After weeks, months or even years looking, you finally get a job offer from your dream company. Your first thought is probably: "Better snag this while it's hot."
However, when you're offered a civilian job, there are rules and protocols around accepting the position (or turning it down) so you keep your integrity and reputation intact.
Job offers are typically made after an application process and a series of interviews. You may have met people in person, by phone or by video, and those individuals have worked to influence the company's decision to offer you the position.
The employer's team (hiring managers, recruiters, functional managers, team members and others involved in the process) have confirmed you're the best fit for the position and have crafted a compensation package that aligns with your qualifications, the market rate and their goals. The employer has likely also considered additional incentives and perks to make the offer compelling.
That said, there is no harm in negotiating the first offer.
Many job seekers (veterans and civilians) feel this risks the offer or paints them in a negative -- or greedy -- light with the employer. But if you communicate with professionalism and gratitude, you will be met with the same.
Negotiations typically go wrong when the candidate makes unreasonable requests or is unpleasant and disrespectful.
Some do's and don'ts for accepting a job offer include:
- Do recognize that the employer has put thought into the offer. Begin by expressing gratitude for the opportunity and for being selected.
- Unless there is a compelling reason, resist accepting the job on the spot. It is perfectly acceptable (after you thank them) to say you'd like to consider the offer or discuss with your family. Set a time limit on when you'll get back to them with questions or a decision, and be considerate of their time frame and when they need your reply.
- Do be clear on their expectations from you. Do you understand what the job will entail, who you'll work for and how much travel is involved? Clarify any last questions you have so you can make a confident, informed decision.
- If you will be negotiating the offer, do your research. If you believe the salary is too low, have supporting information to justify that claim. Look to online salary calculators to help gauge where your skills and experiences, combined with the market rate for that job in that geographic location, support a certain salary.
- Don't feel you have to take an offer just because it's made. Perhaps you interviewed for the job and later found a position you're better suited for and are pursuing that. If the first one comes back with the offer, and you're not inclined to accept it, let them know gracefully and professionally. Thank them for their generous offer, let them know you've considered it and respectfully decline.
Unless pushed, you don't have to explain your reasons for declining, especially if it could cast you in a negative light. (A statement such as, "I was just practicing interviewing with your company. I didn't think you'd actually make me the offer," will not serve you.)
Hopefully, over the course of your post-military career, you will receive several job offers. You likely won't accept all of them. Learning how to accept (and turn down) a job offer is as important as attracting them in the first place.
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