An offer of employment is usually made verbally followed by an offer letter or the employment contract. If you verbally accept an offer, you are not bound until you have actually signed the formal offer letter or contract of employment. Remember, a verbal job offer and acceptance is provisional, pending the outcome of satisfactory references and background checks.
A job offer made during an interview doesn’t have to be accepted or declined right away. Ask for time to consider it, and advise when to expect your answer. However, if you are confident the job offer is right for you, feel free to accept it there and then.
Negotiating
Once you receive the job offer, salary negotiations can begin, and terms of employment can be determined.
If you are represented by a recruitment consultant, your total remuneration package will be negotiated on your behalf. It is the consultant's responsibility to negotiate the job offer, getting you the best possible package whilst satisfying the company's needs.
If you are negotiating the offer yourself, have a clear and realistic idea of what you want regarding remuneration and benefits. Research salary benchmarks for similar roles, and be realistic with your requests.
Tips for Managing a Job Offer
Allow the company to raise the topic of salary
If asked for your salary expectations, try to defer this until the job is defined or to your recruitment consultant
If pressed to respond, provide a range and be honest about your expectations
You may wish to consider a lower salary if the job provides an attractive advancement to your career
You are entitled to ask for a couple of days to consider the job offer