Getting a job offer should be a time of excitement and gratitude. After all, after being put through the application process, multiple interviews, and a tense negotiation stage, finally getting an offer can be elating. This is especially the case if there has been a long history of job searching. But what happens when the job offer is suspicious? Here are a few things to note before you sign on the dotted line.
Ask For a Written Offer
The first thing to do after getting a job offer is to thank to hiring manager – quite likely, they went to bat for you with their recommendations. The second thing to do after getting a job offer is to ask for it in writing. This is also, without a doubt, the most important thing for you to do when offered a new role (even if it is with the same company). By seeing something written down, you will have all of the valuable information at your finger tips. This let’s you catch any inconsistencies in the previously negotiated benefits package. While there may be a simple typo elsewhere in the offer (a misspelled name is not uncommon) that is also something you’ll want addressed before you sign off on the offer.
Over the Phone Offers
The above section thoroughly illustrates why you should get an offer in writing, but beyond that, there may be pressure for you to “verbally agree” to the offer given over the phone. Do not, under any circumstances, verbally agree to any offer without first seeing it in writing. This can be an underhanded technique to forestall any further negotiations, or it could even be used manipulatively to go back on previously negotiated terms. If a hiring manager insists on a “verbal agreement” treat it as highly suspicious. Never feel pressured to give into it and always be willing to walk away from a suspicious job offer.
The “verbal agreement” can do more than just renege on payment, but also job duties, vacation time, or hours worked. If you can’t see the offer in writing, walk away. It is not worth the trouble it will cause you and your career.
How to Accept an Offer
If you are offered a job, congratulations! That is a big achievement. You should always respond to a job offer, even if you do not plan to accept. That said, there are a few tips you should take into account when accepting a job. If you are offered a job over the phone, ask for a written offer and establish clear boundaries regarding the timing of communication, negotiation ability, and other things important to you. It is important to get back to the offering company in a timely manner, but ultimately, you have the leverage in this situation. Use it, but don’t abuse or lose it.
