Make the most of your online job journey
Accepting a job offer
If you only do one thing...
Don't resign from your current job until you have received a satisfactory formal offer letter from the organisation making you the job offer.
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It's a fantastic feeling to be offered a job but don't let an employer bounce you into accepting immediately. Be certain that you understand exactly what is on offer and are sure it is the job for you.
Chris Keeling managing director of Salford-based recruitment consultancy Torres and Partners believes this is the time to maximise your influence on the whole job package. "Whatever you do, don't leave it until you have started the job. It will send out all the wrong signals at a time when you should be focusing on the job and showing your commitment," he says.
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Understanding the offer
You should have all the following information in writing before accepting the job:
- Pay – what your base pay will be, how often you will be paid and when your salary will be reviewed.
- Benefits – these could include bonuses, health insurance, relocation allowance, perhaps even subsidised gym membership.
- Holiday entitlement – most employers offer 20 days plus bank holidays but many offer more.
- Location – the interview may have been 20 minutes from home but is that where the job is based?
- Working hours – are there opportunities for flexible working?
Find out if there are any conditions attached to the job offer. You might be expected to provide satisfactory references, undergo a medical or complete a probationary period.
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Is this the job for you?
Be honest and ask yourself the following:
- Do you want to work for this organisation?
- Will the job enable you to exploit your skills and experience to the full?
- Is it a better job than the one you have now?
- What are the opportunities for career development; will you have to move if you want promotion?
- Are these the right working hours for you?
- How will you travel to work and is the location right?
- Is the salary package what you were expecting and is it good enough?
If, as a result, you have serious doubts about the job or the organisation, try to negotiate or if this fails, say no. Go back to the job market and look again – the right job is out there for you.
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