An active job search requires many steps from start to finish. After identifying opportunities, networking with contacts, preparing and submitting application materials and interviewing, you'll be hopeful to receive a job offer. Once you receive an offer, there are many factors involved in the decision to confidently accept or decline. 

There are many components to a job offer beyond the dollar amount of an annual salary. They may include any or all of the following elements:

Elements of a job offer
Salary
Duration of position and start date

 
Sign-on bonus or performance compensation

 
Relocation expenses

 Check to see if your prospective employer offers a relocation package
Location Cost of living, commute to work
Retirement Plan Will the employer offer matching contributions? 
Are stock options available? 
Insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Prescription drugs
  • Flexible spending account
  • Life insurance
  • Disability insurance
Vacation and Sick Leave Some companies will negotiate with new hires for more vacation or sick days, and, in general, there can be more flexibility here than with other elements of the employee benefits package.
Parental Leave Leave policies in place for new parents 
Health and Wellness Program Refers to a collection of initiatives within an organization to promote healthy lifestyles among employees
Flexibility Companies often offer options other than the traditional 8 am – 5pm workday. Be sure to know what the employer expects from you.
Travel Know how much travel is expected in your new job. It is also important to consider if you will use your own car, a rental car, or if a company car will be provided.
Additional Education, Certifications, Professional Development Benefits Many companies offer professional and educational development programs. Find out if your company offers this and if or when you will qualify.
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Upon receipt of a job offer, you'll want to take several considerations into account. 

ORGANIZE YOUR THOUGHTS

Take an assessment of your needs. 

  • What are your lifestyle and professional needs?
  • How does salary / hourly pay impact the following? 
    • Research on average salaries
    • Evaluate your needs
    • Identify your salary range
    • Set an exact number 
KEY CONSIDERATIONS
  • What are your priorities? 
  • Where is the organization located? 
  • What are your needs (benefits, lifestyle, work environment)? 
  • Is the position your 1st, 2nd, or 3rd choice? 
  • Will this decision impact family? 
  • What is the cost of living in this location? 
  • Does the location fit your desired lifestyle? 
  • How does this position align with your long term goals (opportunities for advancement or professional development)? 

Negotiating salary and benefits is simply the discussion of a job offer. It could include discussion on any component of the offer, not limited to the specific salary amount.

When deciding when and how to discuss an existing offer, remember the process is fluid. Instead of feeling pressured or fearing an immediate "No," focus on gathering information and gaining clarity to help you make a confident decision. 

EXAMPLE TIMEFRAMES WHEN NEGOTIATION MAY TAKE PLACE
Example timeframes when negotiation may take place
Interview Stage
  • Know your target salary range
  • The market value of the offer to consider the position
  • Gain a clear understanding of the role including day-to-day responsibilities and short-term and long-term
Initial Offer Stage
  •  Ask for a reasonable amount of time to consider the offer (typically 2 - 5 business days)
Counter Offer Stage
  •  Beyond salary, what do you need to be successful in the role? Consider all possible components of a job offer. This could entail elements such as moving expenses, paid time off, or others.

Strategies for success in job offer negotiation
REFLECT What do I need in order to set myself up for success?
How will this opportunity impact my future as an engineer? 
REVIEW Review ALL elements of the offer, including the benefits package and information resources provided by the company.
RESPOND

If you decide to move forward with negotiation after reflection and review, schedule a follow-up conversation with your point of contact and have written questions ready. 

Consider the following factors critical for a positive negotiation experience:

  • Self-confidence
  • Respectful, mature, and focused approach to communication
  • Knowledge of job offer components based on comparable positions, geographic locations, experience, and expertise in the field
  • Clear rationale for your negotiation request
  • Consider possible responses and reactions and determine in advance how you may respond to each

Note: These conversations and interactions are best by phone or virtual call. Email is recommended as a follow-up. 

Once you complete the interview process and receive the email or phone call you hoped for, it is time to decide whether to accept or decline the offer.

ACCEPT
  • Thank the company for the offer
  • Accept the position, in good faith
  • Restate the terms of your contract, including specific details
  • Restate any instructions given by the company
  • Express your excitement for the position

Accepting an offer only as a precautionary measure and then reneging on that commitment is considered unprofessional, unethical, and may seriously damage your future job prospects, as well as those of other Auburn University students and alumni in the future.

SAMPLE

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DECLINE
  • Remain respectful and professional
  • You may encounter the individuals you are communicating with for another purpose in the future. Maintain collegial and friendly discourse. Keep the door open for other opportunities in the future.

SAMPLE

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RESOURCES