Job Offer Etiquette

Congratulations! You just received a job offer. All your hard work and preparation has paid off. What do you do now?

Many applicants are unprepared for the next steps after an offer is extended. You may accept an offer immediately and subsequently realize (a bit too late) that you didn't ask any or enough questions about the specifics of the offer. It's important at this point to slow down and consider what you need to do before accepting an offer.
 
Some guidelines include:

• If you get a verbal offer, let the organization know that you are very excited and are looking forward to receiving the offer in writing with specifics. This will give you time to absorb the initial excitement of receiving an offer while evaluating the offer details.
• If you are in the process of interviewing at other organizations, you may want to contact them to let them know that you have received an offer and determine where they are in the recruiting process.
• Once you know all your job options and your offer deadlines, you can decide whether you are ready to accept an offer or try to negotiate.

To negotiate or not to negotiate (that is the question)
Every prospective employee can negotiate, but not everyone should negotiate. Many applicants fresh our of school choose not to negotiate due to the entry-level nature of the position offered.

In the economic boom, negotiation was often expected by the organizations because many applicants had multiple offers. In the current economic climate, it is an employer's market and many times the offers are set in stone.

If you have done your homework on the job market, you should know what a reasonable salary range is for the postion you've been offered. If you want to negotiate on salary, do your homework and realize that in most instances your leverage is very diminished compared with college grads of recent years.

What is negotiable?
Many applicants feel that the only area to negotiate is salary. That is not the case. There are many areas that are potentially negotiable. They can include:

• Salary
• Moving expenses
• Start Date
• Stock Options
• Signing Bonus
• Performance Bonus
• Vacation

Another area of potential negotiation is the date in which you need to respond to an offer. In this market, many employers are giving applicants a shorter timeframe to respond to an offer. In most cases, they have back-up candidates for the position. Requesting a little extra time may be negotiable.

Made your decision?
Finally, when you are ready to accept an offer, contact the employer by phone and let them know of your decision. It is always a good idea to follow up wth a confirmation letter.

If you decide to decline an offer, contact the employer by phone and follow up with a letter. It is always a good idea not to burn any bridges in the event you choose to join that organization later in your career.