The Offer
Congratulations! You have been offered the job. But what does that mean, and what should you do next?
What constitutes an offer?
An offer often comes in the form of an official document (usually a letter) inviting you to accept a position. It is also possible that you may receive a verbal offer, for instance by telephone. However, do remember that until you receive something in writing the offer is not legal.
An offer should include relevant details (including notice period, salary, start date, bonuses and other benefits). An offer may also be conditional, dependent on say:
- Satisfactory references
- A specific attainment in a qualification
- Acceptance within a stipulated time (which can pose difficulties if you have more than one application in the pipeline)
Multiple offers
Being lucky enough to have more than one offer may present some difficulties, especially if there appears to be little between the two. Firstly, refer back to your original list of needs and measure them against factors of relevance; location, culture, training, how you felt at the interview, etc. If all else fails, trust your instincts. If you still have time to do some extra research it may also help you make a better decision. Also, answer the following questions:
- What are the responsibilities, pressures and demands of each job?
- Does the work conflict with your values?
- Will you be given training? What form will the training take? Who pays the fees? Is study leave given where appropriate?
- Salary? Commission or performance-based? Overtime payments? Opportunities for promotion and salary increases?
Accepting or declining
Your contract for employment has two parts - the document offering the job and your letter of acceptance. Write a letter to accept the offer and remember to thank the person making you the offer, using any reference given. Keep a copy of your letter, together with their letter, as it forms your contract of employment. As the word 'contract' implies, by accepting the offer you are making a legal undertaking. You should not accept a job with the intention of rejecting it later if something better turns up.
Declining an offer
If you decide that the job is definitely not for you, write back, thanking the organisation for the offer, and politely decline it. You might find yourself working with or applying to that organisation again at a later date so it is worth remaining on good terms. Send the letter as soon as possible so that they can offer the job to someone else.