The moment a job offer is extended marks a significant achievement. This phone call transitions the candidate from the interview process to a high-stakes decision-making phase. Approaching this conversation with professionalism and preparation is paramount to securing the best possible outcome. Managing the initial discussion sets the stage for a confident and informed review of the opportunity.
Immediate Steps During the Offer Call
When the offer is presented, maintain a calm and professional demeanor. Begin by expressing genuine gratitude and enthusiasm for the opportunity. This positive reaction reinforces your interest and establishes a cooperative tone.
During the conversation, clearly confirm the specific role title and the basic reporting structure. Confirm the name and contact information for the primary person who will handle all future communications regarding the offer details. This ensures a direct line of contact for follow-up questions. Listening intently during this phase is more productive than trying to jump into specific terms or conditions.
Essential Questions to Ask the Hiring Manager
Once the initial confirmations are complete, shift the conversation toward gathering concrete details for evaluation. Directly ask for the specific base salary figure being proposed. This number forms the foundation of the compensation package.
Inquire about the general structure of the benefits package, specifically health insurance options and the company’s 401(k) matching policy. Clarifying the total allocation for paid time off (PTO) is also necessary, as this contributes to the overall value of the position. Finally, confirm when the formal, written offer letter will be sent. Securing the details in an official document is mandatory before making a decision.
How to Professionally Buy Time for Review
After gathering the necessary information, request time to review the written offer documentation before providing an answer. Politely explain that you need a few days to consider the entire package, which is a common and reasonable request. Using language such as, “I am very excited about this opportunity and would like to take the necessary time to review the formal offer documents before giving you a final answer,” maintains a positive relationship.
Professionally define a clear timeline for your decision rather than leaving the response open-ended. Suggesting a specific date and time, such as committing to respond by the end of the business day on Thursday, provides a firm expectation for the employer. Taking 24 to 48 hours to process the details is generally accepted.
Detailed Evaluation of the Total Compensation Package
Upon receiving the written offer, the evaluation must extend beyond the stated base salary to assess the true value of the compensation package. Analyze the financial impact of employee-paid health insurance premiums and deductibles, as these costs directly reduce your take-home pay. Review the company’s retirement matching contribution, which represents guaranteed, untaxed money that boosts long-term wealth accumulation.
If the offer includes stock options or restricted stock units (RSUs), understand the vesting schedule, which dictates when the shares become yours. A four-year vesting schedule with a one-year cliff is common, meaning you must stay for a full year before receiving any shares. Evaluate non-monetary benefits like flexible working arrangements or remote work, which can translate into savings on commuting costs and improve work-life balance.
Comparing the offer to market data is an important step. Resources like salary aggregators or professional association surveys provide a range for comparable roles in your geographic area and industry. If the base salary is slightly below the market median, strong benefits—such as a generous PTO policy or bonus structure—might justify the difference. Conversely, a high base salary with minimal benefits requires a closer look at the actual net value of the entire offer.
Crafting and Delivering a Counter-Offer
Once the internal review is complete and the package is insufficient, preparation is necessary before presenting a counter-offer. Conduct market research to establish a justifiable range for your requests, ensuring your proposed salary increase is supported by external data relevant to your experience and location. The counter-offer should be presented as a good-faith negotiation, not an ultimatum, using a professional and collaborative tone.
Prioritize your requests, focusing on one or two areas that matter most, such as base salary and vacation time. If base salary is the primary concern, a request for an increase of 5% to 10% above the initial offer is generally considered reasonable. Frame your request by referencing your specific qualifications and the value you will immediately bring to the team, rather than simply stating your financial needs.
The counter-offer is best delivered through a follow-up phone call to allow for dynamic discussion, followed immediately by an email summarizing the proposed changes. This written confirmation ensures there is no ambiguity regarding the new terms. Maintain a flexible mindset; if the company cannot meet your salary demand, they may concede on other points, such as a signing bonus or additional remote work days. When delivering the counter, clearly state your continued enthusiasm for the role and your understanding of the company’s constraints. Avoid making demands or implying that you have other offers unless you are prepared to walk away.
Finalizing Your Decision (Acceptance or Decline)
The final step is to formally communicate your decision within the agreed-upon timeline. If accepting, send a professional acceptance letter or email that explicitly confirms the final agreed-upon terms, including the base salary, start date, and any negotiated concessions. This documentation serves as a final record and ensures a smooth transition into the role.
If declining the offer, do so politely and respectfully, ideally with a brief phone call. Thank the hiring manager for their time and the opportunity, but state clearly that you have chosen to pursue a different path. Maintaining a positive relationship is important, as you may encounter these individuals again.