While no one likes to be rejected for a job, even a job offer may be tough to deal with. Decisions regarding salary, start date, pending application, etc. all make this stage of job search difficult. Again, professionalism is key, as how you handle an offer or rejection may reflect on your image within your chosen field.
There is no set time period for employers to make their hiring decisions. Their action may be effected by existing work load, the number of applicants, even the time of year. And, unfortunately, some employers do not notify applicants when they have been rejected for a position, only when they have been chosen. It is often a good idea to ask for an estimated decision date during an interview. Otherwise, 2-3 weeks is a general timeframe for a hiring decision. You may need to use your follow-up skills to find out if a position has been filled.
It may be tempting to take the first job that is offered to you (especially in a tight job market.) But consider the following things before you say "Yes!":
Of course, most of these may be negotiated AFTER a job offer is made. So prior to the offer, you will want to do a needs assessment of what you want/need from a job.
| Activity: Write out a needs assessement for the job you are seeking. What is your desired pay range? What schedule(s) can you work? Training needed? Start date? Write down anything that may effect your willingness to accept a position. Is anything in your assessment negotiable? |
Once you have decided to take an offer, you will need to let the employer know. It is important to clarify certain aspects of the offer in your acceptance, especially title (are you both talking about the same job?) and start date. You may also want to refer to salary, training, etc. if these were not clear in your earlier discussions.
Whether they make you a verbal or written offer, you should respond in writing. (You can say "OK" over the phone, but send a written acceptance as well.) This written response will serve both to clarify the agreement and to document the offer, serving as an ad hoc contract.
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Your Address Skip1 line Date Skip 1 line Contact Name, Title Skip 4 lines Dear _______ (Use formal address, i.e., Mr. or Ms.) Skip 1 line I am very pleased to accept your offer for the _________________ (Job Title) position as we discussed last Tuesday. As we discussed, I will be available for work in two weeks, to begin training on ______________ (Date) at the beginning salary of _______________ ($ Amount). I look forward to working with you and your team, and shall work hard to fulfill your expectations. Thank you again. Skip 1 line Sincerely, Skip 4 lines for signature. (Your typed name) |
It is usually better to reject a job offer in writing, in the form of a thank you letter, than verbally. Try to keep your contacts open. You may end up working with the company as a client or partner on professional projects. You may also want to apply again for work within the company at a later date.
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Your Address Skip1 line Date Skip 1 line Contact Name, Title Skip 4 lines Dear _______ (Use formal address, i.e., Mr. or Ms.) Skip 1 line After considerable thought, I have decided not to accept your offer of employment. This has been a very difficult decision for me. However, I feel I have made a correct one for this point in my career. Thank you for your time, effort and consideration. Skip 1 line Sincerely, Skip 4 lines for signature. (Your typed name) |
Unfortunately, we must accept rejections as part of job search. Rather than focusing on the negative emotions that result (and naturally so), try to use the rejection to your advantage. Express continued interest with a thank you letter. Use the employer as a network source. ("Are there other positions within your company that I would be better suited for?", "Do you know of other companies in the area hiring for similar positions?") You may also be able to get feedback from the employer about why you were not chosen for the position. If it was a bad interview, you can work on interviewing skills. If it was an important skill you lacked, you can find a way to build that skill. If it was impressive competition, you can work on adding something to your background that would make you stand out.