Weighing the job offer
by Romelda C. Ascutia
Job offer Q&A
What’s the best way to delay giving an answer?
If you are unsure what to do or have other pending opportunities, asking for a couple of days or so to think it over is acceptable. Like you, the employer doesn’t want you to make a hasty decision that you might regret. What’s important is to abide by the specific deadline for responding that was agreed upon.
How do you accept an offer?
Accept the offer verbally, followed by a written confirmation letter that reiterates your salary, starting date and position title. Thank the employer for the offer and indicate that you’re looking forward to becoming a member of the company.
How do you decline an offer?
Turn down the offer verbally with grace, then send a written letter of thanks for the opportunity, citing general reasons for declining (e.g., you have accepted a job offer that better matches your present goals). Leave this door of opportunity ajar-you’ll never know when you might have to knock on it again.
If you’ve accepted the job, it’s only ethical that you cease all job-hunting activities elsewhere.
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Getting a job offer after searching forever is like the heavens opening up after El Niño. Pure joy! But while you’re soaking it all up in elation, here’s a useful advice: Don’t be in a rush to accept. For newbies in particular, you need to tread carefully from here on-you’ll want to start your career on the right foot, after all. Here are some questions you can ask yourself when deciding whether this is the right job for you:
Is this what I want? Fresh out of college, you might base your decision on your parents’ wishes or on what you think others might do in your position. Rather than following blindly, be clear about what you really want to do because there’s only two ways you can go: Reap the benefits or suffer the consequences of your choice.
Are the salary and perks offered good enough? While it’s improbable that you’ll receive a stupendous salary offer for an entry-level position, you shouldn’t accept indecent wages either. Use this time to decide what financial offer sounds good to you, taking into account your taxes and job-related expenses (clothing, transportation, housing, etc.). Find out too what the going rates are for this position so you can negotiate for a more market-aligned compensation package.
Do you like the workplace culture? Consider if the company vibes you’ve been getting make you feel wonderful or not. Is the place a high-pressure cooker or are the employees taking their sweet time at work? Which would you prefer? While it’s not that easy to make a judgment based on the little you’ve seen during the interview or guided tour, you can augment it with some research or discreet inquiries.
What am I supposed to do? Do you have any idea what your duties and responsibilities are, and are you thrilled to carry them out? If the tasks outlined excites you, well and good. But if you feel that going to work each day will be a chore, you’ll have to look more closely at what you may be getting yourself into.
What is the potential for growth? Do you believe that taking on the post will be a rich and rewarding experience? Will you be able to apply the learnings in school on the job? For career folks just starting out, the potential for promotion and growth may be more important considerations than anything else. Determine if the company provides training opportunities and gauge your chances of moving up in the organizational ladder.
Will I get along with my boss? Your immediate superior can be the catalyst to your progress-or the ball chain around your ankle, depending on whether you’re on the same wavelength or not. Again, while you may not know initially how you two will blend together, you can probably gather crucial information from someone who’s familiar with your potential supervisor’s personality and management style.
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