• Know the salary you can reasonably accept and expect for the type of position you seek in comparison with your experience, education and the industry wage standards.
• Try to find out the salary range for the position before the interview. Contacting the interviewer's secretary, the personnel office or a networking contact that works in the company may be helpful.
• It isn't usually recommended to accept an offer on the spot. Express your appreciation and strong interest in the job. Request at least 24 hours to consider it, even when saying "Yes." Ask any questions you need clarified.
• Assess the job offer in terms of your needs, benefits and long-term career and life goals. Talk it over with someone you respect. Make a list of the pros and cons of the job offer.
• Consider if the job description is clear. Note your reporting relationships, authority and advancement potential. Keep asking questions until you clearly understand. Careful thought and consideration will only gain you respect.
• If you want the job, make it clear this is the job you want. If you're uncertain, state there are some items you'd like to discuss before you can accept the job. Suggest meeting further to talk about the offer.
• Begin the negotiation with reasonable requests. Those requests could include more money, benefits, tuition, training, more vacation time, a flexible schedule, stock options, a company car, onsite daycare, parking privileges, etc.
• Negotiations should never become emotional or hostile. Use your value, skills, experience and education to negotiate. Don't use your need for the job to negotiate.
• Listen carefully. If the offer is less than you expected, let them know that, but state you're still interested in the position if they want to reconsider their offer. Don't assume the first offer is fixed. Even if the interviewer tells you it is-- it rarely is.
• If the same figure is offered a couple days later, it probably is the last offer. In that case, you can ask for a salary review in six months to evaluate your performance and value, or you can turn the job down, asking that they keep you in mind for future openings paying more money.
• Even when saying "no," leave the door open to negotiation. (Don't use this to negotiate a higher wage. When you say "no," be ready to lose the job forever.)
• When you reach an agreement, request the agreement in writing.

What to Do If You Get Turned Down

• Let interviewers know that although you're disappointed, you're still interested in working for the employer.
• Be sure to thank them for their time and interest. Reemphasize the fact that if future openings occur, you'd be interested.
• Find out if there are, or might be, other openings they could suggest or other persons you could contact.
• Many times the person selected ends up turning the job down or doesn't work out. Keep the communication line open, positive and professional. This keeps your name in their mind for the next opening or future opportunities.
• Ask if you could contact them every three or four months to find out about future job openings.
• Stay positive. Congratulate yourself. You did get the interview, which means the employer was interested in you. Use positive self-talk (see Affirmations).
• Learn from the experience. Ask for feedback from the interviewer on what you could improve or do differently.
• Keep trying. This isn't the time to stop. Forge ahead. Act to stay in control of your job search.
• Remember the salesperson's motto-- "No" is another step closer to "Yes."
• Don't despair. Getting turned down happens to all of us at some point in our lives.

I. M. Boss
Human Resources Manager
123 Pinnacle Heights
Lake Woebegone, MN 55555
(987) 654-3210

May 31, 200_

Mr. Neda Job
Rural Route 1
Frostbite Falls, MN 55555

Dear Mr. Job:

After considering all of the candidates for Nit Picker, we decided to hire someone with more experience and education in this field. Thank you for taking the time to talk to us about the position. I hope you find the job you are looking for.

Sincerely,

I. M. Boss

Neda Job
Rural Route 1
Frostbite Falls, MN 55555
June 2, 200_

I. M. Boss
Human Resources Manager
123 Pinnacle Heights
Lake Woebegone, MN 55555

Dear Mr. Boss:

While I am disappointed that I was not selected for the job of Nit Picker, I remain interested in working for your company. Please consider me for future openings or other positions for which I am qualified.

I want to thank you for taking the time to talk to me about the position. I will contact you in the near future to inquire about other prospects. If you think of someone else that might use my skills, I would very much appreciate a referral.

Thanks again for your kind consideration and remember me if the candidate you hired doesn't work out.

Sincerely,

Neda Job

Creative Job Search is a service of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.

Ordering the Creative Job Search Guide

Copyright© 1994 - 2009 by Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.