You learn something new everyday.

My apologies for not writing for quite some time. I have had quite the adventurous weekend due to some amazing news I received this past Thursday. Yep, you guessed it! I received a job offer from the company in Houston! Knowing I have a job offer makes me feel ten times better because it shows that the information in this blog actually has the potential to work. It worked for me, why not for you?

Now that I have a job offer, I find myself wondering exactly what to do next. First things first: make sure you receive the company’s package explaining salary, benefits, vacation time, investment opportunities, relocation information, etc. I will definitely be asking my mother and father for help after I receive this information. It’s always great to have someone you look up to explain and help you understand everything you possibly can about the position. Whether it be a parent, legal guardian, mentor, or adviser, make sure you have someone to guide you during this exciting process!

Secondly, many of my sources tell me that you can usually wait a week to respond to the job offer. But the best thing to do is respond to it within 2 to 3 days. You obviously don’t want to keep the company waiting, otherwise they may think you really aren’t serious about the position. You put forth all that effort, why would you want them doubting you the minute you’re hired?

Thirdly, knowing how to respond to a job offer is just as important as interview etiquette, sending thank you letters, and the rest of the lot. Below is a step-by-step guide by ehow.com that I have found quite useful:

Compose a Response to Decline or Accept a Job Offer
Step One: Thank the employer. Be sure to convey the fact that you are appreciative of the opportunity. If you are turning down the job, provide the company with a legitimate reason for your choice. You don’t want to alienate anyone who could become a future networking contact.
Step Two: Stay positive throughout a negotiation letter or phone call. Ask whether the pay, benefits or title are open to negotiations and suggest a time to further discuss it.
Step Three: Restate the hours, pay and benefits to reinforce the job offer as you understand it. Ask about job details that might not have been mentioned in previous communication, such as paid time off or work-from-home privileges.
Step Four: Be professional in your tone and presentation. Being offered the job doesn’t mean that you should stop trying to impress them. Use proper business letter format and always check for spelling and grammar.

Maintain Communication After You Respond to a Job Offer
Step One: Find out the specifics. Call and determine the exact start date and time, what you should wear the first day, where to park, whom to report to and your exact job duties.
Step Two: Send a thank you note. Thank the company for taking the time with you if you decline and thank them for the opportunity and reassure them of their choice if you are accepting the offer.

On a personal note, I will be receiving my package of information this week and plan to use this information (and my other research) to ensure that this process flows as smoothly as possible. And for those of you who read my blog on a regular basis, I just want to say thank you. I truly hope that this information will help you as much as it has helped me. And don’t worry, even when I do decide what my career path will be, this blog will continue to be up and running. You learn something new everyday, right?