The Offer

Once your future employer makes you a salary offer, try your best not to jump in and accept it straightaway - no matter how tempting it is. It's always worth taking a moment to consider it and to make sure that it is the highest offer that the interviewer is willing to make. Pause for a few seconds, frown just a little and say, "Hmm, £XX,000". Then stop. Wait for the interviewer to make the next move, no matter how long you have to wait. If they are eager to secure you, they may come back with a slightly higher offer or an additional perk to sweeten the pot. However, it may be that they have already offered you as much as they can, and come back with "Sorry, that's the best I can do". If you feel that you want to accept the offer, then do so; however, if you are still not sure, ask to have some time to think it over. Make sure your discussions end on a pleasant and agreeable note.

When you have finally come to a conclusion and agreed on a salary and benefits, ask for it to be put into writing. Unfortunately, many job applicants have been promised rises and extra perks at the end of a trial period without getting these offers confirmed in writing. It may come as no surprise that these additional benefits then failed to materialise.

Accepting a Job Offer

Write to thank the person making you the offer, using any reference number they have given along with the full job title and starting date, if stated. Accept the offer and say that you are looking forward to starting work with the company. Make sure that you keep a copy of this letter as, along with their letter, it forms your contract of employment. Do bear in mind that as the word 'contract' implies, by accepting the offer you are making a legal undertaking. You should not accept a job with the intention of rejecting it later if something better turns up.

Declining a Job Offer

If you decide that the job is not for you, write back, thanking the company for their offer and politely decline it. Make sure that you are courteous and respectful - you never know when you might find yourself working with or applying to that company again at a later date. Write and post the letter as soon as possible so that they can offer the job to someone else.

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