Congratulations, your hard work has paid off, and you have received a job offer. You may be fortunate, in that you have received more than one offer. While this is a very nice situation, it can also be a very difficult one. There are several factors to consider when making the decision about the company for which you will work. Salary is just one of the factors to consider. Other factors to consider include:
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Nature or Type of Work
Responsibilities
Travel involved
Expectations
Supervision
Management style
Training Programs
Work Environment
Employee morale
Working conditions
Opportunities
Promotion policy
Continuing education
Employer & Industry
Reputation
Growth potential
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Size
Stability
Compensation
Starting pay
Benefits package
Financial incentives
Cost-of-living expenses
Location
Climate
Housing costs
Availability of housing
Transportation system
Family Considerations
Child care
Opportunities for spouse
School system
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Acknowledge Offers
You should acknowledge all offers that you receive in writing. This is a brief letter in which you:
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Thank the employer for the interest shown in you
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Indicate your understanding of the terms for employment, i.e. salary, job title, duties, etc.
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State whether you are still interested in the position
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Give some idea as to when you expect to make a decision.
You may have other interviews scheduled, so you and the employer should agree on a mutual date for a decision regarding the position. If the deadline arrives and you still don't have a decision, you can request an extension, however, this is generally not recommended. You should be aware that if you do request an extension, the employer does not have to grant it, and the employer an withdraw the offer at any time prior to acceptance of the offer.
If you lose interest in a company or position, notify the employer to withdraw your application. This allows the company to make an offer to someone else.
Accepting Offers
Offers should be accepted in writing, once again including the terms and conditions of the position. This helps to avoid any misunderstandings about the offer and the position. Once an offer has been accepted, that constitutes a binding commitment. Don't renege on offers. This is considered unprofessional and reflects badly on you. You should never burn a bridge behind you.
Declining Offers
As soon as you have made a decision and accepted a job, notify all other employers who have made offers to you. Again, this can be done in writing, and should:
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Express your appreciation for the job offer and the employer's interest in you
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State why you are rejecting the offer
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Can indicate where employment was accepted, but this is not necessary.
By extending this courtesy, you leave the door open for future opportunities. Besides, you may have interaction with that employer on a professional level.
Reprinted by permission from the Career Services Office, Indiana University, South Bend
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