You have applied and reapplied for multiple positions, and when you finally get a call or an e-mail announcing a job offer, it’s a glimmer of hope.
As much as this is usually excellent news, not every job is right for you, and for those that are, the measures you take while accepting the offer will affect how much you enjoy or dislike the position.
Yes, you’re excited but before you sign that paper, you need to consider some factors so as not to fall into error. Guess what? I have the ultimate guide to accepting a job offer in only four steps.
4 STEPS TO TAKE BEFORE ACCEPTING A JOB OFFER
Step 1: Acknowledge the job offer
Even if you got the offer over a phone call or in-person, write to your employer or HR manager to acknowledge the offer.
If you got the offer through a call, remember to sound excited. Thank the employer for the job offer and request that they send it to you. Let it be signed either in writing or as a soft copy. Until then, the offer isn’t official.
Please, note that it is necessary to print a hard copy of the signed copy just for precaution.
Getting a job is like going into a romantic relationship. You just can’t rush into it.
If you have to think about the offer, request some time to do due diligence. Give a timeframe and stick to it. Luckily, many employers will be willing to give you some time to decide if you want to accept or decline the offer.
Did you know that using the Shakara superpower can work for you? On many occasions, your recruiter will think you are a hot cake (of which you are) and probably think you have many other offers calling for you. Just don’t overdo it.
Step 2: Evaluate the offer
Having gotten the full job description, you have to consider if the job is what you need then and if the working conditions are good enough. Depending on your requirements, it is advisable to make a checklist of your expectations from a job. You can read this article on things to look out for before accepting a job offer or opportunity
Look out for benefits such as an annual paid leave, all-expense-paid vacations, medical insurance, an official car or house, equity, training programs, etc. Also, do your research by checking resources that guide you on benefits to expect at your job, like Vantage. One of the most important questions to ask is:
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Is there room for growth?
More than all this juicy stuff mentioned above, prioritize working in places that allow you to grow and give value. You can’t have worked three years with a company and not be able to deliver anything positive when an opportunity comes.
So, from your interview, when the floor for questions opens, ask them what their plan is for you, or what you should expect if you join them. Here are some unique questions we recommend you ask your employer during an interview.
Always remind yourself of how much value you bring to an organization in alignment with the quality of the value you stand to gain for yourself.
Step 3: Accept the offer
Great! The job fits all that you want or can accept. You now need to take the final step. Send a job offer acceptance mail.
This is your opportunity to convey your passion and commitment to the new job. You start by thanking the employer for the offer, and then you let them know how pleased you are to work with them. Be careful to avoid grammatical errors and unnecessary additions like, “The job came at the time when I needed it most.”
Note that this email should be short, precise, and addressed to whoever offered you the job, with your signed offer letter.
Step 4: Decline the offer
Or…Not so great. It’s naturally expected to not feel like sending feedback to a company you don’t plan to work with. While this is understandable, it is extremely unprofessional and may harm future opportunities for you.
Whatever you do, ensure you send a job offer declining mail. Once again, thank them for offering you the job, then, politely decline the offer. It is unnecessary to state the reason why you don’t want the job. Instead, say something like;
Thank you for offering me this role. After much evaluation, unfortunately, I won’t be able to work with your company. However, I hope I will be privileged to proffer some solutions in the future. Thank you.
Employers rarely get this gesture so, you’d be shocked when your employer recommends you for an opportunity or welcomes you tomorrow to proffer that solution you hoped for one year ago.
Now that you know the ins and outs of accepting a job offer, it’s time to get started on your new adventure! I wish you all the best in your new role.
PS: If following this guide doesn’t help, come and flog me. I will always be in your face!