Dear reader, 

After reviewing your application, I am pleased to announce to you that you have been qualified to take this role.

Congratulations to you on getting that job. I know you have waited a while for it and you are excited about resuming work.

But, wait for it…

Kindly find attached a copy of your offer letter. Append your signature where required and send it to me by the end of tomorrow. Thank you. 

Now, you feel tense, excited, scared, and hopeful all at the same time. You are wondering what the letter would contain and if it would be suitable for you.  

Deciding whether to accept or reject a job offer can be quite daunting but, almost like a marriage contract, it can be hard to go back once you append your signature on that letter. This is why it’s important that you thoroughly review your offer letter. 

After reviewing then you decide if you want to negotiate, decline or accept the offer. Negotiating a job offer is usually the first step to take before accepting or declining the offer. This can appear complex at times.

This article promises to answer all of these probing questions as you read further. The first thing we’ll be thrashing out is 4 ways to negotiate a job offer. 

How to Negotiate a job offer

There are so many processes and steps to consider when negotiating a job offer. You have to consider your personal goals, industry standards, and other benefits. Here’s an unpopular opinion though…you don’t have to negotiate every offer. In very rare cases, the offer is actually really good but if you believe you could definitely get more money, I recommend you read this article on a Complete guide to accepting a job offer.

How to Accept a Job Offer

Finally, you’ve settled for this job offer. Here are two ways to accept a job offer:

1. Let them know you want the job

Whether via a phone conversation or in-person, let your employer know you are pleased to take the job and do this politely. You can say:

Thank you once again for finding me qualified to take on this role.

I have gone through the offer letter and have decided to accept the role. I am looking forward to working with you. 

I will be expecting your feedback regarding the next steps I am to take. Thank you. 

Do not forget to append your signature where necessary whether digitally or on paper.

2. Follow up with a formal letter or an email 

If there is a delay in your employer’s response, send a follow-up email or text to find out if they have received your acceptance email. This would help you confirm the already communicated details, such as salary, workstation, job title, resumption date, etc.

PS: When you finally receive a satisfactory offer, make sure you follow due process by appending your signature where necessary on your letter. Don’t forget to keep a copy.

How to decline a job offer

You get to this point when all your negotiations have proven abortive, or when you detect a hostile working environment, consistent turnover of workers, or financial instability of the company. There are standard case scenarios where we recommend you shouldn’t accept an offer. Some of them include:

1. The salary is way beneath your expectations and industry standards

2. It takes forever to access your benefits. For example, your offer letter states stuff like you can’t access health insurance until after 12 months.

3. The job role will not help you grow or advance your career in any way. While I understand you need to make money, it’s of equal importance to do high-impact jobs

4. The turnover rate is alarming and your J.D is so unclear and endless

5. The company has a bad reputation 

I know it’s easier to just ignore the email and go about living your soft life but the polite thing to do after being given a job offer  you don’t want is to politely decline. The best way to go about this is to send in a polite email declining the offer, but make sure you express your gratitude anyway.

In all of these, ensure you handle every case scenario with confidence, integrity, and politeness. All the best!