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Accepting a job offer
Accepting a job offer
Congratulations! You’ve been offered a job! You should definitely take the time to celebrate. The coming weeks are also the perfect occasion to prepare for the transition with your current employer (if you’re working elsewhere) and your new employer. Both will appreciate your efforts in making the switch as smooth as possible and it’s a perfect opportunity to demonstrate just how professional you are. Here are our top tips:
Typically, employers will make an offer over the phone and then present you with a written document to sign. You will need to carefully review this document and agree to it via signature. The written offer will include details such as your salary, start date, vacation, benefits and other important information. If this is not a co-op work term, this is also your opportunity to negotiate your salary. The Centre for Career Development offers workshops on “Successfully Negotiating Job Offers.”
In most cases, at least two weeks written notice is required to transition into a new role, but check your employment contract to be sure. You will need to write your current boss a letter of resignation. Something as simple as the example below will suffice:
Dear First Name Last Name:
This is to formally notify you that I am ending my employment with XYZ company, effective on January 10, 20XX.
I would like to thank you for the guidance, skills and professional development opportunities I have had while with the company. I also greatly valued the support you have provided me during my time here.
Best Regards,
Your Typed Name
Think about the information and notes that were most useful while you were in training for the role as well as any additional information you learned during your time there. You may wish to create a “tip sheet” and organize your documents and files in preparation for the next employee taking your position. It is also a good idea to organize your desk and office including removing any personal items and ensuring confidential documents are disposed of properly.
Your new boss will likely reach out to you with additional paperwork and information to begin the onboarding process. Check your email and phone messages to ensure you aren’t missing anything and if you are not hearing from them, don’t be afraid to reach out.
If there is something you can complete ahead of time to make your first day as smooth as possible, this is a good time to take care of such matters. Think about:
- your banking information
- parking pass needs
- transportation options (routes and travel times)
- dress code expectations
You may also wish to connect with your manager to identify any remote learning or preparation you can complete before your first day. They may really appreciate you taking the initiative to do so.
It is also great practice to review the company website for background information, recent articles, or news updates which may help you understand the work environment and organizational goals. By familiarizing yourself with the products, services or processes as well as your colleagues via their online profiles, the transition can become easier for everyone involved. This is also a great time to review the job posting again. It will refresh your memory with some of the responsibilities and tasks that you will be taking on.