Job Offer? Now the Hard Part!
After all the preparation and interviewing, you’ve reached the destination: AN OFFER!!!
But, what now? Step one: assess the situation. Are you interested? Not interested? Interested, but ... complicated?
Offers come from people, and people have long memories. It’s important to do what you can to preserve the relationship regardless of whether you ultimately accept or decline. And remember, the world does not revolve around you: that company probably has a back-up candidate they need to get back to if you’re turning them down.
I’m interested:
If you know you want the job, the next move is to decide if you are happy with the terms. Would you accept if this was the best offer? Before trying to negotiate, you need to know what is acceptable and what you would walk away from. You must know what you are willing to give on and what you are not.
Negotiating an offer is nothing like the Hollywood stereotype (low ball-high ball) and this is NOT like buying a car. You want the process to be as cordial as possible; the other party is your potential employer. Be prepared to accept the offer if your terms are met as declining after pushing for more money could burn bridges and damage relationships. So, how do you actually go about picking up the phone and asking for more money?
I’m not interested:
If you know you do not want the job:
Interested but complicated:
You have an offer, but you’re waiting on offers from one or more other companies before you make a decision. This is a tricky situation to be in.
Ask yourself the following:
Regardless of your decision, it’s crucial to maintain professionalism and courtesy. There is a lot at stake for you in a job search, but you must always consider the impact of your action (or inaction) on the companies with which you interact. Your name and reputation take years to build but can be tarnished in an instant. Keeping an awareness of all involved parties will ensure you stay on the right path and move through the process with grace.
But, what now? Step one: assess the situation. Are you interested? Not interested? Interested, but ... complicated?
Offers come from people, and people have long memories. It’s important to do what you can to preserve the relationship regardless of whether you ultimately accept or decline. And remember, the world does not revolve around you: that company probably has a back-up candidate they need to get back to if you’re turning them down.
I’m interested:
If you know you want the job, the next move is to decide if you are happy with the terms. Would you accept if this was the best offer? Before trying to negotiate, you need to know what is acceptable and what you would walk away from. You must know what you are willing to give on and what you are not.
Negotiating an offer is nothing like the Hollywood stereotype (low ball-high ball) and this is NOT like buying a car. You want the process to be as cordial as possible; the other party is your potential employer. Be prepared to accept the offer if your terms are met as declining after pushing for more money could burn bridges and damage relationships. So, how do you actually go about picking up the phone and asking for more money?
- Be appreciative: It is important to set a tone of thanks and appreciation from the outset. Communicate that you are excited about the position and very interested in accepting.
- Offer/Counteroffer: If you’re unsure, ask for time to consider it. As previously mentioned, however, the expectation is that you will accept if given what you asked for.
- Let the market do the talking: “Other positions I’m considering are in the X-Y range, do you have any room?”
- Professionalism: You never know when you will run into someone again. It is very important to handle the whole situation in a professional, conscientious manner regardless of outcome.
I’m not interested:
If you know you do not want the job:
- Respond immediately and professionally. Again, you never know when you might run into someone at another company or otherwise.
- Make a phone call as opposed to sending an email. Putting anything in writing is permanent, and you just never know how things could turn out. Calling provides an employer with the opportunity to ask why you are not interested and potentially change the offer, change the terms, or clarify a miscommunication. Sending an email has an air of finality that is unlikely to return any feedback.
Interested but complicated:
You have an offer, but you’re waiting on offers from one or more other companies before you make a decision. This is a tricky situation to be in.
Ask yourself the following:
- If all the opportunities paid the same, which one would you choose?
- Run through different scenarios proactively so you can be ready as different offers come in.
- Would you accept the position on the terms offered if you did not have any other options?
- If yes, proceed carefully and gather information. Reach out to the other companies and try to get a sense for how quickly they will be making decisions. Meanwhile, express your interest to the first company to preserve the offer. Ask how much time they are willing to provide you with. Avoid getting too deep into the other potential opportunities and offers. “Thank you very much – I am very excited. How much time do I have to consider this/when do you need my answer by?”
- If no, ask yourself why. Would you accept it if the terms were different? Do not negotiate unless you are ready to accept if your terms are met. Ask any questions up front and don’t wait until the deadline. If you decide either way, be courteous and professional by communicating as soon as possible.
Regardless of your decision, it’s crucial to maintain professionalism and courtesy. There is a lot at stake for you in a job search, but you must always consider the impact of your action (or inaction) on the companies with which you interact. Your name and reputation take years to build but can be tarnished in an instant. Keeping an awareness of all involved parties will ensure you stay on the right path and move through the process with grace.
Nicole DelToro has been helping organizations (big and small) hire and retain top talent for over 25 years, while helping individuals realize their personal and professional goals by ensuring they’re working in the environment that’s ideal for their current situation. Contact her at: [email protected].
Andrews & Cole is a certified woman-owned boutique executive search and consulting firm with a focus on accounting and finance professionals. Clients range from start ups to Fortune 100 in nearly every industry.
Andrews & Cole is a certified woman-owned boutique executive search and consulting firm with a focus on accounting and finance professionals. Clients range from start ups to Fortune 100 in nearly every industry.