Accepting Your New Position
“I accept” or “Can
I think about it”? Life is
good, you have been asked back to a prospective employer’s
office after a successful interview for a job that you are
sure will be great. You have a quick chat and they offer you
the position there and then – now what? You feel obliged
to say “yes”, but you feel you would still like
to think about it overnight. What do you say – does
it look negative to ask for time, or desperate if you jump
up and down and say “yes”?
At this stage there is no right or wrong
answer. Neither of the options is the best way. You may be
positive that you want the job, but be honest with them. Do
not be afraid to ask for time to think it over. Interviewers
should understand the need to weigh up the pros and cons one
last time; after all they have probably been in the same position.
Written Confirmation
You have spoken to your “new”
employer and accepted their job offer – now you MUST
confirm your acceptance in writing.
Your new employer should confirm their offer
in writing to you, if they don’t it is a good idea to
request that they do. This, plus a written acceptance from
yourself, looks professional and is courteous.
Confirmation of the offer protects both
yourself and the employer’s interests by allowing no
room for misunderstanding regarding start date, conditions
of employment etc.
Structuring your Letter
- Ensure you include all the relevant
formalities such as your name and address, the name of the
person whom you are sending it to, the company name, address
and the date.
- Thank your new employer for offering
you the position.
- Tell them you are delighted to accept
their offer.
- Inform them of your start date (if not
confirmed, say you will notify them as soon as possible).
- End on a positive note, say you are
looking forward to joining them and the challenges ahead.
During your Notice Period
During your notice period from your
current position there is no reason why you can’t keep
in touch with your new employer to check how things are progressing
or to see if there is anything required prior to your commencement.
Should they suggest that it might
be a good idea for you to meet your new colleagues prior to
your start date, it is advisable to make every effort to attend.
Perhaps suggest it to your new employer as this, and the fact
that you have kept in touch, shows your own initiative and
eagerness to fit in - never be afraid to be proactive.
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