The Right Way to Accept a Great Job Offer

It can take years to accumulate the experience and credentials you need for your dream job. As you apply, you'll notice some companies are better suited to your needs than others. Finding the right one can feel overwhelming.

But once you begin receiving offer letters, the anxiety will shift to knowing which one to choose and how. Below, you will find tips to guide you through this exact scenario.

Step 1: Don’t rush the process

First, you should be proud of yourself for earning this job opportunity. Feel free to celebrate, but don’t rush into a new position. Before we discuss how to accept a great job offer, you will need to know that the offer is, in fact, great. Take a good hard look at the details and how they compare to where you are now.

Consider your current job

You most likely began this job search because you felt your current job was missing something. Finding a company willing to offer what your current job does not is exciting. However, most jobs aren't all bad. Ask yourself, what might you lose by leaving?

• Does upper management communicate well?
• Did you accumulate paid time off?
• Could you expect a promotion shortly?

Commute time

Traveling to work can be exhausting, especially if you travel through an area with traffic. Check the drive time to your prospective job, and research the amount of traffic you should expect.

You don't want to be surprised on your first day that you have to drive a marathon!

Payment

Aside from your salary or hourly rate, you should consider:

• How often do payments occur and does this work with your responsibilities?
• If you can work overtime?
• Are there bonuses?
• When are performance and salary reviews and how do they work?

Employee expectations

Ask for a copy of the employee handbook to review policies on dress codes and time off requests. Again, it pays to be thorough. Just because a company said they are a certain way, doesn't necessarily mean they were 100% honest. Do your homework to make sure it's a good fit.

Step 2: Ask for a review period

There is nothing wrong with asking for time to consider a job offer. It can help you avoid jumping into a job too quickly. Many employers will offer a review period when they send the offer letter. For example, they may request that you respond within the next week or before the weekend.

If your employer does not specify, check if there is a deadline for the job opening. Typically, you can ask for two to three days. If you need a week or more, understand that this may put other candidates on hold as well. Definitely take the time you need, but not excessively.

And even if you need time to review the offer, respond to the email within 24 hours. Be upfront, communicative, and excited by the possibility.

Is the salary what you expected?

Compare this salary to your current salary. Is it fair, considering your new responsibilities?

If this is a new field for you, research the typical pay for an employee in your position. You can also compare this offer to other offers from similar companies.

Do the start dates align with your needs?

Leaving for a vacation shortly after starting a new job doesn't exactly give a good impression. Starting in three weeks may be challenging if you need time off in a month.

On the flip side, consider how quickly you will need a paycheck. You may have to wait weeks for your first paycheck, even after starting the job. If you are desperate for money, you may not be able to wait a month to begin working.

Are the benefits good?

Get the information about benefits in writing. Things like health insurance, life insurance, technical equipment, professional development funds, and other ancillary benefits are what round out a job to make it truly competitive.

Also, consider how much paid time off you will receive. How much are you entitled to in the first year, and how much will you accrue over time?

Are your duties clearly explained?

If there is any doubt in your mind about your responsibilities will be day to day, ask. You do not want to be trapped in a job that is not what you expected. But if that does happen, remember that you are allowed to quit a job you just started.

Step 3: Negotiate if necessary (Optional)

Know your worth when you hunt for a new job. If your future employer has not offered what you deserve, it's time to negotiate. Employees have more power in this new economy than in previous decades. Employers are willing to negotiate more than ever before, so use this to your advantage.

If you plan to bargain, prepare fully. Have a list of your goals to keep yourself focused, and prepare a solid argument for your demands. What will you contribute to the company? What experience can you bring? Provide any numbers and statistics that can support your points and value.

This is also a great opportunity to leverage competition offers. If more than one company wants to hire you, you can communicate this to pull out the maximum offer possible.

Negotiation has no guarantees, so don't be surprised if the employer does not meet your demands immediately. Stand up for what you need, and be open to surprises along the way.

Step 4: Give your yes (in writing)

It is finally time to officially accept the job offer! Your response should be full of gratitude to show your employer that you are excited to begin.

Follow up with a written acceptance if you accept the job offer verbally, such as over the phone. Sign any paperwork you have been given shortly after the verbal agreement. Then, once the paperwork is done, get ready for your first day!

Step 5: Wait to celebrate publicly

Of course, you will want to share your big news after signing the offer letter, but keep the information partially private until your first day. Celebrate with family and close friends as soon as you wish, but don’t post about the new job just yet.

First, give the current job notice of your resignation. It's polite to alert your employer two weeks before you plan to leave. However, at-will employment laws allow you to leave at any time with or without notice.

After your first day on the job, feel free to post on social media. At this point, your previous employer is aware of your decision, and you know that your new job is secure.