Accepting and Declining Job Offers

Dear Tamara, I'm in the midst of my job search, and I've had some really great interviews. If I do get a job offer, or maybe even multiple offers, how do I handle it? I'm excited to hear that you've had some good interviews! My guess is that you worked hard to prepare yourself, and it's always good to hear that hard work pays off. So, when the good news comes, what do you do? When you get a job offer, it is important to respond enthusiastically or at least positively. There's a great deal of time, energy, debating, and maneuvering that goes into hiring an employee; when you get that phone call, it is because they've chosen you out of all of the other applicants. So show some appreciation with a big 'Thanks for calling. That's great news!' It's okay to ask for some time to think about the offer even if you are pretty sure that you will accept it. It's easy to get caught up in the moment and accept on the spot without thinking it through. When you get the offer, you'll also probably receive salary information, a potential start date, and other odds and ends that will fill out your picture of the position. While it is okay to say that you are super excited about the offer and the possibility of working at the company, it is an important decision and you'd like a little time to sit with it. Before you hang up, make sure you tell him/her when you will get back in touch with your decision, and then meet that deadline. In the next day or two, look again at the job responsibilities, research the salary range for that position (if you haven't already done so) to make sure that the offer is appropriate and will meet your budget, and make sure that the job fits your values, interests, and aspirations. Also make note of any questions or reservations that still you have. Those are issues that you want to bring up before accepting the job rather than discovering them or trying to negotiate after the fact. Side note: Salary negotiation, leveraging job offers, and stalling for more time are more complicated facets of accepting or declining a job. They are certainly worth discussing, so I will go into greater detail about those specific issues in the future. Most job offers are verbal contracts followed up by a written contract. You'll want to do the same when you accept. Call and tell your future employer that you are delighted to accept the position, and then follow up with a short acceptance letter. That would also be a good time to email or send a short note to the people you met with during your interview to share your excitement about the job and tell them that you look forward to working together. Once you have accepted a job, your job search is over. Contact the employers you've interviewed with and those with outstanding applications to let them know that you are withdrawing from their search. Thank them for their time, for meeting with you, and for considering your application. It's a small world out there and you may be interviewing with those companies or those people in the future, so, it's important that you leave a positive impression (or at least a professional one) when withdrawing or declining a position. The type of contact that you have with those employers depends on how far you have progressed into their interview process. If you have really been building a relationship with a recruiter, then a phone call is necessary to decline or withdraw. Make the conversation short and don't dwell on why you've taken the other position. You may be asked why you took another job instead of the one they offered, so be prepared to answer that question as honestly, yet as delicately as you can. I know this is a constant refrain in this column, but it's always a good idea to speak with someone in your Career Services Office. Everyone's situation is different, so you want to make sure to talk through yours and get the advice and information that would help you most. And finally, get excited and feel proud of yourself! Even though rejection is a normal part of the job search process, it can still leave even the most self-confident person feeling a little roughed up. So savor the moment and congratulate yourself on a job well done. Good luck and congratulations! Tamara delicious | digg | technorati
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