You have chomped through the interviews and found your perfect role, the offer letter has arrived. Here are 6 ways to blow it at offer stage through the eyes of HR and Recruiters.

 

Change your salary expectations at the last minute

So the whole process you have said £25,000 and then decide that for that location you want more like £30,000 but haven’t mentioned it until now. My advice, make it clear from the start what your expectations are, salary, holiday ect that way the offer process is much more straight forward and easy.

 

Playing two clients off against each other haggling salary

NEVER use one offer to increase another, going backwards and forwards between clients is not the done thing. IF you are lucky enough to get multiple offers that’s great but each company will have offered that salary for a reason whether it be to keep inline with other salary bandings in that team or because you require some training on a specific piece of software. If you are happy with the salary and you want to work for the business that is the offer you should accept.

 

Be realistic

You are offered the salary you asked for which is £2k more than your previous salary. In the meantime you notice an advert for a job stating an even higher salary with another company. Firstly remember some salaries on adverts are there to entice you the applicant to apply. It is rare a candidate will get a £8k pay rise just for changing roles, so be realistic with your expectations. If you are unsure ask the recruiter what the market rate is at your level.

 

Hard to get

When you are given an offer of course you are not expected to accept immediately, employers understand that sometimes this can be a big decision. However if you give a timescale, stick to it. For example if you say I will get back to you by close of play tomorrow, then do and if you need to extend this time then let the contact know. Don’t ignore calls or emails from the recruiter or HR team member chasing your decision. This will look bad and will make it harder for you to negotiate if you need to if your contact doesn’t know you situation.

 

The counter offer

Did you know that over half the applicants who accept a counter offer from there current employer will still leave within 6 months? This is something you should think long and hard about before starting a job search, you should know why you are looking for a new job. Is it because you are unhappy? Is it the commute? Is it the job itself ? Write these down and remember them always! If you have genuine reasons to look for a new role in the first place these reasons will still be the same if the salary is matched on a counter offer.

 

When accepting or negotiating an offer be honest and thoughtful, remember you are probably not the only offer the HR team are dealing with at that time so be courteous, after all you will be working with them in the future.

 

For advice on offer negotiations or to find a new role drop us an email on hello@404recruitmentuk.com