The reward of diligent job hunting is to receive one or more impressive job offers.  Deciding which employment offer to accept is a pleasant dilemma to face.  Once you  have made a careful selection, the next step is to formally accept the offer and graciously decline other offers.  Certain protocol is involved in the process.

Make sure you receive a bona fide offer.

Genuine expressions of employer interest do not necessarily translate into an actual employment offer.  Suppose, for example, that at the conclusion of a pleasant interview, the employer says something like this:

    "Your overall qualifications are indeed    impressive.  I believe your skills would be an asset to the department."

    "We can use someone with your type of background.  What kind of money would you be looking for?"

These are positive and encouraging remarks, but they do not convey a bona fide job offer.  The employer is simply communicating the fact that you are an impressive candidate and that you would probably be a good fit in the organization-should they decide to extend an offer.

Hearing these comments only, it's imprudent to assume that an offer is forthcoming and that you should give notice to your current employer.  Rather than jump the gun and jeopardize your current situation, wait until a genuine job offer is made before taking further action.

Get the offer in writing.

Different companies have different policies for extending employment offers.  Some organizations extend offers verbally--in person or over the phone.  Other companies have a more formal approach:  They only communicate job-related matters in writing.

Even if a company makes a verbal offer, be sure you get something in writing to substantiate it.  This way, there will be no misunderstanding later on as to the terms of the offer.  The offer letter (or similar document) typically covers basic information such as:

· Job title
· Beginning compensation
· Who the position reports to
· Start date
· Mention of main benefits like paid vacation.

It's important to understand all the terms of the offer, especially as it relates to compensation.  If the job includes commission in addition to base salary, that should be spelled out clearly in order to avoid any misunderstanding.

An employer may say, "We'll talk about commissions later on."  That statement should raise a red flag.  When is later?  What about evaluating and rewarding job performance before then?  Nothing concerning a job offer should be left to conjecture or misinterpretation. 

Is it okay to stall for time?

Suppose a company makes you an offer, but you are not totally convinced that you should accept.  After all, if you have been interviewing extensively, a better offer might be in the works.  So when is it appropriate to stall for more time?

If there is some certainty that a better offer is forthcoming, it may be possible to ask for more time to make a decision.  The level of the position makes a difference.  A hospital might give a department chief candidate a week or more to decide.  But a medical secretary is expected to respond much more quickly, obviously.

On the flip side, if you have received a good offer and don't expect any other in the near future, there's no reason to delay in giving your acceptance.  The longer you wait, the more likely it is that the employer will have second thoughts about bringing you on board.

Accept the offer enthusiastically.

No employer likes to hire someone with a lackadaisical interest whose actions seem to say, "I'll take the job although it's not really what I want."  Of course not.  Companies want to hire employees who are excited about the prospect of joining the organization.  This makes them more comfortable in having made the offer.

If protocol demands a formal response, don't hesitate to write an acceptance letter.  It should be short and sweet, with a positive upbeat tone.  Indicate how much you look forward to starting the position on the agreed upon date.  Similarly, if an informal response is expected, phone the employer to relay your acceptance.  With appropriate enthusiasm, let your new boss know that you accept the job offer and confirm the starting date.

Graciously decline other offers.

You can't accept more than one job offer concurrently.  When rejecting an employment offer, it pays to do so graciously.  Again, timeliness is appreciated.  The offer you decline can be extended to another candidate so that the hiring process is not stalled needle