EVALUATING AN OFFER

Hooray!  You’ve successfully completed a grueling round of résumés, interviews, and assessments and they offered you the job!  Now what?  Here are some things to consider when you receive that offer…

Step 1: The offer

When you receive that ego-boosting phone call or email offering you the job, your initial impulse may be to accept or decline on the spot, but you may want to take some time to consider the offer, evaluate your options, ask additional questions and so on.  When you receive the offer, it is perfectly acceptable to tell the person something along these lines: “Thank you!  I’m really excited about this opportunity.  I do have a few questions, if you have a moment to answer them. (Ask away!) That’s great.  I’d like some time to think about this if I may.  When would you need to know my answer?”  This will allow you time to consider the offer and will allow the employer to know that you are seriously thinking about the opportunity.  If you know right away that the opportunity is not for you, you can decline upon receiving the offer- don’t give them the impression you want the job if there is no way you will take it.

Make sure that the offer you receive gives you all the information you would need to know to make a decision.  This may include:

It may be that the person who makes you the offer refers you to someone in Human Resources to discuss the details of the benefits package.  If so, make sure to call HR and ask any questions you may have.

Step 2: Consideration

Make sure that you think about the opportunity from all angles and take the entire package into consideration.  If you have questions that arise while you are thinking about the position, call the person who offered you the position and ask.  There may be occasions where the questions are best answered by someone in human resources- get the name and contact information for someone there if needed.

If you are waiting to hear from other employers on opportunities that you are a finalist for as well and would like to know the status of those positions before making your decision, call them up and explain that you have received an offer, and would like to know where your application stands in their process.  They may be able to give you information that would be useful in your consideration process.

Step 3: Decision

Accepting the offer.  Once you’ve made the decision to accept an offer, inform the employer verbally.  They may also ask for it in writing.  You may also want to get a formal offer from them in writing at this point if you haven’t already.  After officially accepting an offer, withdraw from any other search where you are being considered.  It is unethical to continue searching for a “better” offer after you have accepted one.

Declining the offer.  If you decide to decline an offer, do so in a polite and respectful manner.  Let the employer know that you appreciate the offer, but that you have chosen to decline.  They may ask for a reason, and you may choose to provide them with one if you wish.  It is recommended that you be as tactful as possible so that you do not burn any bridges.

For more information on evaluating a job offer visit:
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Job Offer Evaluation Checklist
Accepting/Rejecting a Job Offer

Many new graduates weigh the decision heavily on the salary offered.  It is important to be aware of your financial obligations and income in order to set up a responsible budget and live within your means.  For more information and resources on managing your money and creating a budget visit:
Graduates Guide to Life & Money
University of North Texas Student Money Management Center

If you would like to discuss any aspect of a job offer, or your job search process call x3268 and make an appointment to speak with a counselor!