Secrets to Evaluating and Protecting Your Job Offer

Deciding to accept or decline on a job offer is an important part of the career transition process. Offers can be withdrawn, so use good judgment when reviewing and evaluating. Below are some tips to evaluating and protecting your job offer.

Tips for Evaluating a Job Offer

1.       Ask for the Offer in Writing- It is  important to get the offer in writing so you can evaluate the total picture. As you’re evaluating the salary, consider the cost of benefits to you. Some companies contribute more to your benefits than other, so it is important to analyze what your take home pay will be after benefits are deducted. Enclosed is a sample excel spreadsheet that you can use to analyze any offer you may receive.

2.       Never Accept an Offer on the Spot- No matter how bad the company wants you, always take at least a day to consider the offer. This is a big deal for you. Tell the company you need a day to consider and/or discuss with your family; they will respect your decision. Agree on a decision date; you don’t want to have the offer expire and taken off the table.

3.       Send an Acceptance E-mail- Even if you have accepted a job over the phone, it’s a good idea to write a job acceptance email to confirm the details of employment and to formally accept the job offer. Your email can be brief, but should include your thanks and excitement about the opportunity,  written acceptance of the job offer, and your start date.

4.       Never Stop Your Job Search- When reviewing and evaluating the offer letter, never stop your job search. I’ve seen companies rescind job offers, not being able to meet salary expectations, conducting poor background checks, pre-hire physicals with restrictions, etc. There are so many things that can happen during the post offer process that you don’t want to lose out on other opportunities.

5.       Never Give Notice- If you are currently working, you never give notice until you have been fully released by Human Resources to start with the new company. Again, there are so many pitfalls that occur during the post offer process that you want to be 100% certain that you are cleared to start with the company. It is important to mutually agree to a start date with your new employer.