Handling job offers requires professionalism, clear communication, and gratitude, whether you are accepting or rejecting them.
HANDLING MULTIPLE OFFERS
If you have more than one job offer, ask the employers for more time to avoid rushing your decision. Evaluate each offer carefully, considering factors such as job scope, career growth opportunities, work-life balance, salary, and benefits.
Do not accept a job offer prematurely either in speech or writing and then go back on your word. Gather all the information you need to make an informed decision. Seek clarifications on areas such as career advancement and work environment to ensure you have a complete picture before making your decision.
ACCEPTING AN OFFER
Always accept a job offer in formal writing. Read through the employment contract and carefully review the following details before you sign the acceptance letter: job role and responsibilities, salary and benefits, work hours, start date and notice period.
Be careful not to give verbal or written acceptance to an offer if you are still considering your options. It is crucial to honour your commitment once you accept a job offer, as reneging on it could damage your professional reputation.
NEGOTIATING YOUR SALARY
When discussing salary, always provide a range for your expectations. This allows room for negotiation and flexibility on both sides. Understand what your market value is as a fresh graduate for that particular role and industry, taking in consideration market conditions and economic trends. To get a sense of this, you can refer to the annual Graduate Employment Survey conducted across major local universities, as well as pay scale reports from public and private sources.
Consider your salary and benefits package as a whole, taking into account the number of days of leave and other benefits. When negotiating, be prepared to justify why you deserve the upper end of the salary range by highlighting your qualifications and the value you bring to the role.
TURNING DOWN AN OFFER
If you decide to decline a job offer, it is important to maintain a positive relationship with the organisation. Let the hiring manager know as soon as you have decided to turn down the offer in writing, clearly stating that you will not be accepting the offer. You may include a polite reason. Thank them and express your appreciation for their consideration of you as a candidate.
Speak to your Career Coach or Consultant to manage job offers professionally.
