Congratulations on receiving an offer – now what? Be sure it’s the right opportunity for you. Below are some tips on how to evaluate and negotiate an offer.

Receiving the Offer

Offers are usually extended verbally – either by the line manager, the HR professional or a recruiter. When receiving an offer, keep in mind:

• Be enthusiastic and professional. Express your thanks and your interest.
• Ask for some time to consider the offer. Even if you know you’ll accept it, don’t make a decision on the spot (and no employer will expect you to do so).
• Ask for the details and preferably, in writing (it’s not always possible, so use your judgment):
  • Title and responsibilities,
  • Base salary, bonus (if any),
  • Sign-on bonus (if any),
  • Relocation allowance (if applicable),
  • Benefits package (health care, dental and eye care plans, retirement plans, day care, vacation policy, maternity/paternity leave, professional association dues, health club membership, etc.).

Evaluating the Offer

When deciding on an offer, it’s often helpful to draw a line down the centre of the piece of paper and list the Pros of the offer on one side and the Cons on the other. In addition to the financial package, consider the cultural fit between you and the organization, the growth opportunities, amount of travel, quality of life, professional mentorship and training. After completing this exercise, you’ll probably have a strong sense of which direction you’re heading in. BUT – don’t act yet. The “gut” test comes next. Wait several hours and then imagine the phone call you would make turning DOWN the job offer and how you would feel afterwards. If you’re envisioning a sense of relief, then don’t take the job; if you’re envisioning a sense of disappointment, accept it. Trust your instincts!

Negotiating the Offer

Should you negotiate your offer? It depends. Do your research after you receive the offer, and try to find out salaries at similar organizations in the same job function.

Five Rules of Effective Employment Negotiation

• Decide on your bottom line (in terms of salary, benefits, etc.) in advance.
• If possible, speak with the recruiter. Speak in a business-like tone, staying calm and professional throughout the conversation. Try to use a non-adversarial, collaborative tone (i.e. “Might there be another way of approaching this issue that could bring us closer together…”). Remember - it’s HOW you ask as much as what you ask for.
• Express your interest and enthusiasm for the position as well as the organization. Reinforce your desire to be part of their team. Try to show how meeting your request(s) is in their best interest, given what you will be bringing to the organization.
• Negotiate the base salary first and save the most difficult issues for last.
• Avoid getting into a conversation of specific salaries at competitor organizations.

Accepting an Offer

After you have made your decision, we recommend notifying the employer by telephone and following up with an acceptance letter.