How to Evaluate a Job Offer

The job market is slim right now, but some folks seem to have found their niches. How do you evaluate a job offer? In this article, Linda offers some tips on how to evaluate that job offer to learn whether or not it is right for you.

Conclusion

Most of you know how to look for a job and how to read the ads. But, there's a new element that you might notice while out job-hunting...the "exploding offer." This refers to offers given with an explicitly stated deadline that is unnecessarily short. Generally, exploding offers provide less than 2 weeks time for consideration. If you are given a job offer, you should that, although many employers may encourage you to accept an offer as quickly as possible, unless deadline is explicitly stated it can not be considered an "exploding offer."

An offer can also be considered "exploding" if given with a changing benefits package. Generally, this means that the longer you take to decide, the less benefits you have. Decreasing benefits usually come in the form of a smaller signing bonus, loss of relocation assistance, etc. Unless you're willing to play this game throughout your employment, you might leave these job offers behind. These companies are looking for the best deal, not the best talent.

With that said, it is important to know that offers may not all come at the same time. Once you have received an offer, you should contact all other employers to see whether a responding offer can be made. Depending on the amount of time you have, employers may or may not be able to provide a responding offer. Because of this, it is important to review your offers continuously and know your personal preferences and the priority of various opportunities from the moment you submit your resume through the interviewing process.

Acceptance or Denial

Finally, you might think about accepting or declining an offer – how is it done?

Accepting the offer: Many employers do not make offers via email or leave voice mail but prefer to deliver an offer through a telephone conversation. When you answer that phone, be sure to have your notes with you...in those notes you'll see the following:

1. Thank the caller for the wonderful news
2. Express continued interest in the position
3. Ask for or give a date for the response
4. If the employer wants immediate response, say, "I'd like to share this offer with my family before I respond."

When you receive an email or letter of acknowledgement from an employer, you should acknowledge receiving the offer. In the letter of acknowledgement, state your understanding of the terms of the offer and indicate the date by which the employer will receive an answer from you. Often the deadline date for accepting an offer is determined by the company. Simply restate this date in your letter. If you anticipate that you will not be able to reach a decision within the specified time period, request an extension.

It is often acceptable to send an acknowledgement e-mail, particularly if you are deciding within a brief time frame. In some cases, employers may send you a contract to sign and return and you should do this as well.

If you are notifying the company that you have accepted the offer, you need to call all other job applications and let them know that you're out of the game...

Rejecting the offer: Rejection letters are used to inform the organization that you are turning down their offer and/or have accepted another offer. Verbal rejections should be confirmed in writing. A rejection letter consists of a simple note of thanks to the employer you are rejecting. Decline the opportunity extended to you, and state your appreciation for the employer's time and interest. Be polite and tactful. It is generally appropriate to give a reason for why you've chosen a different offer. These reasons can include: offer with better fit to your career interests, offer with better training program, more responsibilities, broader experience, better salary/benefits, etc.

Remember that it is important to express a proactive decision-making process but also express an interest to consider an opportunity with the organization at future date. Many professionals in the same field know one another, and others may learn of your behaviour. Besides, at a future time in your career, you may want to work for the organization you are now turning down.