Both sides need to follow the right rules when a job offer is on the table. For example, they must know when to use an employment offer letter. This blog post will outline navigating this situation and getting the best possible outcomes.
Knowing Your Value
You shouldn’t accept an offer that’s less than your worth. Make sure you check online to see the average salary for people with your job title and experience. This could be a lowball offer without you even knowing.
Sites such as Glassdoor can show you common salaries for people in your position. In fact, this might include salaries from the company you plan to work at. If this is higher than your offer, you should consider negotiating.
Ideally, you’ll have a chance to outline your salary expectations before the offer. This could show the employer that you know how much you’re worth. If you have any unique experience that fits the role perfectly, highlight this at every stage.
Evaluating Your Initial Offer
If you’ve been job-hunting for a while, it’s tempting to accept their offer right away. However, you can’t rush into signing anything. Ask for more clarification, possibly by inquiring about benefits or other perks. This can smooth over a lower-than-expected salary.
Ultimately, you have to consider what’s most important for you. Does the company offer remote working, for example? Will you have plenty of growth opportunities? Salary isn’t everything, but it’s still a fair priority to have.
Possible Negotiation Points
You might want to start negotiating once you’ve asked about the offer. An offer means they want to work with you, which you can use. Here are some points you might want to discuss further:
- Job title: The position itself could be due to a change in name, for example, if they plan to use your skills that don’t match the role’s on-paper responsibilities.
- Payments: You may think you’re worth more money than they offer. On top of this, you may be able to arrange weekly rather than monthly payments.
- Paid time off: You can also ask for more PTO or ask to use it sooner. This is vital if you have any medical conditions that require occasional days off.
- Incentives: Negotiating a one-time bonus for accepting their offer is possible. If the job requires you to travel, you could even ask to keep any reward points.
- Remote work: Can you carry out your duties at home? If so, ask to work remotely. Many employers now allow this as a standard; it can even help productivity.
Approaching an Offer Negotiation
Like any negotiation, you should work with your potential employer, not against them. This can’t be confrontational — you should always be polite. On top of this, ask at the right time. Wait until after you get the initial written offer. This gives you a good basis from which to start.
You have to present your case well. If you feel the offer short-changes you, say this directly. And if you ask for more money, make it clear that you’ll earn it. Your goal is to convince the employer of your worth.
You might have to compromise to a point. Still, hold on to your priorities, but understand that you likely won’t get everything you ask for. Instead of increasing your salary, for example, they might offer extra vacation days.
What Your Offer Letter Needs
An online offer letter template comes with every field you can expect from the real deal. Look at examples online and make sure the one your employer uses has all the same details. Your offer letter must have, at minimum:
- Your name and contact details.
- The company’s information.
- The job title (and perhaps a description).
- The annual salary and payment schedule.
- The preferred start date.
- The contract length (if applicable).
- Working hours/employment type.
- Conditions of employment, i.e. background checks.
If you earn commission pay, this must be in your offer letter. If what they promised you doesn’t match the final document, bring this up.
The contract should also set out the probationary period and paid leave terms. If the company hires you as an employee-at-will, this should also be in the contract.
Finalizing the Offer Letter
If you end up negotiating, ask for a new contract. Just to be safe, make sure you read this over in full. Don’t accept the offer until you’re completely happy with the new terms.
Don’t rely on a verbal agreement. Even when this is legally binding, it’s hard to enforce. If you’re comfortable with the final arrangement, sign the offer letter.
Final Thoughts
You shouldn’t always accept a job offer that’s below your expectations. If you think you’re worth more, you could negotiate for a higher salary or other perks. Should this work out, you’ll be a lot happier at your new job.
Photo by The Jopwell Collection on Unsplash
