When you’ve been in the job search for a while, getting a job offer is insanely exciting. Sometimes it’s ‘jump up and down and scream’ excitement. OK, maybe that was just me? Regardless, it’s an exciting accomplishment. What happens if you receive that offer on the spot during your job interview though? You can’t jump up and down and scream. In fact, you really can’t release much emotion at all. You have to be grateful, graceful, and courteous. So how do you balance those emotions while also considering the position and keeping your options open? As part of our ‘job offer’ series, let’s take a look at how you should handle a job offered to you on the spot.
The first step is to thank your interviewer for the offer. Also, internally, congratulate yourself- you went into a job interview and came out with a job offer. That’s quite an accomplishment! Now comes the next hard part: what to say after you have thanked your interviewer for the job offer. Reiterate your interest in the position. Tell the interviewer that you appreciate the job offer and that you are very interested in the position. Let them know that you are incredibly flattered by the job offer.
My advice is never take a job offer during a job interview. While it is a nice compliment that the company was so impressed with you to offer you a job at the job interview, you will not be able to think clearly about the situation until after you leave the office. Unless the job offer is for your dream job, it is likely there are at least a couple things to ponder before accepting.
Is the position out of state or out of your area? Make sure you will be able to relocate for this job relatively painlessly if necessary. The cost of living can vary greatly depending on the city so make sure you are being offered enough money. Therefore, politely ask if you can take some time to think about the offer. If the company says no, the truth of the matter is it may not be a place you want to work. Being cornered into an answer signifies some insecurity on the employers part. A secure employer will likely allow you at least 24 hours to think about the job and get back to them.
Take those 24 hours and really deliberate on whether this is the best job for you. Do you have more job interviews to go on? Is there anything else in the works? Accepting a job is a critical life-choice and getting a job offer when you least expect it, like during a job interview, can cause a lot of confusion. Don’t be flustered. Instead, bottle this experience for confidence in future job interviews and future work as proof of your skills and just how much they wanted you.
Have you ever received an offer on-the-spot in a job interview? How did you handle the situation? Let us know about it in the comments section below!
IMAGE: Courtesy of Flickr by snigl3t
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