Got the Job Offer Dont Blow It Now!

Got the Job Offer Dont Blow It Now! TweetIn the interview process, accepting the job offer may seem like the easy part. But mishandling this crucial 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 part one of a three-part series based on chapter 17 of my book, Get That Job! The Quick and Complete Guide to a Winning Interview. The Big Moment at the End of the Interviews The moment when youre 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 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 wont negotiate. You have been interviewing elsewhere and may be close to an offer from another company. Youre 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 thats 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, its a very important decision, so Id 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 Weve all heard that its important to get a written offer letter (and to make sure all the details are as agreed). But thats 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 didnt hear back from you (within the timeframe we assumed you understood), so we had to move on. Whether youre 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. Youre simply being thorough and professional for the benefit of all concerned. Next Up: Will You Negotiate? Did you know that most employers expect some negotiation when they make an offer? If youve never negotiated your salary, benefits or other aspects of a job offer, heres why how you should probably negotiate. This post was originally published in April 2017 and has been updated. Got the Job Offer Dont Blow It Now! TweetIn the interview process, accepting the job offer may seem like the easy part. But mishandling this crucial 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 part one of a three-part series based on chapter 17 of my book, Get That Job! The Quick and Complete Guide to a Winning Interview. The Big Moment at the End of the Interviews The moment when youre 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 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 wont negotiate. You have been interviewing elsewhere and may be close to an offer from another company. Youre 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 thats 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, its a very important decision, so Id 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 Weve all heard that its important to get a written offer letter (and to make sure all the details are as agreed). But thats 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 didnt hear back from you (within the timeframe we assumed you understood), so we had to move on. Whether youre 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. Youre simply being thorough and professional for the benefit of all concerned. Next Up: Will You Negotiate? Did you know that most employers expect some negotiation when they make an offer? If youve never negotiated your salary, benefits or other aspects of a job offer, heres why how you should probably negotiate. This post was originally published in April 2017 and has been updated.