Job Interview: Selection and Offer

This is the most exciting stage of the entire interview process but also the most important stage of the process. How do you crack it and come out successful?

Some tips to keep in mind:

• I am sure you have thought through the entire interview process on how great it would be if get selected and receive and offer from this company for the position you have applied but you need to think one last time again.
  • Does this career move help me move closer to my career plan?
  • Have I understood the role and responsibilities on the job?
  • Am I ready to relocate? (if applicable)
  • What does it mean to quit my current job and join this new position?
• You could check with the recruiter (s) the time frame you have to accept the offer, don’t rush into anything unless you are certain.
• Is the offer final? Or is there room for negotiation?  Is there room for negotiation or is this the final offer from the recruiter. Don’t negotiate if this is the final offer as usually this can work against you and the company may just withdraw the offer.
• There is no point in going up and down with negotiations for small differences in your expectations and the given offer.
• You need to look at the bigger picture:
  • is the new position having an interesting profile,
  • is it at a more senior position,
  • is the scope of your work increasing,
  • will the new position give you learning opportunity
  • are you going to receive better employee benefits
  • distance of travel to the potential place of work
  • does it involve more work-life balance if that’s what you are looking for
  • the other aspects may be as per your individual needs.
• List down the reasons you want to quit your current job and join this new position. You can then make your decision.
• You would need to discuss with the recruiter (s) your notice period and when do they want you to join.
• You shouldn’t reply to an offer within the first 5 minutes of receiving it and not take too long to reply to.
• List down your questions and ask for clarifications from the recruiter before accepting the offer.
• Once the offer is accepted, do not change your mind. This is not professional, and you may forever get blacklisted by the recruiter.
• On accepting the offer letter, don’t forget to thank the recruiter for giving you the opportunity.
• Its important to be honest throughout the interview process even if you are tempted otherwise.
• At this stage, you can do a bit of culture checks and business ethics of the organization from your friends and connections to find out how the company works, how do they treat their employees etc.
• Ask for a formal offer letter either via email or hard copy, this will help you to have something written from the recruiter.
• You could check what would be the next steps of the selection process and if you have to have any documentation ready.
• If you will be relocating for the new position, you need to check if you would receive any relocation benefits, how will the costs be reimbursed etc.
• If you need to change your visa or apply for a new visa, which documents would be required and what would be the procedure.
• Speak to hiring manager to understand his/her expectations.
• You could visit the office and speak to the team members if this is a leadership position.