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As a continuation from our previous newsletters, we will now highlight the Offer Stage and Road to Success step from the 2019 Road to Employment in the United States (미국취업 실전 가이드북) guidebook.
Offer Stage and Road to Success
The Offer Stage chapter highlights the key considerations that one must make before accepting an offer, and the Road to Success chapter shows what actions can done to be successful in a new workplace.
6. Offer Stage
The Offer
- An offer can be made in a verbal or written format.
- Do not begin negotiating until AFTER a formal offer is presented (verbal or written).
- Ask for an official written Offer Letter before accepting and signing an employment offer.
- Accepting an offer should never be rushed and should be carefully thought out. Do not hesitate to ask for clarification and time to think about the offer (usually 24 hours)
- Determine what additional information you need on the role and offer, to make a better assessment of the offer.
- If working with a Recruitment Agency, they will be the one negotiating on your behalf, advocating your needs, and matching them to the company's resources.
Employment Benefits Package
- An employee's benefit package will vary from company to company.
- It is important to note that companies are not obligated to offer any benefits, unless they are legally bound to do so.
- Some common benefits are health insurance, paid vacation and sick time, paid holidays, and maternity/paternity leave.
- Some companies will also offer non-common benefits to differentiate themselves to offer a more compelling package. These non-common benefits can be student loan debt reimbursement, catered meals, and discounts on company merchandise/service
Negotiation
- There is usually room for adjustments in the offer after receiving it.
- Key points to consider when negotiating are Assess Current State, Conduct Due Diligence, Counter with Rationale, and Wait for their response and respond accordingly.
- Make sure that any discussions about negotiations are done in a professional matter and to remember that not every requests will be met.
Acceptance of Offer
- Before accepting an offer, make sure that an official written offer is obtained (especially if only a verbal offer was established during negotiations).
- Any notice to your current employer should be made AFTER an offer is formally accepted and signed.
*HRCap Tip: Make sure you do not give in your notice to your current employer immediately after accepting and signing the offer. There are still factors in play that can rescind the accepted offer. Giving a two to four weeks notice to your current employer is standard courtesy in any work field. Remember, you are an employee at will so this is not a rule or law. Employers can terminate you and you may quit at any time.
Background and Reference Check
- Once an offer is signed, the hiring company will conduct a background and reference check to verify information to ensure nothing hinders the employment.
- The following are the most commonly checked items a hiring company will make: Education, Previous Employment, Reference, and Background.
- Although uncommon, job offers can be rescinded during negotiations or after an offer acceptance.
- One of the most common reasons for a rescinded offer is a failed background or reference check.
- Other reasons that can lead to a rescinded offer are false education or work history, failed drug test, criminal history that goes against company policy, or having an active "non-compete" agreement.
*HRCap Tip: A credit check is usually done for government or money related jobs. A drug test might be conducted during the final interview to determine if you are taking anything that might be illegal or against company policy.
7. Road to Success
Preparation
- A new job requires diligence in order for success.
- Prepare what to wear the night before, abiding by the company's dress-code policy.
- Complete and prepare all paperwork that is required on the first day of work, the night before (ex. signed offer letter, copy of ID).
- Bring a pen and notepad to take notes (companies usually do provide stationary, but bring your own just in case)
- Do not be late on the first day of work.
- Check the local traffic and commute route to aim for a 10-20 minute early arrival.
- Ask questions to get clarifications on unsure tasks.
First Day of Work
- The first day of work is an opportunity to make a good first impression.
- Actions will determine how you are perceived in the company.
- Avoid actions such as demeaning or belittling the work being asked of you, making comparison to a previous work experience, and leaving early.
Successful Transition
- What is expected of you varies depending on the company and the team you are assigned to.
- Some key first tasks to consider are finding a mentor, setting career goals, understanding and learning the office culture, mastering office communication, and speaking to colleagues.
This concludes the final portion of the guidebook highlights. For a deeper read on the Offer Stage and Road to Success steps, as well as all other previous steps of the employment process, please take a moment to fill out the short survey at https://goo.gl/forms/Hu4vjlfRECZcVeAA3 to download a digital copy of our Road to Employment in the United States (미국취업 실전 가이드북) guidebook.
READ THE FULL NEWSLETTER HERE: HRCap E-Newsletter (April 2019)