MAKING A GREAT FIRST IMPRESSION
Q: It’s great that I’ve gotten the offer, but I don’t think I want this particular job anymore. What do I do?
A: The key is to not burn any bridges. You may need to call on that company in the future – whether as a client, a networking contact, or even for future career opportunities. Be sure to inform recruiters as soon as you’ve come to a decision. Whenever possible, call up your recruiters, or even better, drop by the company in person and let them know face-to-face. This shows your sincerity and your appreciation for the time that the company has blocked out to consider and assess you. Additionally, be upfront and honest about your reasons for turning down the offer. Maybe you feel that you’re just not a good fit for the company culture, or you realised after the interview that this job isn’t quite what you were expecting – let the company know. If you’re a strong candidate, recruiters may even discuss ways to restructure the job role to match your expectations or offer you a different position altogether.
Accepting a job offer Job offers should be made in writing. Even if you’re told verbally that you’ve been offered the job, you should also expect to receive the offer in writing. This will typically be in the form of an offer letter, followed by a formal employment contract. Before you sign on the dotted line, though, do proper checks to make sure you’re happy and that everything is as you expect. Keep an eye out for: • Job title • Salary and benefits (including travelling, phone, and entertainment allowances)
If something doesn’t seem right, make sure you contact the employer immediately to clear up any misunderstandings. The employer should send over a revised offer in writing if any changes are agreed upon.
If everything’s good to go and you’re sure you want the job, then go ahead and put your acceptance down in writing!
• Additional incentive compensation • Employee education • Probation period • The notice period (the length of time between resigning and your last day of work) • Hours of work per day or week • Paid annual leave and sick leave entitlements • Holiday, sick pay entitlements and insurance • The starting date
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