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Agreement and Final Offer

Sometimes there is a great deal of discussion back and forth, and the actual final job offer may need to be clarified one last time. Always ask for the final offer in writing; most companies will do this automatically. In some cases, you may need to write a letter summarising your understanding of the offer and provide it to the manager.

Establish a start date. Even though the employer is anxious to have you start work, this date is often negotiable. When “the deal is struck”, remember to express your appreciation and how much you are looking forward to beginning work. If differences cannot be bridged and the offer is still below your walk-away point, express disappointment and bring the conversation to a professional ending. However never burn any bridges.

Be very careful, negotiations if pursued too hard, or when your true bargaining position is weak, could lose you the goodwill of your future employer or they could even lose you the job offer. Do not negotiate too hard unless you really are prepared to walk away from the job.