Hey there job hunters,
So you've finally gotten that call you've been waiting for - a job offer! Congratulations!
While it may be tempting to jump at the first offer you receive, it's important to take a step back and evaluate all aspects of the job. There are many practical factors to consider. But don't forget to ask yourself tough questions, like whether the job aligns with your values and career goals.
If you're lucky enough to receive multiple offers, don't rush into a decision. Take your time to carefully evaluate each offer. We’ll provide tips on how to negotiate, accept, and gracefully reject a job offer.
So, whether you’re just starting your job search or you’re juggling multiple offers, keep reading to learn how to evaluate job offers and make the best decision for your career!
Evaluating Job offers
One of the most exciting calls you’ll get - at least, while you’re in the depths of your job search - is the one from the HR department extending you an offer of employment.
Naturally, you’ll be tempted to immediately jump at the offer. Be sure to consider practical factors such as the salary, benefits, vacation time, corporate culture, your commute, and the attitude and personalities of the people you would be working with.
Once you receive the offer, look out for the following:
- Role and description of your responsibilities: Make sure that these are aligned with your understanding of the role.
- Details of the benefits: You might not be able to negotiate every element of your benefits, but understanding the details will help you evaluate the offer as a whole. Pay special attention to soft currency: flexible working, remote work, healthcare, gym, vacation days, discounts, equity etc.
- Additional incentives: The base salary will be clear, but it is also important to understand any additional incentives like performance bonuses or a promotion schedule.
If you’re stuck, make a list of pros and cons — and be sure to listen to your gut in order to choose the best job for you. You can also ask yourself some tough questions:
- Does the job really align with my values?
- Is this position interesting and challenging?
- Does this job allow for the lifestyle I want?
- Will I feel professionally satisfied?
- Does this job fit into my career progression and goals?
What if I get multiple offers?
It can actually be harder to make a decision when you have multiple offers to decide from! Take the time to evaluate each offer and carefully compare employee benefits packages. It’s not all about the money – the benefits and perks you’re being offered are important too and some of them can be negotiated in a job offer.
When you’re job hunting in an “employee market” (demand for talent is higher than supply), you are in the driver seat. This means you can actually pick and choose between jobs to find the one that matches the best. Don’t rush into a decision. Take your time to carefully consider all options.
If you do get multiple job offers, you might get into a situation where you might have to negotiate, accept or reject an offer. Let’s see what to do in each of those scenarios.
Accepting, rejecting, and negotiating an offer
🤝 Negotiating an offer
When you receive an offer, there might be some aspects you will want to negotiate. This can be salary, vacation days, remote work policy, and so on. Whatever it is, the same basic principles of negotiation apply here.
- Show that you understand. Use phrases like “I understand” or “I hear what you are saying”. It shows respect and proves you are understanding their situation. This makes it easy to have an open conversation.
- Show that you care. “I am really excited about the direction this is going, and I would really like to explore how we could make it work for both parties to move things forward". This shows that you are willing to work together to solve the differences and to stay positive!
- Be polite, but clear. Say it directly, calmly, and politely: “My ideal salary would be XXX€ based on the market as well as the skills and experience I have”. If necessary, explain the value you bring to the table and the passion and drive you will put in to succeed.
Don’t be scared to negotiate salary. It is completely normal and expected.
🙅 Rejecting a job offer gracefully
Turning down an offer is not a pleasant experience, however, we have to be prepared in case it needs to be done. The key is to do this gracefully—you never know when you might cross paths with this person or company again.
A polite email declining the job offer or pulling out of the interview process will do the trick.
What a job rejection mail should include:
- A clear rejection statement of the offer or desire to pull out of the application process.
- An expression of appreciation for the offer and the time invested in the process.
- A high-level reason why you’re pulling out. No need to be specific. If you think the reasons might offend them (for example you think their company culture is not great), leave them out.
🥳 Accepting a job offer
Before anything else, congratulate yourself. This has been a long journey, and this is the prize you deserve! Pop a bottle of champagne, go running, invite friends over, or whatever you want to do to enjoy the moment 😉
Accepting an offer should be easy, but there are a couple of things to keep in mind to come across professional and kick off your working relationship on the right foot.
Your email should include:
- A clear statement accepting of the job offer with the conditions offered
- A thank you and a note of appreciation for the opportunity
We hope that these tips will help you make the best decision for your career and future. Remember to always take the time to carefully evaluate job offers, especially when you have multiple options. Don't be afraid to negotiate, but do it with respect and care. And if you do have to reject an offer, do it gracefully and professionally.
We wish you the best of luck in your job search and hope that you find a fulfilling and satisfying job that aligns with your values and goals.
Remember, your career journey is a marathon, not a sprint. Take your time, enjoy the process, and keep pushing forward towards your dreams!
This concludes our ultimate guide to securing your dream job in 2023! We hope you found the series informative and helpful. If you missed any of the previous posts, be sure to check them out here and embark on a journey of exploration and discovery to master the art of building a standout professional identity, crafting a winning CV, LinkedIn profile, and networking strategy, finding opportunities, acing interviews, and making the right career choices.
