Some employers, when extending an offer of employment, require an acceptance or rejection by a given date, usually a week to ten days after the offer date. Other employers leave their offers open-ended, requesting that you notify them as soon as you have made a decision.
When an employer sets a deadline which you find is too limited, request an extension of time in which to consider the offer-an additional week or two is usually considered reasonable. Immediately re-contact employers in whom you still have an interest, and from whom you have had no response. Inquire as to your current status with that organization and explain that you have received an offer and need to make an employment decision soon. Such an inquiry may prompt some employers to expedite the decision process. Other employers may be unable to do so, and you will then have to decide whether you should take a certain offer or risk waiting for another, perhaps better, offer.
The selection criteria that you developed with your statement of career objective would be helpful to consult when you are trying to evaluate a job offer. Does the job have all of the "musts" you deemed necessary? Which "wants" does it include? Consult to refresh your memory, if necessary.
In considering the pros and cons of a job, the decision you make today is not necessarily the decision you wall have to live with for the rest of your life. Most people change careers several times in their lifetime.
What is more important for your first position is your ability to get along well with your co-workers and learn. With whom will you be working? Will you enjoy the work? Will it provide a challenge? Will it provide you with the training and experience necessary for promotion to positions compatible with your goals? Salary, as long as it is in the range of current offers for similar positions, may be a secondary consideration. Acceptance of an employment offer should be made in good faith and with sincere intention to honor the commitment. Do not accept an offer before you are ready. It is neither ethical nor in your best interest to accept a job and then a week or two later tell the employer: "Sorry, I received a better offer" Employers need a firm commitment on your part in order to plan their staffing needs. It is also unethical to accept a "career" job that involves extensive training if your plans include returning to graduate school a few months later.
After reaching a final decision, write your letter of acceptance or your letter of regret. In letters of acceptance, be sure to include your understanding of the job title, salary, location, moving expenses, starting date and any other contractual arrangements that may have been dis cussed.
Determining Salary
It is important that you understand the specifics of your salary and benefits when accepting a position. Employers generally discuss salaries when they are interested in offering you a job. If the employer has not specified a salary figure at the time the offer is made, it is appropriate to inquire. It is best not to begin discussion of salaries at the first interview.
Ideally, this subject should be brought up by the employer. The keys to successfully arriving at a salary mutually agreeable to you and the employer are:
- Know Yourself and Your Needs. List all your anticipated monthly expenses. Be sure to include transportation, new wardrobe, change in rent, professional memberships, etc. Check the cost of living in the area where you will reside. Refer back to the analysis you did in about your financial needs. Reestablish the minimum salary which you would be willing to accept and the salary you think is necessary to meet all essential living expenses.
- Research Current Salaries and Benefits. It is important to be aware of the current salary range for the position you are seeking. To research current salaries in your field of interest, review recent past job listings and salary information at your nearest career library, consult the College Placement Council Salary Survey, and talk with your career planning and placement adviser. Understand that in addition to salary, compensation may include benefits such as health and dental insurance, sick and vacation leave, as well as profit sharing. Remember, benefits increase your earnings-especially where profit sharing or bonuses are involved. Many employers have regularly scheduled salary increases, commissions and bonuses, educational reimbursements, travel expenses, etc.-be sure you are aware of these.
- Discuss Your Salary Expectations. If the salary and benefit package offered does not meet your personal needs or is not competitive with similar positions you have researched, you may politely explain this to the employer and ask that the offer be reviewed. Be sure to clearly state your reasons. Most employers have a salary range in mind and many are not allowed to negotiate a salary once a specific figure has been offered. Try to determine from the employer what the range is and exactly how they arrived at the offer. Once you understand the assumptions and calculations that were made, you are better able to negotiate the offer.
Expectations created during the job search are not always fulfilled when you start a new job. Regardless of your expectations, you should now focus on making the most of your new position. At the same time, your employer will probably be most concerned about seeing that you can handle your new responsibilities competently.
