Key Points:
- Negotiation is a normal part of accepting a job offer. Job seekers have the opportunity to discuss salary, benefits, working hours, and other requirements during the informal offer stage, potentially influencing the terms of their formal offer.
- Job Seekers typically have a week or two to accept a job offer. This allows candidates time to review the terms, identify any issues, and consider other offers before making a decision.
- Having a structured acceptance and transition process can reduce the job seeker’s anxiety and feel more confident about starting a new position.
Before accepting a job offer, it’s important to take a moment to review the necessary steps to ensure a clear and smooth acceptance process. This will help you confirm that the offer aligns with your expectations and that you’re getting everything you need for your next role.
Before Accepting a Job Offer:
When you receive an offer, you’ll typically get a verbal or initial offer, followed by a final formal offer. If the offer is good, you can accept it; if not, you can try to negotiate.
Job offers are usually sent via email but can also be made over the phone or during interviews. However, if you haven’t heard back from the hiring manager within three business days after your interview, do a follow-up, unless you were provided with a specific timeline.
Here are the differences of the two job offer phases:
- Informal offer: This is usually a casual discussion where the employer asks what you need to accept the job. Be ready to talk about salary, benefits, working hours, and any other requirements.
- Official offer: After the informal conversations, you’ll then get an official job offer. If it’s given through a phone call, ask for a written document to review. A written offer has the advantage of letting you review your options and make a decision without pressure from the employer. Make sure to write it down to make the offer official and note all important details such as job role, salary, start date, and benefits.
Negotiating a Job Offer:
Negotiating is a normal part of accepting a job offer. If you discuss salary or benefits in the initial informal offer, you can use that time to negotiate before they draft your formal offer. Arrange a call or meeting with the employer to discuss the changes that you want to make rather than just sending a counteroffer letter.
When the employer responds with a decision, don’t negotiate further. If they agree to your requests and you’re happy with the new terms, express your appreciation and accept the offer. If they decline, thank them politely and decide whether or not you can accept the offer as it is.
The period you have to accept a job offer varies by company, but it’s often a week or two. While it’s okay to use the full-time, responding as soon as possible shows consideration for the hiring manager’s time and allows them to start finding other candidates if you decline.
When Accepting a Job Offer:
Finally! You just received your job offer. Here are a few steps on how to accept:
1. Respond Promptly: After receiving the official offer, promptly acknowledge it. Send a note to express your appreciation, mention the steps you’re taking if you’re reviewing it, and ask when they need your decision.
Remember that you don’t need to accept an offer right away. Waiting a day or two gives you time to review the terms, identify any issues, and consider other offers. If it’s your dream job, you might accept immediately, but if the offer is made over the phone or in person, don’t hesitate to ask for time to think it over.
2. Accept Officially: Check if the salary matches what you originally discussed, if job details are clear, if there are opportunities for career advancement, and if there’s a deadline to accept. Once you’ve reviewed the offer and are ready to accept, draft your acceptance reply following the same tone from your employer’s conversation. Your acceptance reply should include the following:
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- A clear subject line
- An expression of gratitude for the opportunity
- Official acceptance
- Confirm the job details like your expected title, salary, and the benefits you’ve agreed to.
- Confirm your starting date
- Include any questions regarding paperwork or requirements needed to submit before you start
- Conclude your email with another appreciation
3. Proofread Your Response: Carefully review your job acceptance response for any errors and consider getting help from a friend or mentor. Back-and-forth communication can be confusing so if you have questions, ask the employer for clarification during the job offer phase.
After Accepting The Job Offer:
Once the offer has been accepted, it is now time to wrap things up with your former employer and prepare for the first day at the new company. Before submitting your resignation, make sure you’ve completed these steps:
- Accepted the written job offer with a confirmed start date
- Signed official documents from the employer
- Completed final steps like references or background checks
Don’t hesitate to reach out to your new employer and ask about any of these items. A question such as “Before giving notice to my current employer about my resignation, is there something I need to do? ” can go a long way.
After sending your resignation, start preparing for your new job. Your new employer might give you some information on what to do and things to prepare, but some things to consider include onboarding paperwork and process, details on your orientation, and other items required for your first day.
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Accepting a job offer requires thoughtful consideration. Partnering with a technical recruiter can help you search for a new engineering role and secure better terms for your next position. Contact the recruiting specialists at SoloPoint Solutions. We’re here to help you navigate the job market effectively and find opportunities that align with your professional goals: