Question about how to handle a job offer...?

Question

I went on an interview and I already have a heads up that I will get the job. I know the head of the HR dept and she told me that I would basically get it. The job, pay and benefits are what I've been looking for for a long time. I only have one question, when the HR rep calls and offers me the job should I accept it right away or tell them to give me a day to think about? I'm asking because I heard that you should never accept a job right away. But in this situation it seems that it would be ok to accept it at the time she calls. What do you think?

Also answerers it's not about playing games or trying to get them to up the salary. it's just that I'm straight out of college and a professor once told the students to always wait a day. I thought I would be considered unprofessional or something to accept on the spot. But as I can see by the answers, it's not. :)

Answer 1

That is a very good question... and hopefully congrats are soon in order. IF the job and compensation is in order to your expectation, waiting buys you nothing more. There is no penalty to accepting a job that is a fit in all ways to you.. If it feels in order, go for it.

IF there were reasons to wait a few days, i.e. another better fitting job, better compensation, or other considerations, your strategy would be different, but there is no need to wait on a job that is right for you now, to say it is when they call.

Answer 2

I've accepted all of my jobs on the spot. If the whole point of holding out a day or two is to make them up their salary offer, then why not make a counteroffer right away? Just say that you were expecting a little more and see what happens. You aren't going to harm your reputation or anything by accepting the offer right away, so just go for it!

Answer 3

And what would you be waiting for???? perhaps a brick to hit you in the head. If by your own admission this is your dream job, why play games, you applied and interviewed because you wanted the job, why listen to someone who does not know your situation, but if you are independently wealthy then by all means wait the few days, giving someone else who really needs a job the chance.

Answer 4

If you are currently unemployed, and you're being offered what you want, why would you want to play games with them?

However, if you currently have a job, you shouldn't officially commit until you've given reasonable notice to your current employer. You don't want to say "I accept, I can start Tuesday" and show up on Monday and say "As soon as I pack my desk, I'm gone." You may want them for a reference someday.

If they call with the offer and you say "Yes, but I need to talk to my current employer before I can give you a date certain. What did you have in mind for a start?" They'll respect that. May answer "First thing tomorrow," but they'll respect it.

Answer 5

accept it ---
you've been waiting for this type of job and the benefits for so long. Don't let the HR thinks that it seems you don't like the job or something.
What would happen then if you will think of it? you might lose the opportunity.
If you like the job then grab it!

Answer 6

It never hurts to show enthusiasm for a job, even when you are first getting it. Your employer will have a tendency to think that he or she was absolutely correct that you and the job are a fit, and that you are a straightforward person. Accept it gracefully.

Answer 7

take the job the rule is never talk about money first and reject the first offer but you interviewed for the job don't play hard to get

Answer 8

I have waited to accept and have taken right away. either way is fine. if this is the job you want and the salary you want, take it!!

Answer 9

properly, which interest do you pick for greater? might you be happy at interest form one? while you're no longer working now settle for the 1st interest you get. while you're working now, talk to giving your modern-day corporation notice and such.