Receiving a job offer is a thrilling moment. There's excitement, the preparation and sometimes hours of interviewing have paid off, you're on 'cloud 9' with a sense of relief, and the anticipation of a new chapter.
But what happens next is so often overlooked and can set the tone for the future relationship.
Is your offer in line with your expectations? Do the details in the contract align with what has been discussed?
Our mantra at this stage is 'no surprises'. If the process has been thorough from both sides, then there should be little need for any negotiation.
Negotiating the Offer
If for whatever reason the contract or offer is not quite aligned with your expectations, then you may decide to negotiate.
It’s always best to approach this professionally; in a reasoned and realistic way.
Have you truly thought about the fact that this new role allows more remote working, or that travel costs or commute times will be reduced? How many hours will you be working compared to your current or previous role? What are the career progression possibilities in this new role? Is the company culture more suited to you here? Will your line manager be a nicer person to work with than in your previous job? Will you be in line for a bonus and how do the overall benefits compare?
Then there is the actual role and company itself. Is it ‘the’ role you wanted or just ‘a’ role, do you have any doubts, is this a long-term position or just a short term fix? Not everyone has the good fortune of being offered their dream job but before accepting, go back to the beginning of your search, is this really what you wanted or is it just because it is the first one that came about?
Be honest with yourself, the business, us and anyone else involved; it’s so much better to turn the role down at this stage than to decide to leave just a few weeks later.
Accepting / Declining the Offer
Decided to accept? Great! Communicate it formally and don't take too long. It is right that anyone considers a job offer for a reasonable period, maybe over a weekend or a couple of days. But if the decision is not made by then, what does that say? Is the role really the one you want? Will the company worry whether you really want to come and work for them?
Saying 'no' is okay too, but maintain professionalism, decline it gracefully explaining your reasons and maintain a positive relationship, you never know when your paths might cross again. DO NOT just disappear or respond electronically – make time for a phone call, don’t ‘burn your bridges’.
So, we are done right? NOT QUITE YET…
As a new hire, respond quickly and accurately to any requests for information. Stay communicative—don’t disappear. How you handle this step shows your reliability and sets the tone. So next time you receive a job offer remember the work is not yet done. Refocus, make sure the role is the one you want, negotiate (if you need to ) but then clear communication throughout and above all else, no surprises!