Important Factors to Consider
Congratulations! After a long job search you have a job offer and are waiting to hear from other employers. Evaluating the job offer to make sure that it's the right one for you needs as much effort as writing a resume or preparing for an interview. Being prepared to discuss salary is also an important part of the process. Remember that the Office of Co-op and Career Services Office is available to help!

Evaluating Job Offers
Carefully weigh all the important factors listed below in considering the offer and don't hesitate to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your program coordinator.
• Job content or nature of the work
• Your future boss
• Salary and benefits
• Co-workers and corporate culture
• Typical work week
• Location

You should promptly acknowledge receipt of all job offers and promptly inform the employer of your plans, which are outlined next.

Accepting/Rejecting an Offer
Job Offer Options
• Stall - Not Ready To Make A Decision: Express appreciation for the offer. Tell them that because this is an important decision you would like some time to carefully think about it. Agree on a reasonable time frame to get back to the company. You should not need to accept any offer on the spot. If you are waiting to hear back from other companies with whom you have interviewed, contact those companies and find out when they will be making a decision, informing candidates, and, if you can, find out whether you are being considered for the position.
• Accept - You Really Want This Job: Show your appreciation for the offer. Ask the employer to confirm the offer in writing. Do not interview for any other positions. Reject all other offers immediately by telephone or e-mail. Report your job to the Office of Co-op and Career Services.
• Reject - Thanks, But No Thanks: Express appreciation for the offer. Say something positive about the organization and be diplomatic. Let them know that the position is not a good fit at this time.
• View sample acceptance and rejection letters.

Ethics Of Accepting Or Rejecting An Offer
Once you accept a job offer, even verbally, you must not back out, or renege on the job, to work for another employer. If you have any questions/concerns about this, discuss with your program coordinator before taking action!

Good employer relations are vital to RIT's relationship with employers, and you, the student, are a critical link in this relationship. In addition, reneging on an offer could damage your chances of future employment with that company. Therefore, consider carefully before accepting a position.

• Discuss offers thoroughly with employers so you understand the terms and reach a mutually acceptable date to respond to their offer.
• Request extensions from employers if you need more time to consider other offers. Do not ignore deadline dates you have agreed upon.
• Notify employers that you are accepting or rejecting an offer as soon as you make your decision - never later than the arranged date.
• Once you accept a job offer, immediately inform other employers who have offers pending. Honor your acceptance of an offer as a contractual agreement with the employer.
• Cancel any other scheduled interviews or on-site visits.

Links

RIT Office of Co-op & Career Services: Salary Negotiation.
http://www.rit.edu/~964www/student/AcceptingAJobOffer/SalaryNegotiation.htm

MSN Careers: Microsoft's career source for job search information and job searches.
http://msn.careerbuilder.com/Custom/MSN/CareerAdvice/JS_NegotiatingAWin-WinCompensationPackage.htm?sc_extcmp=JS_js05_dec03_advice

QuintCareers.com: Salary negotiation and job offer tutorial.http://www.quintcareers.com/salary_negotiation_tutorial.html

EmploymentSpot.com: Weighing job offers
http://www.employmentspot.com/features/evaluatingjoboffers.htm

CareerSearch Salary Wizard: helps you find salary information for a particular job in a particular city. The link to CareerSearch is on the main student page of our site.