Post-Offer: You Have the Offer, Now What?

Do Not Immediately Agree to the Offer

Do not start negotiating until you have a firm job offer and a salary figure from the employer. Do not prolong things, however; this only frustrates the employer. Instead, give the employer positive reinforcement. Cates (1997) suggests something like, “This looks great. I need to go over everything one last time before we make this official. I will call you at [a specific time].”

Get the Offer in Writing

If the employer says that it is not standard to make written offers, be sure to consult with others who would know this (e.g., the company's human resources division). At the very least, inform them that you will type up what your understanding is and put it in a ...

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