Job Offers

Whether you are evaluating a job offer, negotiating a job, accepting a position or declining a position, there are many things to learn and to take into account.

Please use the links below for assistance.

Evaluating a Job Offer

Congratulations! You landed the position and now it is time to objectively consider the offer. Here is a list of items you may want to consider before accepting or declining the offer:

• Job Functions/Challenges and Responsibilities
• Company Reputation
• Compensation/Salary
• Location and Environment
• Professional Development/Training
• Company Size
• Cost of Living
• Benefits (Health, Dental, and Life Insurance; Pension/Retirement Plan; Holidays; Paid Vacations; Profit Sharing; Moving Expenses; Company Car; Sick Pay)
• Travel
• Freedom on the job/Autonomy
• Work Conditions
• Supervisor and co-workers
• Job Security
• Taxes (federal, state and local)
• Training and development opportunities
• Other Job characteristics that may be important to you

Take a look at additional Job Offer Tips and more in our Career Services Guide for Seniors (PDF).

Negotiating an Offer

Negotiation of an offer can take place on a number of issues including salary, start dates, benefits, job responsibilities, titles, travel and signing bonuses. It is also common to negotiate the time frame in which you must accept or reject the offer itself. The organization has invested a great deal of interest in you and in turn you are seriously considering their offer. It is therefore essential that negotiations be handled professionally and confidently. Listed below are some tips to prepare you for a negotiation session.

• Determine the factors you wish to negotiate.
• Be prepared to support your position with examples.
• Be willing to listen to the employer's issues and to find common ground.
• Be prepared to accept an offer if the issue can be settled.

It is often possible to negotiate salary for an entry level position, but it is still appropriate to follow up with questions about a signing bonus, a 60-, 90-, or 120-day performance review and raise, annual bonuses and supplements to salary (car, gas and insurance).

If you are not ready to accept an offer, it is appropriate to ask for more time in which to consider it. You may have other offers to consider or simply be unsure of whether the offer matches the hopes and expectations you have for your first job. While these are valid reasons to pause, companies may pressure you to make a decision. Once again you need to be specific in your assertions as to why you need more time. Ultimately the match between you and the employer will be best if you can take the time upfront to evaluate all opportunities. The employer does not want a dissatisfied employee who made a hasty decision nor do you want to look back at your decision with regret.

If you have other offers

Explain this to the employer. Reinforce your interest in the offered position along with your need to carefully evaluate the others as well. You can explain that this process will assure that you have investigated the position against your skills and interests and will result in a far more informed answer and more confident employee ultimately.

If you do not have other offers

Explain to the employer that you need to explore similar opportunities for the same reasons you would if you had other offers. If the employer accepts your request for time, you will need to give a specific date by which you will respond, and you need to maintain that commitment by getting back to the organization within the agreed upon time frame. This way, they are able to pursue other candidates for the position they must fill if you turn the offer down.

Accepting an Offer

Most employers will send you a letter confirming their offer of employment. After affirming your acceptance of the offer, your letter should include words of appreciation for the time the primary interviewer and other interviewers spent reviewing your application. You should also note your pleasure about the prospect of your new position and joining the company. The second paragraph should reiterate the title of the position you were offered as well as salary. Contingencies such as physical exams, degree completion and background checks should be noted as well as the agreed upon start date. The closing should reflect your enthusiasm about starting the job.

Sample Accepting an Offer Letter [PDF]

Declining an Offer

Courtesy dictates that you decline an offer in writing as well as on the phone. Thank the interviewer(s) for their time in considering you for the specific position. In a second paragraph, graciously decline the offer, noting something positive about the interview experience and the company. Your reason for declining the position should relate to your personal career needs and not reflect negatively on the company. Close with appreciation for their consideration.

Sample Declining an Offer Letter [PDF]