Guidebook

Section 13: Q&As for the Young Professional (YP) and the Coach
YP: Questions to Ask Your Coach

• Can I negotiate a job offer, or should I just take what is offered?
• What items are mostly likely negotiable in a job offer?
• How can I politely ask for more time in considering a job offer?
• When should I consider declining a job offer?

Coach: Questions to Ask Your YP

• What criteria you would use to evaluate if a job offer is right for you?
• What research have you completed to determine what a reasonable salary is and the benefits that should be offered for a position in your career field?
• Have you ever negotiated for something you wanted? If you received a job offer in your career field now, what is most important to you right and how might you negotiate to get it?
• What would you do if there was a signing bonus that came with a job offer?

Before accepting a salary offer, it is helpful to have an understanding of the complete financial package that you are being offered. Ask the company representative when he or she would like a response and be sure to respond by that date.

Ask for a written job offer then compare the offer against your wish list. If your job offer falls short of your needs then consider negotiating the offer. See the guidebook section on effective negotiation skills.

Here are some factors for you to consider when considering an employment offer include:

• The industry
  • Outlook
  • Competition
• The company
  • Reputation
  • Stability
  • Start-up or a stable, mature company
• Salary offered?
  • Signing bonus offered?
  • How often are salary reviews completed?
  • Stock options
  • Employee stock purchase plan at discounted prices
  • Commissions/bonuses
• Opportunities for professional advancement?
• Benefit plan?
  • Health and dental insurance offered?
  • Does the medical plan cover eligible dependents?
  • Short and long-term disability coverage offered?
  • Vacation and holidays allowed?
  • Sick days and personal days allowed?
  • Maternity/paternity leave offered?
  • Health and wellness plan
  • Tuition reimbursement
• Work environment?
  • Work space: office or cubicle?
  • Ability to work from home?
  • Travel requirements?
• The position?
  • Job title?
  • Job responsibilities? Interesting?
  • Who are you reporting to?
  • Distance to commute to work?
• Reimbursement of relocation expenses?
• Cost of living in the area?
• Work hours?
  • Are the work hours agreeable with your other responsibilities such as your children’s schedule?
  • Flextime offered?
• Work days?
  • Expected to work on weekends?
• Company retirement plan
  • Profit sharing and/or 401(k) plan offered?
  • Employer contribution to your retirement plan?
  • Vesting schedule of employer contribution?

Compare your offer with thousands of other positions across the world here.

Evaluate jobs, salaries, companies, & careers here.

View Jobs, Company Reviews & Interview Questions here.

View this site to learn more about average salaries across the world.

Learn the basics of negotiation here.

Learn how to effectively negotiate your salary here.

Learn what mistakes to avoid when negotiating your salary here.

Learn more about 10 negotiating mistakes to avoid here.

Sample Letter Accepting a Job Offer:

Dear Mr. Johnson:

It is my great pleasure to accept your offer to join ABC Company as a marketing representative according to the terms outlined in your letter of January 3, 2016. I’m thrilled to work with such a great company.

I look forward to reporting to your office on January 22nd ready to train and be a positive contribution to your team. Please let me know of any paperwork necessary for me to complete prior to reporting to work.

Thank you for making my interviewing process enjoyable. I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to work with you and your team.

All the best,

Sample Letter Declining a Job Offer:

Dear Mr. Johnson:

Thank you for your time and effort you spent considering me for a position as a marketing representative with ABC Company. I am sincerely grateful for your offer of employment.

Because I was so impressed with your company and your team, I had a difficult time making a decision concerning your offer. After much thoughtful consideration, I have decided not to accept your offer.

I wish you and ABC Company continued success and hope that our paths will cross again.

Thank you again for your time and consideration.

All the best,

Jonathan Sample

Learn more about the 15 rules for negotiating job offers here.

Learn more about the 8 Criteria for Evaluating a Job Offer here.