The Job Offer by 
HRD Research & Consulting

Finally, after mailing tons of resumes, going on interview after interview, and waiting anxiously by the phone, you have received a job offer. What should you do now? Before you rush to accept the position, consider a few things first.

1. Think About It

No matter how good it sounds, don't immediately accept a job offer. Take at least one business day to think about it and to fully evaluate the pros and cons. If you have not already, you should write down what type of compensation plan you expect to receive from the employer. Develop at least two scenarios (what you would like to have and what you would be willing to take) and see how the job offer you have been given measures up to both. If the employer is willing to give you what you want, you can either accept the job or ask for a bit more. It could be that your expectations were too low and the employer would be willing to develop an even better plan. If the employer's offer is not even close to what you had in mind, however, think about how it could be improved and don't be afraid to ask for changes. Companies expect to negotiate with new employees and often have great flexibility in designing a compensation package.

2. Realize - Money Isn't Everything

Although most people seek to make more money when they switch jobs, there are other benefits that may make the transition just as appealing. Traditional benefits such as health, life, dental, and vision insurance are important, but there are other things to consider. Personal or vacation time, flexible work hours, child or elder care assistance, tuition reimbursement, pension plans, 401ks, and stock options are also valuable benefits that should not be overlooked. In addition, as more and more companies seek to attract the most highly qualified employees, less common perks like health club memberships, personal computers, expense accounts, company cars, relocation assistance and signing bonuses are becoming more popular. Instead of just looking at the salary, consider the total compensation plan that you are offered and attempt to compare it against what you want. You may decide that it is better to have your employer pay 100% of the cost of medical insurance for you and your family than to have a $4,000 year salary increase.

3. Think About Your Long-Range Goals

Along with salary and benefits, you should consider how the new position will fit in with your long-term goals. Will you be able to acquire new or transferable skills, enhance your professional development, or utilize your existing strengths? Though you may be eager to leave your current place of employment, it would not be wise to rush into another position that would not help you attain your future objectives.

4. Tour the Office

If you have not already, ask to tour the location at which you will be working. This will give you an opportunity to view the office environment and meet your potential co-workers, subordinates and managers. While you are there, be sure to note how the employees interact with one another and with you. Do they appear stressed or hurried? Are they receptive to your presence? Is the office extremely loud or unorganized? Do you see any other workers who look like you? These are just some of the questions you will want to ask yourself to help determine whether or not you would fit in with the corporate culture.

5. Discuss it With Someone You Trust

Before you commit to a new position, talk it over with your significant other or a trusted family member or friend. Discussing it with your spouse, boyfriend/girlfriend or partner is important as your new job may impact your relationship in ways that you had not considered. Also, talking it over with a friend or family member will give you an objective opinion and help you make a wise decision.

6. Go With Your Gut Feeling

If you have taken all the steps previously outlined and are still unsure about the job offer, maybe it would be best for you to listen to your intuition. If something continually bothers you about the employer or you just aren't eager to make the move, you probably shouldn't accept the position. If you are not excited in the beginning, things are bound to get much worse in a very short period of time. On the other hand, if you can't wait to accept the offer even though the situation is less than perfect, you should go for it. Just be sure that you have carefully evaluated all aspects of the offer and are prepared to accept the circumstances as they are.

7. Get It in Writing

Once you and your new employer have agreed on a compensation package, make sure you get it in writing. Though most companies automatically send a letter detailing the terms of a job offer, you may want to verify that this will be done prior to your starting the job. In addition, once you receive the hard copy of the offer, you should respond by sending a confirmation letter. This should be brief and should indicate that you are looking forward to your both you new position and the compensation terms as specified. If any of the details of the offer are incorrect or unclear, however, contact the employer immediately and ask that a corrected letter be issued. Don't sign your name to a final offer until all of the information is accurate and complete, and don't forget to keep a copy for your records.

If you are successful in negotiating a great job offer, breathe a sign of relief. The stress is over for now. Enjoy it while you can because it will begin again when you start your new job. If your negotiations did not go as planned, don't dwell on it for long. Think about what, if anything, you would have done differently and develop a future strategy. You are bound to receive more job offers so don't give in until you find one that is right for you.