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CRUNCH TIME: DO YOU ACCEPT OR DECLINE?
Hopefully, you were successful in your negotiation. It is now time to either accept or decline the offer. As with any major
decision in your life, you need to weigh all of your options. Regardless of whether you accept or decline, do so verbally and
in writing.
CHANGING YOUR MIND AFTER ACCEPTING
After interviews with several top companies, you accept a job offer from Corporation A to begin work a week after
graduation. Then, XYZ Startup, a company that just began recruiting new college graduates, interviews you and offers
you a job to begin a week after graduation. You want to work for XYZ Startup, but what will you do about the job you’ve
already accepted at Corporation A? Companies hire and fire people all of the time, you think. You’ll just let Corporation
A know you’ve changed your mind. Before you pick up the phone to renege on your job with Corporation A, consider
this: Your choice today may ruin your choices tomorrow.
Truth: Some employers keep a running list of names of students who’ve reneged after they’ve accepted a job offer - a
“do not call” list. Even without a list, recruiters will remember you. If you are offered a job, it’s because you stand out in
the crowd of applicants. The recruiting and hiring manager see and hear your name over and over during the interview
and hiring process. Universities value their corporate partnerships, and they do not want to risk having companies stop
recruiting new graduates and alumni. That means, if you renege on a job acceptance, your name may end up on a “no
services” list. If your school finds out that you’ve reneged - and they will - you may be denied access to university job
boards and alumni career services when you need help finding your next job.
Credit: Kayla Villwock-Intern Program Manager for SAS Courtesy of NACE
NEGOTIATION
Steps for successful negotiating:
1. Contact employer through preferred method (in person, phone or email).
2. Thank them for the offer.
3. Reiterate your interest in the company and position.
4. Ask if the job offer is negotiable.
5. Be calm, collected, concise and confident!
6. Explain why you feel you deserve a higher salary - back up with research (experience, education, preferred qualifications
and salary comparisons).
7. If the organization cannot offer a higher salary, negotiate other benefits: vacation time, signing bonus, moving expenses,
flexible time, equipment, etc.
DECLINING THE OFFER
1. Thank the employer - express your appreciation for
the time and effort they have invested in the process.
2. In a professional manner, state you are declining the
offer.
3. Wish the employer luck in their recruitment
process.
ACCEPTING THE OFFER
1. Thank the employer.
2. Confirm the following information:
a. Start date
b. Other negotiated benefits
c. Salary
d. Location
After you have accepted an offer, it is important to withdraw from the process with other companies. If you are involved in
the on-campus interview process through the Michelin Career Center, be sure to withdraw immediately from those
interview schedules. By doing so, you give those companies a positive impression of your professionalism.
after the JoB offer