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You Got An Offer!

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Your hard work has paid off and the recruiter has told you an offer is coming!!!

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Reflect On What You Have Learned

 

The recruiter will be keen to get an answer immediately, but take time to reflect on all the information you have gained. 

 

You should ask yourself a few questions before making the decision. 

  • Is this a better role than I have today?  The grass is not always greener.

  • Does this meet with my strategic goals for my career?

  • Is this the right move for me and/or my family?

  • Did I get a warm and fuzzy feeling or did it seem like they were hiding something?

  • Should I ask to talk to other people on the team or at the company?

 

Also, you may have additional questions about the expectations of the job, how the team functions, or anything else that comes to mind since the last interview. If you have any outstanding questions, then make sure you get them resolved before making your final decision. 

 

This is your last opportunity to truly understand what you are signing up to do for the company.

 

Negotiating The Offer

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If you do want to take this job, then this is your opportunity to ask for more money or additional benefits. 

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Many people feel uncomfortable asking for money in general.  Some people fear that by asking for more money the offer will magically vanish before their eyes. 

 

Yet, in reality the best time to ask for more money or other forms of compensation is when someone is already offering you something.

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💡 Pro Tip: We think a quick read of Negotiation Genius: How to Overcome Obstacles and Achieve Brilliant Results at the Bargaining Table and Beyond will help you in this negotiation and many others in your career. 

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Here are a few scripts you can use to ask for more:

  • This opportunity at <company x> is exactly what I have been looking for.  The team and the company will be a great fit for me over the coming years.  Based on my level of experience and the value I can bring to the team is there any room for more salary?

 

  • This opportunity at <company x> is exactly what I have been looking for. I understand that we are at the top of the salary range for this role. Instead of additional monetary compensation there are other forms of compensation that would make up for additional dollars. [This is where you need to have have specific items in mind that would sweeten the deal based on your personal goals; additional time off, a commitment to additional training, or something else; don’t be afraid to get creative].

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💡 Pro Tip: Do not negotiate the offer in writing.  Speak to either the recruiter or hiring manager directly over the phone so you can make sure to maintain a positive and cordial tone to the conversation.

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In the end, they may simply say “no, this is the offer take it or leave it.”

 

However, often they will give you a few extra thousand dollars or other benefits to get your commitment.  

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Remember, they probably need you more than you need them.

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Sometimes You Just Say ‘No Thank You’

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After reflecting on the company, the team, the manager, and the compensation package you may simply want to wait for a better situation.  If you got this offer, then there is a very good chance you will get another offer.

 

However, this isn’t the end of the story.  Possibly through the interview process you learned that you want to stay at your current company if they would just pay you more money.

 

Remember the best time to ask for more money is when someone if already offering you more money, but you have to do it wisely. Only ask for more money if you are a top performer and know you have strategic value. 

 

If you are a lower ranked performer you may not like the answer you get. The key here is how you ask.

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  • I was contacted by another company to interview for an open role. I really enjoy being at <insert current company> and the work I am doing.  I was surprised by the offer they gave, but I would much rather stay in my current role.  Is there anything you can do financially to get me closer to the offer from this other company?

 

Many times your current company has the budget to give you more.  However, they must pick and choose who they give more to strategically.  We have seen some companies create a strategic retention pool of cash for just these situations.

 

Final Answer

 

Whether you decide to take the offer or not, make sure to keep the recruiter and hiring manager informed about where you are in the decision process.  At maximum you will get five days to come to a decision before the situation becomes uncomfortable.

 

💡 Pro Tip: Read The First 90 Days as you prepare to being your next job.

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Quick Links to Key Job Finding Steps

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Accelerating Your Career Basics

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Preparing For Your Search

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Finding An Open Job

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Introduction To Interviewing

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You Got An Offer

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You Didn’t Get An Offer

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