Job Offer Best Practices

We understand that accepting a co-op or job offer can be nerve-wracking, and we are here to help! Access our suggestions below and schedule an appointment with your Career Advisor to discuss your questions and concerns about job offer etiquette. 

Choosing Between Job Offers

Congratz, you got offered more than one job! So, what do you do? As you are considering your options, remember, total compensation is much more than your salary alone. It is important to examine:

  • Health insurance

  • Vacation or personal time off

  • Tuition remission

  • Flexible work location and work hours

  • Retirement savings 

  • Relocation Benefits 

  • Parking  

Accepting a Job Offer

Before you accept an offer, there could be an opportunity to discuss the terms of your employment. It is very rare that an employer will rescind an offer because you negotiated it. In most cases, the worst outcome is a 'no,' after which you can choose whether or not to accept the terms that were offered. Therefore, negotiating will allow you to advocate for what you want before you start the job. After you start your position, there may be limited opportunities to do this in the future. Consider the following:

Researching industry norms is key to knowing what to negotiate. Your negotiations should be rooted in research in and out of your field, so that you can back up what you are advocating for.

  • Negotiating takes practice. Therefore, after completing your research, outline your key points, including competitive advantages as to why the employer should consider your request. Research resources include: 

  • Indeed

  • LinkedIn

  • Bureau of Labor Statistics 

  • Reach out to career advisors, since when have data that can be used 

Negotiation can certainly be a high-pressure situation which can result in self-doubt and anxiety. As you go through this process, try to remain confident and remember that it can sometimes take longer than expected for your employer to respond to your negotiation request.

Practice E-mail Etiquette

Throughout the hiring process, employers will likely communicate with you via email. The email may be their first impression, so make it count!

Proofreading is key when maintaining written correspondence with employers. A misspelt name, mixing up the company with a competitor, or expletives can have detrimental effects on your relationship with the employer, as well as the company as a whole.

A professional email signature is your opportunity to sign off on the emails that you write. Make sure that your mobile devices reflect your email signature as well. It should at minimum include your full name, email address, phone number, and academic affiliation.

Aim to respond in less than 24 hours. In the job search, it is imperative that you check your email frequently to make sure you are not missing any communication. 

Your subject line should be around 5-8 words to provide a brief description of what you will be discussing in the content of your email. Leave the details for the actual email! 

Contact Us

If you have any questions about resume development, schedule an appointment with your Career Advisor on My Bearcat Network!  

Fall and Spring Semester Hours   

During the academic year, Lindner Career Services is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.   

Drop-in Hours   

Drop-in peer career coaching is available Monday through Friday from 1-4 p.m. in Lindner Hall, Suite 1420 during the fall and spring semesters.   

Please contact your assigned Career Advisor for their specific drop-in hours.