You have worked very hard in your job search, and it is finally happening! The employer calls and offers you the job you have prepared for and learned so much about. Now what are you supposed to do? Maybe you have never thought about having a plan for accepting a position. This section will help you to prepare for this very important phone call.
Here are five things you need to do when accepting a position:
- Keep calm
- Say “thank you”
- Ask for some time to make a decision
- Consider all aspects of the offer
- Get the offer in writing
Keep calm
When you receive the phone call and hear that you have been selected for the job, it may shock you that it is really happening. You may feel so happy and excited that you want to scream. It is important that you take a deep breath and keep as calm as possible. After all, you already knew you were the best person for this job!
Say thank you
After you take a deep breath, you should first thank whoever is calling for letting you know that the company is offering you the job. It is polite to consider and recognize how much work went into finding the right person for the job. Thank the person for the opportunity as well for all of his or her help in your job search. Even though the company already decided that you are the right person, you should continue to be polite and professional.
Ask for some time to make a decision
After you keep calm and thank the person, it is best to ask for some time to make a decision about accepting the offer. You may really want the job and want to accept right away. However, you should take time to consider all aspects of the offer before making that final decision.
It is appropriate to take a day or two to think about the offer before getting back to the company. Do not take more than two days or the company may think you are not willing to make a decision or are afraid of the commitment. So be sure to call back within 24-48 hours. Don’t forget to ask who you should call with your final decision!
Consider all aspects of the offer
After the phone call, it is time to consider all aspects of the job offer. There are three parts that you need to consider specifically:
- Wage: You should consider what the wage, or pay, for the job means for you. Are you able to support your lifestyle by taking this job? Also, think about what the wage means in terms of your family. Maybe it is a pay raise for you. That’s great! If it is a pay cut or significant drop in pay, you may want to talk to your family or other people it will affect and see what they think. Ultimately, you are the one to make the decision and have to do what is best for you and your situation.
- Benefits: You should consider the benefits offered with the position. Again, maybe they are better than you have ever had. That’s wonderful! If the benefits are less or not as good as ones you have previously had, think about what that means for you and your family or other people it will affect. Is the job worth it to you without great benefits? Are the benefits good enough to make up for less pay? This is an important area to consider before accepting the position.
- Paid time off (PTO): The amount of time you can take off with pay may also be different from previous jobs you have worked. Consider the PTO for the position and how it fits in with your lifestyle. Is there flexibility in case an emergency comes up? Does PTO roll over into the next year if you do not use it all? Does it increase with years worked at the company? Think about these questions and if the options available make sense for you and your lifestyle.
Get the offer in writing
When someone calls you on the phone to offer you the job, it is always best to ask for the offer in writing as well. The company may send you a paper copy of the offer or send the offer via email. This way the wage, benefits and vacation time offered are clear to both you and the employer. Of course, you will want to know for certain what you are getting into before you make a decision.
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