Managing Offers

Whether you decide to accept the offer or not, take a moment to acknowledge your achievement. You've earned this opportunity, and it’s worth reflecting on your hard work and success.

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Consider Your Options

Before jumping to accept, especially if you have other applications pending, think carefully about whether this offer aligns with your initial priorities when you began your job search. This offer might not be your top choice, and the one you really want could still be in the pipeline. Equally, you don’t want to reject an offer and then find yourself unsuccessful with your remaining applications.

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The key is not to rush. It’s natural to feel excited about the new role and the potential life changes it brings, but it’s important to pause, process the information, and make a well-informed decision.

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Responding to the Offer

When replying, make sure to express your enthusiasm for the offer and your interest in the role. It’s also reasonable to ask for the timescales regarding when paperwork needs to be completed. If you have other applications pending, you can enquire about their timelines too. If you’re asking for extra time to make your decision, emphasise your excitement about the role but explain that you want to take care in making the right career choice.

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Example Response

Dear [Hiring Manager],

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Thank you for your offer. I am very excited about the opportunity to join [Company Name] and appreciate the time you’ve taken to guide me through the recruitment process. This is an important decision for me, and I’d like to take a few days to consider my options thoroughly. Could you please let me know the timescales for returning the necessary paperwork? I want to ensure I make the right decision and approach this new role with full commitment. 

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Best regards,
[Your Name]

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Most employers will understand your desire to take some time to consider the offer, but be sure to reply within a reasonable timeframe. Delaying too long might result in the offer being withdrawn.

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Accepting an Offer

Usually, a verbal offer over the phone is followed up with a formal offer letter (often via email). This will include key details such as your job title, department, line manager, salary, benefits, start date, and other terms and conditions.

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If you’re happy with the offer, you can accept it via email. While you can accept verbally, it’s always good practice to have a written record. Ensure you clarify any final details, particularly your start date, who to report to on your first day, and whether you need to bring any documentation (such as ID). This avoids unnecessary follow-up queries and ensures you're fully prepared.

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At this stage, it’s also courteous to withdraw from any other application processes you’re still involved in.

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Managing Multiple Offers

If you’re fortunate enough to have multiple offers to choose from, consider the following:​

• What distinguishes each company and position?

• Rank the offers in order of preference.

• How do they compare in terms of salary, benefits, career progression, and work culture?

Write a list of pros and cons for each role.

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It’s important not to let others’ opinions overly influence your decision. Think about factors like location, commuting, and long-term career growth. You may have a gut feeling about one particular role, but it’s still wise to weigh up the practical considerations.

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Remember, no decision is likely to be 100% certain – it’s impossible to predict exactly how the job will pan out. Trust your research and instincts.

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Declining an Offer

If you choose to decline an offer, notify the employer as soon as possible. Be professional and courteous – they could be a valuable contact in the future.

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When replying, double-check that you're addressing the right person or company, and ensure you’ve attached the correct documents. It’s easy to get confused during the interview process, especially if you’ve been managing several applications.

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Negotiating Salary

While many roles come with clearly defined salaries and benefits from the outset, there may be opportunities to negotiate, especially if the offer is lower than expected or less than your current salary. Consider the following:

• Understand the Market: Research similar roles to see how the salary compares. Bear in mind that salaries can vary by region, particularly with London weighting or other cost-of-living adjustments.

• Be Realistic: Approach negotiations with reasonable expectations.

• Look at the Full Package: Consider benefits such as annual leave, bonuses, flexible working options, travel schemes, healthcare, and pension plans, as these may add significant value to the offer.

• Discuss Flexibility: If the salary is lower than expected, politely explain your concerns and ask if there is room for flexibility, or enquire about the frequency and process for salary reviews.

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