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Step
12: Negotiating and Handling Job Offers
(Portions
of this section are reprinted with permission of Alberta Education
and Career Development Centre)
When you
get a job offer, it is tempting to accept it quickly, saying,
"Yes! Thank you. Thank you. Thank you." But hold
on. Think about the pros and cons of accepting the job. Discuss
terms of employment (hours, salary and benefits) with the
employer before you accept the job.
To
Accept or Not to Accept
When
you are deciding whether or not to accept a job offer, ask
yourself the following questions:
- How
badly do you need the job? Is there a possibility that you
would be better off in the long run to wait for a better
opportunity?
- Did
you like the 'feel' of the place when you went for your
interview?
- Will
the duties be interesting and satisfying to you?
- Will
you be satisfied with the salary, working conditions and
benefits?
- Will
the job bring you closer to your career goals?
- Is
the employer solid financially and in a good competitive
position in the industry?
- Is
it a short term or permanent position? In either case, is
it what you want or need right now?
- Can
you get transportation to the workplace?
- Do
you have other promising applications in progress?
You don't
have to accept the job or turn it down right away. If you
need to think it over, ask for some time to make a decision.
Let the employer know that you are very interested in the
position and that you will make a decision within a short
period of time.
Before
you decide to accept a job offer there are several other factors
that need to be discussed or negotiated if they haven't been
already, including:
- A written
job description outlining your specific duties and responsibilities
- The
position's start date
- Starting
salary
- Benefits
package, if any
- Vacation
time
The
Terms of Employment
If
you have questions or concerns about the terms of employment,
talk them over with the employer before you accept or decline
the position. You have no room to bargain if you have already
accepted the job. Again, make it clear that you are interested,
but you would like to discuss a few things before you go ahead
and accept the position.
It is
not generally a good idea to accept a wage that is below the
market rate. Even if you are more interested in the experience
than the money, an employer will typically see you as a less
valuable employee if you undervalue your work.
Find out
which terms of employment are negotiable. Some topics you
may want to consider include:
- Performance
evaluation
- Probationary
period (generally three months)
- A salary
raise after six months on the job
- Health
or dental insurance coverage
- Cost-of-living
raises, or merit raises
- A parking
spot
- Your
specific job title
- Additional
or different responsibilities
When you
are negotiating, try to be as objective as possible. If you
negotiate improvements in the job offer, be sure to get them
in writing. Keep in mind that the arrangement has to be beneficial
for both you and the employer.
If you
decide to accept a job offer, show your enthusiasm about beginning
the job. If you turn an offer down, be tactful (don't burn
any bridges) and express your appreciation for the offer.
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