APU Careers Careers & Learning

Follow-up After a Job Offer

By: J. Mason
Online Career Tips Staff

There’s nothing more satisfying than getting offered the job you really wanted. Once you get the confirmation call you get so giddy that you accept and jump off the phone. So, what if a couple weeks pass without getting the official offer letter in the mail? Make sure you ask a couple questions before hanging up on that call.

Once they offer you the position, you can ask if they’ve checked your references already. Sneak it into the conversation, of course. If they haven’t called them, they will, and if something doesn’t turn out they may drop their offer to you without so much as a follow-up call or email. Also, be sure to ask for a timeframe on when they want you to start. This will give you a time to expect the letter in the mail without starting to panic. If too much time passes and you still haven’t gotten anything, give your contact a ring. It may be a flub on their part, but be casual and relaxed when you call.

If all else fails, go with your gut. Be up front from the beginning, and also be aware of your surroundings. If something seems off with their offer, or the company model seems strange then maybe it isn’t the best offer for you now. I’ve been on a couple interviews with a pyramid scheme, and the first time I got offered the job…I turned it down the next day. Know your options and what you have to offer. So when you do get the call you’ve been waiting for, be ready for a quick response and ask questions while you have the opportunity.

[related: Tailor Your Interview Style to Fit the Interviewer’s Personality]

Comments are closed.