| Your resume got you in the door for an interview, | | | | company - help you take your career in the direction |
| where you were a smash hit with the hiring manager, | | | | you want to go? Is it the right cultural fit? Does it |
| and just as impressive with a group of would-be | | | | encourage work-life balance? Do people seem to |
| coworkers in the second interview. And today they | | | | enjoy working with each other? Does the company |
| offered you the job! | | | | mission mesh with your values? |
| But before you yell out in ecstasy and prepare a well | | | | If anything doesn't feel right, it may be wise to decline |
| earned celebration, stay even-tempered until you know | | | | the offer. On the other hand, if you can answer those |
| everything you're getting into, whether you'll even | | | | questions in the affirmative, go ahead and sign! |
| accept the offer, and how you'll execute this important | | | | GIVE YOUR NOTICE |
| transition. Here are a few things to keep in mind: | | | | Once you're sure you're going to take the new job, let |
| EVALUATE THE TERMS | | | | your current boss know and give the proper notice |
| Relax and Buy Some Time. You're in a great position. | | | | period (usually two weeks). In most cases, the |
| This job vacancy has been costing the employer a lot | | | | company will ask for a resignation letter. |
| of money, including interviewing time and lost | | | | Resign Formally. Your resignation letter should not be |
| productivity. They're not doing you a favor by offering | | | | an elaborate explanation of "why" you're leaving. It |
| you the job; they see you as the solution to their | | | | should just state that you will be resigning your position, |
| problem! You need to give them an answer, but not | | | | indicating the effective date (your last day on the job), |
| immediately. Tell them you're very pleased to receive | | | | and adding a polite "thank you" for the opportunities |
| the offer, and that you will get back to them with your | | | | you had while working there. |
| response within, say, 48 hours. | | | | Don't be alarmed or take it personally if the company |
| Review the Offer. "Get it in writing" may be a | | | | asks you to leave immediately, especially if you're |
| cliché, but it's really good advice. Many | | | | going to work for a competitor. In some companies, |
| companies will detail the job offer in a formal letter. If | | | | policy dictates that terminated employees be escorted |
| you don't get a written offer, it's a good idea to ask for | | | | off company property immediately. If your company |
| one. Or, consider writing your own letter, outlining your | | | | has such a policy, be sure to purge your computer of |
| understanding of the offer. A standard offer letter will | | | | personal files beforehand, as you will not have access |
| cover the following: | | | | to them once you resign. |
| * Your job title; | | | | Talk to HR. Review your benefits with a Human |
| * Your starting date; | | | | Resources representative at the company you're |
| * Whom you will report to; | | | | leaving, especially about your health insurance |
| * Compensation (wages or salary, bonuses, | | | | coverage. Make sure you won't be uninsured as you |
| commissions); | | | | wait for your new benefits to kick in. In most cases, |
| * Benefits; and | | | | you will be dropped from the old company's plan on |
| * Vacation time and paid holidays. | | | | the day of your departure, but you will be eligible for |
| Verify the Details. Does everything in the letter match | | | | COBRA coverage, which provides for temporary |
| what you and the company discussed during the | | | | continuation of health coverage at group rates as long |
| interviews? Is the salary where you thought it would | | | | as you pay the full cost of the premium yourself. |
| be? Is there a waiting period before your benefits kick | | | | Inquire also about how you will receive your final |
| in, or until you can begin using your vacation time? | | | | paycheck, and how the company handles |
| (Both are standard in many companies.) Know before | | | | compensation for time off you didn't take. |
| you sign. | | | | Outline an Exit Strategy. Talk with your manager about |
| Negotiate the Terms. This may be your only | | | | what you need to accomplish before your last day. |
| opportunity to negotiate employment terms. Money | | | | Are there any projects that must be completed? Do |
| may or may not be negotiable; the larger the company, | | | | you need to transfer information, project deadlines, and |
| the more rigid the salary structure tends to be. But | | | | other work details to your manager or the person who |
| either way, there are other things you can consider | | | | will assume your duties? Do it in a professional manner |
| asking for, such as: | | | | without expressing any glee that you're leaving. You |
| * A shorter waiting period for benefits; | | | | never know when your career path will cross again |
| * Additional vacation time; | | | | with those of former co-workers, so don't give them a |
| * Shares of company stock or stock options; | | | | reason to resent you. |
| * Flexibility in your work hours; or | | | | START THE NEW JOB |
| * Company-paid career development training. | | | | Don't "Diss" Your Old Boss. It's important to maintain |
| Don't be unreasonable, but go ahead and inquire. (And | | | | your self-discipline and avoid complaining about your |
| now would also be a good time to let your boss-to-be | | | | former company after you take a new job. Such |
| know about that tropical vacation you've booked for | | | | griping will make your new employer skeptical about |
| next month.) | | | | whether you are truly committed to the new job, or |
| Trust Your Gut. Accepting a job offer should not be a | | | | just wanted to get away from the old one. And they'll |
| knee-jerk reaction. It's difficult, especially if you haven't | | | | probably wonder what you'll be saying about them the |
| had a paycheck for awhile, but think hard about | | | | next time you change jobs. Keep your focus positive |
| whether this is the right move for you to make at this | | | | and forward-looking once you've made a career |
| stage of your career. Does this position - at this | | | | move. |