What to Do before You Accept the Position

The phone rings. You think you recognize the number; is it the recruiter from your latest job interview? It is.

You answer the call, nervous, and then breathe a sigh of relief when you hear a happy tone on the other end of the phone. Congrats! They want to offer you the position.

Queue internal horrays. And keep them internal—for now, even though you may be ready to accept the position right away. Here’s what to do instead:

Ask for time to think about the offer.

Keep it cool. Thank the recruiter, and tell her you are excited about the opportunity. Request a few days or a week to go over the paperwork and make arrangements. Taking time will give you a chance to take your emotions out of the offer and use the facts to make your decision.

Look over the paperwork.

The recruiter will send you the offer letter and information package. Read through it carefully. What benefits are provided? If they don’t provide you with insurance information up-front, but sure to ask.

Then run the numbers: you now know what you salary will be. How much will you make per month? How does that compare to your budget?

When I applied for my first job, the recruiter asked me what my salary requirements were. Like most suggestions I read online, I gave a $5,000 range. And to no surprise, the company offered me the lowest amount.

But I didn’t want the lowest amount—that number was the minimum number I needed to make a small profit at the end of the month after paying for daycare. My mind made connections, and I realized I’d be working 40 hours a week for a mere $400 a month. A month.

Suddenly my unsteady freelance work seemed like the better option…but I continued with the process anyway. Hindsight.

Make a (reasonable) counteroffer.

If necessary and/or acceptable. Reiterate you are excited about the opportunity. Then say something along the lines of, “After going through the benefits package, I would like to counteroffer $______.” Justify your numbers; how is the position’s responsibilities different than you anticipated? How does your unique skillset make you worth more?

For example, if you discovered the company needs someone who can speak Spanish, and you are fluent, you can justify your counteroffer. Or if you found out the job will require weekend work or frequent travel, you can defend your numbers.

My $400 a month dilemma? I did go to counteroffer…and made a mistake: I asked the recruiter, “Would the company be willing to negotiate?” To no surprise, the recruiter replied, “We really don’t like to.” And that was that.

The recruiter may not be able to offer you more money but might have more leniency offering you extra vacation days or a signing bonus.

Have a walk-away point if money is a deciding factor.

Inform the company of any upcoming plans.

It’s best to tell the company up-front if you have big plans coming up—in the next six months—like getting married or a non-refundable trip. The general rule-of-thumb is any time you need more than three days off.

Accept the offer.

Sign the revised paperwork and set a start-date.

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NOW you can pull out the champagne, get ready to give your current company a two-week notice, and share an over-the-phone metaphorical high five with the recruiter.

Congrats on your new position, and go get ‘em, tiger!

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Jackie Vermeulen is the founder of The Career Mint. She is the messenger (put the gun down, you!), working closely with the mentors and some off-site experts to address the hard-hitting career topics in articles like the one you’re reading now.

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