HOW TO RESPOND TO JOB OFFERS?

• It is usually best not to accept a job offer on the spot.  State your interest and appreciation for the offer and request a reasonable amount of time to consider it.  A few days is appropriate, however, if you require a week or more, provide a reasonable explanation.
• Be sure to evaluate all aspects of the job before accepting it, rather than afterward.

Decide whether the offer is acceptable to you in its present form.

Once you have accepted a position, your commitment is considered binding by the employer.

The Acceptable Offer Negotiation Technique:

• "_______ I am calling you with some very good news.  I would like to accept your offer, and I am looking forward to working with you and becoming a valuable member of your team.

The Unacceptable Offer Negotiation Technique:

• If the offer is truly unacceptable for you, you must communicate this fact in clear terms to the decision maker while maintaining the possibility for resolution.
• Example"  "I am still very interested in working with you and your company; however (never use the word but), at this point I am not able to accept the offer for the following reason: (state your reasoning and what parts of the offer are lacking).  If you were able to _____ (give your proposed solution), I would gladly accept the position immediately.  Are you in a position to be able to help?"

Here are the key elements of this approach:

• You are putting at risk the job offer made to you since you are asking for a different offer.
• You need to communicate what is specifically lacking in the initial offer.
• You must provide a proposed solution.  Tell them what can be done to make things right.

Now that you know how to conduct the interview, you are ready to learn what you need to do after the interview :

POST-INTERVIEW

 

Last Updated:  12/12/98

Created by CSU, Chico Web Masters