss the details of the offer?"
Whether you agree on giving an answer by Thursday, or meeting tomorrow at 1 pm to discuss details, immediately send an email confirming what has been agreed.
Confirm, Confirm, Confirm
We've all heard that it's important to get a written offer letter (and to make sure all the details are as agreed). But that's not the only point that needs to be confirmed in writing.
Opportunities have been lost because both parties were not clear about the next steps. "We didn't hear back from you (within the timeframe we assumed you understood), so we had to move on." Whether you're asking for time to think, for an answer to a question, or for an opportunity to discuss (negotiate) details of the offer, make sure the next step is confirmed in writing.
Keep a pleasant tone about it. You're simply being thorough and professional for the benefit of all concerned.
Will You Negotiate?
Did you know that most employers expect some negotiation when they make an offer? If you've never negotiated your salary, benefits or other aspects of a job offer, that doesn't mean you can't do it now. Read up on salary negotiation, practice, and give it your best shot!
Read the original post on Thea's blog.
Read the original post on Thea's blog.