Online Guide to Employment Navigation

Step 1:
Identifying Your Skills

Step 2:
Establishing a Job Objective

Step 3:
Résumé Preparation

Step 4:
Identifying and Contacting Potential Employers

Step 5:
The Cover Letter

Step 6:
Submitting Your Résumé and Cover Letter

Step 7:
Following Up on a Job Lead

Step 8:
Preparing for an Interview

Step 9:
3 Steps to a Successful Interview

Step 10:
Evaluating the Interview

Step 11:
Following Up After an Interview: the Thank You Letter

Step 12:
Negotiating and Handling Job Offers

Step 13:
Maintaining Employment

Online Guide to Employment

Step 12: Nogotiating 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:

  1. 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?
  2. Did you like the 'feel' of the place when you went for your interview?
  3. Will the duties be interesting and satisfying to you?
  4. Will you be satisfied with the salary, working conditions and benefits?
  5. Will the job bring you closer to your career goals?
  6. Is the employer solid financially and in a good competitive position in the industry?
  7. Is it a short term or permanent position? In either case, is it what you want or need right now?
  8. Can you get transportation to the workplace?
  9. 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:

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:

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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