Chapter 14: Career Readiness
Kristen Hosey
Negotiating the Job
Negotiating the salary for a new job can be done, but it should be carefully and respectfully approached. First, it is a good idea to research the current wages, job requirements, geographical location, housing, travel and relocation costs, experience levels (and where the applicant lands on the experience level), and industry trends.
Based on research, applicants may consider approaching the salary negotiations if the salary range is less than industry standard or average; if the offer does not reflect the job location and cost of living; if the applicant is not sure if they want the job; or, if the applicant has received job offers from other organizations. Sometimes, the salary is non-negotiable, so applicants could alternatively negotiate for loan repayment, moving expenses or relocation support, sign-on bonuses, or even additional vacation hours.
As a general rule, it is best to avoid discussing the salary during the interview process unless asked about salary requirements during the interview. In that case, applicants will want to provide a pay range instead of an exact dollar amount. That said, it is best to negotiate the salary after the job offer has been extended.
How to Accept a Job Offer
Once an applicant decides they want the job, it is time to accept the offer. If given a verbal offer and the applicant accepts, the applicant may be provided a letter. It is also good to respond to the written acceptance letter as well. This will help avoid misunderstandings, but it is also a good habit to document verbal agreements in writing.
Typically, employers will provide a written offer that includes salary, benefits package, and start date. If they still need to provide a written offer, it’s good to ask for one. Applicants can start by saying, “I am so excited to get started. Could I confirm my start date and other information in writing?” and keep the tone light and positive. This can be done over email.
When accepting a job offer via email or letter, it is good to express thanks for being offered the position. Next, applicants want to officially accept the offer. This could include something like, “I am happy to officially accept your offer of employment, and I look forward to working with you.” It can be brief.
Once hired, applicants will be trained to become acquainted with the job, the setting, and the policies and procedures.
How to Decline a Job Offer
It is also okay to decline a job offer. The applicant may be in a situation where they have applied to multiple positions and need to take the right position. The applicant may also have found some red flags in the interview and decided that the position differs from the one they were looking for. Either way, the applicant will want to keep the door open for future opportunities, so declining a job offer respectfully is essential. Much like the job acceptance email or letter, applicants should start this declination notice respectfully and formally.
When pursuing employment with several employers, it is common for a candidate to receive more than one job offer. It is important to be professional when this happens. Accepting a job offer and then backing out of it to take another is considered unprofessional.
On the employer side, the recruitment process and interviewing take much work. Therefore, starting the declination letter with a sign of appreciation and gratitude and thanking the recruiting and hiring team for their time is professional and does not paint the applicant poorly. The applicant could also share their appreciation by describing what they learned and signaling to the company that they took this interview and opportunity seriously. Applicants always want to keep the door open for future opportunities and connections. It is a good idea to stay connected on LinkedIn and thank anyone who connected the applicant to the job offer. Sometimes, timing is everything, and the applicant may end up in that position later.
It is also helpful to explain why the applicant declined the opportunity. This will help keep the door open in the future. It is okay to be transparent without oversharing too many details, however. For instance, the applicant can let the potential employer know they have found another offer and even describe a better compensation package or opportunity. Still, they don’t have to share everything if there is a private reason for declining the offer.