How to Handle Accepting a Job Offer

How to Handle Accepting a Job OfferHow to Handle Accepting a Job OfferYou did it. You made it through the hiring process and that employer finally made you an offer. Whew, the hard partes over, right? Not exactly. You still have to go through accepting a job offer.True- youve survived through that awkward phone screening and those anxiety-inducing interview rounds. And, the best part? You capped it all off with an offer in your lap. But, that doesnt mean you finally get to kick up your feet. Theres a little more involved in accepting a job offer than simply saying yes.Should you accept then and there? Or, does that seem too desperate? Should you negotiate? What if you need more time? Will asking the employer to give you a few days to think it over make you appear uninterested?Are you beginning to sweat? I cant blame you. Being on the receiving end of a job offer is reassuring, but it also inspires several more questions.So, in an effort to address those common concerns, lets run thro ugh a few job offer scenarios, as well as the best way to approach those.Heres what you need to know about accepting a job offer1. If you are tempted to accept on the spotThe salary meets your expectations, the benefits are great, and youre already picturing yourself on your first day at that brand new desk of yours.In fact, this whole things seems too good to be true, and youre ready to enthusiastically spit out an I accept before youve even had time to process all of the details.While your excitement is admirable, its ultimately smarter to take at least a little bit of time to think things over- especially if you have a family or a partner who would be impacted by this decision.Instead of accepting right then and there, show your appreciation for the opportunity and then ask for a couple of days to get your ducks in a row. At the same time, you can also ask for an official offer package (or something in writing) so that you have something tangible you can review during that time.E nd that conversation by expressing your gratitude once again, and then set a realistic timeline for when that employer can expect to hear back from you.Youll present yourself as polished and professional, while also getting yourself the time you need to ensure youve crossed your ts and dotted your is.2. If you need more time to decideThis is the exact opposite scenario A deadline is looming, the pressure is on, and you still need more time to consider your options and decide whether or not you want to accept.Oftentimes, employers will put deadlines on job offers. Those end dates can help them secure top talent (like you) before another company is able to snatch that person up. And, additionally, it helps prevent having unfinished business out there in the gestalt of candidates who cant seem to make up their minds.So, those timelines make sense for the employer. But, when companies give candidates only a matter of days to decide, it can make things a little tougher for you.These can be some murky waters to navigate, and the best piece of advice you can follow is this have your decision made by their deadline. You want to be respectful of their own requirements and needs.However, there are some circumstances when you just need a little bit more time- particularly if that employer saddled you with a particularly tight deadline.If you absolutely need to ask for an extension, you should again be appreciative and gracious. Then, ask for the time you need (it shouldnt be more than a day or two), and provide some sort of reason for why you need to push back that end date. That could look something like thisThank you again for this opportunity. Ive been busy looking everything over, and Im still highly interested in this position. But, I need a little more time to talk things over with my partner. I know your original timeline asked for an answer by today. However, could I have my final decision for you by tomorrow at time?Be forewarned that asking for a deadline exten sion can make employers skeptical about your level of interest in that role, and they simply might not be willing to wait. So, again, this is a tactic youll only want to use if you absolutely need more time- and youre willing to take the risk for it.3. If you want to negotiate some conditionsAll in all, that job offer looks solid. But, rather than accepting it as is, theres a thing or two youd like to negotiate.Maybe youd like a slightly higher salary. Perhaps youre looking for a few more vacation days. Or, maybe its really important that you have the opportunity to work from home a few days each week.The offer stage is when you want to bring these things up- any earlier, and youll seem presumptuous.Fortunately, most employers expect that candidates will negotiate at least something when presented with a job offer. They key is to ensure that your expectations are reasonable and then approach that exchange as you would any other conversation.Express your gratitude for the job offer, reiterate your interest in the position, and then mention what youd like to see changed within that offerThanks again for this opportunity. Im really excited about the prospect of working for Company XYZ, but Im hoping we can discuss one aspect of this offer. I see that your policy would provide me with 10 vacation days, and Id really like to get closer to 15. Is that something youre open to negotiating?You might not get exactly what youre asking for (or, hey, you might just luck out). But, remember, youll never know if you dont ask.When you have a job offer in your hand, its easy to think that all of the awkward conversations are over. But, actually accepting that offer can stir up some nerves on its own.Keep the tips associated with these common scenarios in mind, and youre sure to make it all the way through the process looking like the poised professional you are.