NEGOTIATE JOB OFFERS Once you have received a job offer, you have more power than at any other time in the interviewing process.
CONSIDERATIONS Timing is Key An offer can arrive anywhere from one day to six weeks after your second or third interview. Occasionally, employers will give you the offer at the final interview. Do not accept the job offer on the spot. Although you may want to accept an offer, take some time to evaluate all of the factors of this decision. Remember not to be “star struck” by the excitement of the offer. Determine a reasonable length of time for you to make your decision (a few days to a week), and be ready to give the employer this time frame when you receive an offer. Employers know you are interviewing with other organizations and will appreciate you being honest and careful about your decision.
Clarify the Offer Be clear on all the factors that make up the offer. Get the following information before you get off the phone with the employer: • Salary • Benefits • Location • Reporting date • Relocation expenses offered
THE NEGOTIATION PROCESS Negotiation is a process that may consist of several contacts with an employer before a job is accepted or declined. Once the employer gives the initial offer, it is common for a candidate to take time to evaluate and return to the employer with a counter offer or negotiated adjustment to the original offer. The employer then may need to reconsider and take some time before returning to the candidate with either acceptance of the counter offer terms or more adjustments. This process continues until the employer states that the current terms are their “final offer.” When the final offer is given, candidates can still take time to consider but will need their next contact with the employer to be a notice of acceptance or declination. Below is a graphic representation of the negotiation/hiring process.
• Signing bonus (if any) • When they need your answer
Impressions Still Count Continue to make a good impression when the offer arrives. Let employers know that you are pleased to receive an offer, but do not announce to your roommate, friends, or family that you got the job. Do not make a negative impression with employers by telling them how many other offers you have received.
Key Employer
Candidate
Initial Offer
Evaluate/ Counter Offer
Evaluate/Accept or Decline
Every Negotiation is Unique Sometimes you will have skills to offer employers which are in high demand. Negotiation will be easier in this situation. At other times, your offer is one of many with other candidates waiting in the wings if you do not accept the offer. The economy and labor market may determine whether your offer is negotiable or not. Know the situation and be prepared to justify your request if you are not in a high-demand field.
Evaluate/ Revise Offer
Evaluate/ Counter Offer
Evaluate/ Final Offer
Evaluate/Accept or Decline
The FSU Career Center • career.fsu.edu
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