EVALUATING YOUR JOB OFFER

Finally, your persistence and hard work have led to a job offer! What do you do next?

Job-hunting takes a lot of effort. From crafting the perfect resume to successfully handling multiple rounds of job interviews, getting a job offer is worth celebrating after all that hard work. But what comes next?

As exciting as it can be to just accept it, you should spend time and consideration to evaluate the given job offer. After all, the last thing you want is to make an uninformed, rash decision, onlytoregretitlater.Onlyacceptthejob offer when you have all the information you need to make your decision, and if youopttodeclineit,knowhowtohandle it with grace to maintain a professional relationship with the employer.

Here are some things to take note of.

1. Getting the offer

In most cases, successful candidates are notified by email, though other means like phone calls and text messages may also be used. If you choose to accept the position, they will then send over an official offer letter to sign.

Read through it carefully, and take note of anything you want to bring up to the hiring manager. In particular, you should look out for the following:

• Job title

• Fixed salary and benefits (including monthly allowances and/or claims)

• Variable incentives (such as commissions and bonuses)

• Professional development measures

• Probation period (such as its length and its terms)

• Notice period (the time between resignation and your last day of work)

• Expected hours of work

• Annual and sick leave entitlements

• Company insurance coverage

• Start work date

Once again, keep in mind that you do not need to give your decision immediately. Most employers will give you a few days to think over the offer. Ask politely should you need to extend the deadline.

2. Clarifying any doubts

Making any assumptions is the last thing you should do, especially with something as important as a job offer. As such, do contact the recruiter immediately if you have any doubts or clarifications.

This also applies to graduate programmes as well. For example, they may be dependent on your grades or qualifications to be valid or may require you to travel out of the country. It will be helpful to turn to your Career Coaches for advice and guidance about the matter.

In addition, do not neglect the details as well, including nondisclosure clauses and terms of exit from the employer. If you violate any of these conditions, such as leaking confidential data on the job, it will be detrimental not only to the company’s reputation, but yours as well.

3. Accepting the offer

If you decide to go through with the offer after checking and confirming the details, then go ahead and sign thecontract.Thisisenoughformost companies, but some may require you to write a proper acceptance letter as a formal agreement to join the company.

Do make sure to send a thankyou note to those who helped you along the way. Be it your Career Coaches or loved ones providing support, thanking them will go a long way to show your gratitude.

4. Declining the offer

On the other hand, you might realise at this point that the job role or company culture does not suit you. Even if you decide to reject their job offer, you still need to send a response. Ghosting the company and hoping that they take the hint may seem tempting, but doing so will leave a poor impression of you on the hiring manager and could result in you being blacklisted from future openings with the company.

Instead,contactthemimmediately via email. Be apologetic, thank the recruiter and interviewers for their timeandbeclearaboutyourdecision. Keep it brief and polite – telling them the offer is ‘not good enough’ will likelyburnbridges.

5. Managing early offers

In some cases, graduates may find themselves with offers even before they start job-hunting. It could be from an impressed ex-boss during a past internship stint or companies scouting for talents.

However, remember that you are not obligated to accept the first offer you get. Instead, consider your options, and do the appropriate research so you can make an informed decision.

Throughout this process, do not be afraid to let the offering companies know that you may need more time to consider your options. As long as you handle them all diplomatically,youcanavoidending things on a sour note.

6. What not to do

Regardless of your answer, stay tactful and polite throughout, more so if the choice is to reject their offer. Namely, here are some things to avoid doing:

• Signing multiple acceptance letters under the guise of ‘just trying things out’ or even to ‘reserve’ your spot

• Continuously delaying your response to multiple offers

• Accepting an offer verbally or in writing, only to retract your decision for a better offer