Navigating the period between receiving a job offer and your first day can be complex. This guide provides a clear path to help you manage this transition smoothly. It walks you through each phase, from evaluating the offer to preparing for your new role, ensuring you make informed decisions.
Evaluate and Respond to the Job Offer
Upon receiving the offer letter, your first action is a thorough review, as this document is a formal contract. Before making a decision, examine every detail and verify that the terms align with what was discussed during your interviews. Pay close attention to:
- Base salary, potential bonuses, and commission structures
- The benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off (PTO)
- Job title, responsibilities, and the reporting structure
- The confirmed start date and other logistical details
Once you understand the offer, you have three paths: accept, negotiate, or decline. If the offer meets your expectations, you can accept it. However, many components of a job offer are negotiable, including base salary, a signing bonus, paid time off, and your start date. Approaching a negotiation requires a strategy based on research into industry salary benchmarks for your role and location.
To begin a negotiation, first express your enthusiasm for the position and the company. You can then professionally open a discussion around compensation or other terms. For example, you might state that based on your experience and market rates, you were expecting a salary closer to a specific, researched figure. Handle this conversation over the phone or a video call, as it allows for a more direct dialogue than email.
If you decide to accept the offer, whether immediately or after a negotiation, do so verbally first. Follow this with a formal, written acceptance via email to the hiring manager or HR representative. This email should be concise, reiterating your excitement, confirming the agreed-upon terms like salary and start date, and officially accepting the position. If you decide the role is not the right fit, decline professionally and thank the employer for their time.
Complete Pre-Employment Contingencies
After you formally accept the offer, the next phase involves completing several pre-employment requirements, known as contingencies. Your employment is conditional upon clearing these steps. Common contingencies include a background check, which may verify your criminal record, employment history, and educational credentials. You might also be required to undergo a drug screening.
Your new employer will also conduct reference checks by contacting the professional references you provided to gain insight into your work ethic and skills. You should ensure your references are aware they may be contacted. During this period, you will also begin onboarding by completing paperwork, which includes a W-4 form for tax withholding and an I-9 form to verify your employment eligibility.
You may also be asked to provide bank details to set up direct deposit. It is important to complete and return this paperwork promptly to avoid delays. Do not take irreversible steps, such as resigning from your current job, until you have received written confirmation from your new employer that all contingencies have cleared.
Resign From Your Current Position
Once you have official confirmation that you have cleared all pre-employment contingencies, you can resign from your current role. The first action is to schedule a private meeting with your direct manager to inform them of your decision. This should be done in person or via a video call if you work remotely.
Following this conversation, provide a formal letter of resignation. This letter should be brief, stating your intention to resign and specifying your last day of employment. Provide at least two weeks’ notice to allow your employer time to begin transitioning your responsibilities. You do not need to provide a detailed reason for your departure in the letter.
Your current employer might present a counteroffer to persuade you to stay. It is wise to consider this possibility beforehand and have a decision in mind, as accepting can sometimes lead to complications. During your final two weeks, continue performing your duties, assist in training your replacement if requested, and ensure a smooth handover of projects to leave on good terms.
Prepare for Your First Day
In the days before your start date, shift your focus to preparing for a successful beginning. A few days before you start, reach out to your new manager or HR to confirm final logistical details. You can ask about the arrival time, dress code, where to park, and if you should bring anything specific, such as identification for your I-9 form.
This is also a valuable time to decompress and recharge. Starting a new job is a significant change, and giving yourself a few days to relax can help you begin with a clear mind. You might spend this time reviewing the company’s website or recent news, but avoid overwhelming yourself with information. The goal is to arrive on your first day feeling rested and prepared.