Do not be surprised if the committee decides to keep you on “hold” until they determine their organization-wide hiring needs. Do not immediately write the firm off and assume that a rejection will follow. Patience and follow-up often pays off.

Offers

Once the organization has made an offer, it is important to do the following:

• Immediately acknowledge its receipt. Please do not delay in contacting an employer who has offered you a position. In today’s market, you do not have the luxury of waiting if you are uncertain of your answer.
• Call and let the firm know of your interest and, at the same time, find out the firm’s timetable for an answer.
• All offers require a written response–whether positive or negative. Whether accepting or rejecting an offer, call the organization and speak with the individual who extended the offer. The telephone call is important even when rejecting an offer; it leaves the organization with a more positive feeling about you.
• Whenever possible, do not burn any bridges. You have only one professional reputation and you must protect it at all costs.
• After your telephone conversation, follow-up with an email confirming your acceptance or rejection of the offer.
• Accepting a job offer is final.

Salary Negotiation

• Do your research.
• If possible, speak with the hiring manager or someone with the decision-making power.
• Express your interest in and enthusiasm for the position and 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 or firms.
• Always continue to sell yourself.

Consider the benefits. Benefits vary from employer to employer and also depend upon your level of seniority and experience. However, you might reasonably ask about the following benefits:

• Bonus Structure
• Health-related insurance
• Sick leave
• Life, short-term and long-term and disability insurance cover
• Retirement plans
• Vacation leave
• Other benefits, such as parking, flex-time, maternity and parental leave, relocation packages if you are genuinely relocating, and memberships of professional associations.

In additional to our high-level overview above, please refer to the Career Manual distributed at Orientation for a detailed discussion of offers and salary.