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HOW TO MARKET YOURSELF TO EMPLOYERS
Accepting Job Offers: Accepting and Declining Congratulations, you have been offered a job! Now, how do you proceed with (or reject) the offer?
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he thrill of finally receiving a job offer after a gruelling job hunt is probably one of the best feelings. More than signalling your success, it means that you have lived up to a potential employer’s expectations – and you are good enough to be offered a job. It also translates to financial security and another step towards your dreams. So, you say yes – no second thoughts, and that is the end of it. Easy, right? Except no, not really. Many applicants think that accepting a job offer is as easy as “Yes, I accept your offer”, but there is actually a lot more to the process than you think! Accepting a job offer means another round of formal processes, so make sure you know what is going on to ensure that you are on the right track! Or maybe you have discovered that this particular employer or position is not quite suitable for you after all, or you disagree with the hiring terms and conditions. In this case, if you feel like you are receiving the short end of the stick and unable to successfully negotiate your terms, you may decide to decline the offer. This is when you will need to practise proper etiquette to make sure that you do not burn any bridges. So, what should you expect when you receive a job offer?
Reading the contract/offer In many cases, the recruiter will make a job offer to you through an email or a phone call, informing you that they are “very happy to offer you X position”. However, job offers – whether conditional or unconditional – are not considered formalised until they are produced in writing, such as an offer letter. It will normally contain a copy of the terms and conditions of employment. This document acts as a binding contract once it is signed, so make sure to go through the printed details thoroughly and check that everything is as you gave discussed with the recruiter (usually during your second or third interview). Look out for: • Job title • Salary and benefits (including travelling, phone and entertainment allowances) • Additional incentive compensation • Employee education • Probation period • Notice period (the length of time between resigning and your last day of work) • Hours of work per day or week • Holiday, sick pay entitlements and insurance • Starting date In some cases, the recruiter might hand you the letter during your second or third interview. If this happens, do not feel pressured to sign on the spot. Instead, ask for some time to go through the document before getting back to them. Most employers will understand and give you the extra time needed.
SIM CAREER GUIDE 2021
www.sim.edu.sg
