Career Resource Center

Office of Career Services

150 W. University Blvd.
Keuper Building, Rm 210
Melbourne, FL 32901
Phone: (321) 674-8102
Fax: (321) 674-8065
Email: dgaynor@fit.edu
Dona Gaynor, Director

EVALUATING OFFERS AND NEGOTIATING SALARY

Finally, after sending out hundreds of résumés and going on dozens of job interviews, you are now receiving job offers. There are many things to consider when evaluating offers and negotiating salaries. Do research to be informed of all of your options.

• Most employers will offer you a job two to three weeks after your site visit. They will let you know at the time of the interview when you can expect a response. Some may offer you the job at the time of the interview.
  
• You will often receive the offer by phone and the formal written offer will be faxed or mailed to you. Do not accept the offer immediately even if it is your dream job. Wait until you receive the offer in writing and be sure that you understand all the details including your start date, relocation, etc. Tell the person making the offer that you will consider the offer carefully and get back to them within a reasonable time. Some employers will give you a specified date to reply, which is usually two weeks. Respond as promptly as possible so that the employer can proceed with other candidates.
  
• If you have been interviewing with many other companies but have not received any offers yet, you may want to call them and let them know that you have an offer. If they are very interested in you, they may speed up their process so that you will be able to consider their offer as well.
  
• When you receive the job offer in writing take into consideration the following questions in addition to the bottom line salary figure. Is there a signing bonus? Does the company pay for relocation? What is the cost of living of the area you would be moving to? What benefits are included and when do they take effect? Is there tuition reimbursement for further education?
  
• If you are not happy with any aspect of the offer including the salary figure, you should contact your representative at the company and ask if there is any chance to negotiate. In most situations, the company is willing to listen to you and at least consider your counter-offer. Sometimes, a company may have no room to negotiate and their salary offer may be fixed. In that case, ask if any other benefits such as relocation costs are negotiable.
  
• When negotiating your salary or benefits make sure that you are reasonable. Do some research on average salaries and cost of living so that you are knowledgeable when discussing this with the company representative. You will be more likely to get more money if you are realistic and convincing.
  
• When you accept a job offer, you should have every intention of honoring that commitment to the employer. Accepting an offer with the intention to renege if a better offer comes along is misleading to the employer and restricts opportunities for others who may be genuinely interested in the position. You should also withdraw from campus recruiting activity and stop applying for other positions.
  
• When you make your decision on a job offer, sign the offer letter and send it back to your new employer. Send letters to all the companies actively considering you thanking them for their consideration but indicate that you have accepted another offer. Your first job is an important first step in your career. Take the time to consider all offers carefully to be sure that you are making the right decision.