- Offer the names of people who could replace you.
- Help with the recruitment process: write up the job specification and offer to assist with job interviews. You know the job better than anyone. You know what your replacement needs to be good at.
- Offer to train in your replacement (if possible).
- Provide a thorough handover. Who and what does your manager need to know about? (Key relationships with clients, etc.)
How to manage job offers
Best practices to ensure you avoid any pitfalls.
What to do when you receive a job offer
When the offer arrives, either by phone or by email, request it in writing. It’s not an offer until it’s in writing.
Don’t verbally accept until you have read through the offer letter thoroughly. This is to ensure that any issues or questions you may have can be addressed before you put pen to paper.
If there is something you’re uncertain of or if there is a sticky point preventing you from accepting, call the recruiter to discuss. Tell them what you need to know before signing the contract. This may involve carving out time to speak with your future manager to ask questions about the job.
**Find out the deadline for a decision. **Accepting a job is a big decision. Ask for a few days to review the offer and discuss everything with your family. You may get blinded by your excitement as soon as the offer comes in. It’s always best to let your emotions cool off so you can think clearly.
If you have other interviews you want to finish up, let the recruiter know. Specify the time you’ll need to wrap things up and inquire if they can accommodate your timeline. Be reasonable though, as nobody is going to wait weeks for a decision.
Don’t feel pressured into accepting the offer on the spot. Never be bullied into a decision. Feel no guilt about letting recruiters down.
Considerations
If you receive multiple job offers it’s worth considering the following:
**What is your impression of the manager? **
One of the main reasons people quit their jobs is because of their manager. Really think about the person/people you’re going to be working with.
Career opportunities
Are there opportunities to grow within the role and achieve your career objectives?
Location:
Consider the length of the commute you’ll take. There are 255 working days in a year. Those hours rack up. If you spend 2 hours per day travelling, that’s 510 hours over a year. Not only is this a massive time commitment, but it will also cost you thousands in transport costs.
Salary package
How happy are you with the package being offered?
Purpose
Do your mission and purpose align with the company’s?
Do you agree with what they do and how they do it?
Do you like the company’s product or service? Would you use it yourself?
If you have multiple offers and can’t decide, one method of forcing a decision is to ask someone you trust to make the decision for you. Your gut will tell you if it’s right or wrong.
Leveraging job offers
Let’s say you interviewed with two companies; Company A and Company B.
Company A is your first choice. While waiting for their offer, Company B offers you a job.
In this scenario, email Company A to speed up the hiring process:
Hi [Hiring Manager’s Name],
_How are things? I’m following up on my application for the [Job Title] position. _
_I received a job offer from another company and the hiring team has requested a decision by [Insert Date]. _
[Company A] is my employer of choice. The opportunity to join your team is one I don’t want to pass up. Based on our discussions throughout the interview process, I am very confident I can come in and bring the [Department Name] department to [Main Objective].
Now I understand you’re going through your process, but I’m in limbo at the moment, so I wanted to know by what date the hiring decision will be made?
Looking forward to hearing about the next steps [Hiring Manager’s Name].
Regards,
_[Your Name] _
Their response will reveal exactly where you stand while speeding everything up.
**Staying at the same job **
You may be considering telling your current employer that you have received another job offer with the goal of getting a pay increase instead of leaving.
Depending on your situation, sometimes it is worth exploring what your current employer can offer you before leaving.
If you have been sent a job offer in writing, consider sitting down with your current manager and having an open chat.
Here’s how it might go:
“Hi [Manager’s name], I want to state that I’m really grateful for the opportunities you’ve given me, but I want to take on more responsibility and expand my role.
Based on that, I am being approached by companies that are offering me more scope, specifically; [Mention what you want in your role].
Is there anything you can offer that would give me the opportunity to take on more responsibility?”
This will give your manager the opportunity to expand your role.
If this is an option, you will then need to ask **what compensation you will receive as a result of the increased responsibility. **
Accepting job offers
First, read your employment contract carefully before signing. Ask a trusted friend or family member to read through it too. If something feels off, ask about it.
Get any doubts you have out in the open before accepting the offer. This may save you from starting a new job search in 30 days’ time.
Never rely on promises made to you in an interview. **Rely on what’s written in the contract. **
Negotiate time off before accepting the offer. For example, if you have a holiday booked in advance, discuss this immediately after receiving a job offer.
References
If a hiring company asks for a reference from your current manager, it may jeopardise your current job. And in the unlikely event that the job offer falls through, you’re in a pickle.
You’ve got to protect yourself at all times. So if you’re asked to provide a reference from your current employer, offer alternatives, like a trusted colleague or someone who has recently left your workplace. Go as high up as possible: manager, supervisor, team leader, etc.
Use this script as a guide if you have any concerns about references:
“As I’m currently employed at [Current Company Name], I am hesitant about providing a reference from my current employer. I’m concerned that it might jeopardise my position there, especially in the unlikely event that the offer doesn’t go through.
Could we consider alternatives for this part of the process? I can provide references from [offer alternatives instead of your line manager - ex-manager who recently left, team leader, supervisor, etc.] who can speak to my abilities and work ethic.”
Of course, if you have a strong relationship with your current manager, you may have no issues. But when it comes to your livelihood, minimise risks where possible.
If you had issues at a previous company, get a reference from someone who has left the company or a colleague you got along well with. Go as high up the ladder as possible; ex-managers, supervisors, team leaders.
In some cases, companies will call your past/current employer to confirm your employment dates and job title without digging into your experience. This is to avoid any potential legal disputes.
Rejecting offers
Remember, it’s a small world. The hiring manager you’re rejecting could be the key to future job opportunities. Offer as much value to them as possible.
Thank them for the opportunity.
Be open and honest about why you’re rejecting the job offer.
This is valuable feedback for the hiring manager that will help them going forward. Tell them why they don’t fit.
Offer feedback on their hiring process. If you think something could be improved, provide them with constructive feedback.
If possible, provide a recommendation for someone they could hire.
**Resigning from your job **
Leave a great legacy. It will serve you for the remainder of your career. Give as much notice as possible.
Set up a face-to-face meeting and let your manager know you’ve accepted another job offer.
Thank them for the opportunity.
Explain why you have decided to accept the job offer.
Provide feedback: If you feel there are areas that would improve company operations, let your manager know. Providing constructive criticism will benefit your employer and will be appreciated.
Keep it professional, non-emotional, and avoid bad-mouthing. Offer solutions for how your manager could make improvements.
See if you can negotiate an earlier exit.
Go in with a plan
You want to make the transition process as seamless as possible.
Assist with finding your replacement: