Employment Spot

Job Offer

There are several different appropriate ways to accept or decline a job offer, but there are also a number of ways that are not appropriate.

While it is not common for a company to rescind its job offer to a new hire, it is also not unheard of. You do not want to lose the job offer, and more importantly, you want to start off on the right foot at your new company.

When you get a job offer, keep these tips in mind so that you do not do or say the wrong thing.

When you want to decline the job offer:

• If you get the job offer via telephone, immediately say thank you for the offer and say that you would like to take some time to think about it. Never tell someone who extends a job offer over the phone immediately that you do not want the position. You may end up regretting your hasty decision. Also, it is rude. Take at least a day to consider the offer before you politely decline.
  
• If you get the job offer in an email, reply immediately with a “thank you” and express that you would like a day to consider it. On the next business day you can reply in a polite email that you decline the job offer but that you appreciated having the opportunity to interview and meet some of the company employees. Keep all correspondence short and to the point. Do not offer lengthy explanations or discuss any personal problems with the company.
  
• If you receive a job offer in the mail in the form of a letter, you do not have to reply immediately to the company unless instructed to do so. If you must call or email right away, do so and politely decline.
  
• If you are probed further for an answer as to why you declined the job offer, you should be honest but tactful. For example, if you declined the job offer because you met the person who would be your supervisor and he or she was rude, you may say that you did not feel you could collaborate with Mr. or Ms. X. If you did not feel that the salary met your requirements, you may say that you are seeking a position with a higher compensation potential. Sometimes if you are honest and polite a company will reconsider the circumstances of a position and try to meet you halfway. Be grateful for any extra consideration or allowances on your behalf and consider them seriously.

When you want to accept the job offer:

• If you get the job offer via the telephone, try to avoid shouting with glee or excitement. Remain calm and polite. Thank the employee who extended the job offer and ask for a day to consider. If you immediately accept the position you may have less room for any salary negotiations and you might appear desperate. Remain professional at all times.
  
• If you receive the job offer in an email, do not hit the reply button immediately. Also, try to avoid forwarding the email in excitement to friends or family. Companies have different policies regarding email, and you don’t want to violate a security policy. When you decide to accept the job offer, write a professional and polite email in return expressing gratitude for the employment opportunity and how much you look forward to working for the company.
  
• If you receive the job offer in the mail, you may call or email the company as instructed after an appropriate amount of time. When you call or email to accept the job offer, follow the above tips, and always remain professional.
  
• Congratulations on your job offer and your new position!

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