Intro to the Top Ten Tips...

Each month, Tim posts his 'Top Ten Tips' for HR practitioners on various subjects. This month's subject is 'How to prepare for that job offer. What is the appropriate etiquette?'. A list of subjects for forthcoming months and links to previous subjects can be found at the bottom of this page.

First...take a deep breath and stay alert; you are almost there!

Listen to the offer carefully if it is presented verbally. Politely acknowledge all the contents and ask for it to be put in writing - even if in draft form;

Resist any temptation to sign back the offer immediately. Your prospective employer would hope that you would think carefully about all company matters. Do the same for yourself;

Make a note of all the items you think are essential and those others that you might be willing to 'trade' or postpone;

Note all the items that appear to be a potential negotiation problem. Ask who will make a decision and by when. Preferably, you don't want to be following up after you have signed and been hired. The 'leverage' is lost. Clarify any and all issues now - constructively;

Don't be afraid to insist on reasonable mutual clarity in each clause. If your prospective employer queries why, indicate that you are simply spending the same amount of energy for yourself as you would with, for example, a company client contract if you were negotiating on behalf of the company;

Take the time to have an experienced former colleague look at the contract, or an employment lawyer. It's an investment now, rather than potential additional expense later if there is a dispute;

Check that the tone and content of the offer meshes with your observations of what you have seen at the worksite. Ensure all the facilities that the employer said were available are itemized e.g. health club; 'personal' days off. Does the company literature adequately describe how it feels about its employees?;

Don't take the first offer that comes along - if at all possible. Take the time to think whether this is really right for you. This may be hard to do under tough circumstances, but well worth the personal effort, long-term;

Do reference checks on the company. Check with former employees and other reliable resources.

Timetable 2000/2001/2002 ... Top Ten Tips

Month	Subject
August 2002	How to make an external 'Coach' a positive work experience
July 2002	How to prepare for that job offer. What is the appropriate etiquette?
June 2002	How to stay 'pumped' when you are between jobs and the immediate prospects look tough
May 2002	Enforcement of substance abuse infractions - do's and don't's
April 2002	Substance Abuse in the Workplace - Generic Rights & Responsibilities of all parties
March 2002	Post-interview evaluation and feedback. How to add value for your clients
February 2002	Behavioural Interviewing: sense or nonsense? How to get the best from improved hiring techniques
January 2002	Recognition Programs - the right set-up for employee acceptance and corporate success
December 2001	HR work habits for 2002. The need for reform
November 2001	Downsizing aftermath...how to keep the survivors focused for the future
October 2001	How to plan strategically for downsizing, maintaining HR's credibility and employee loyalty
September 2001	Collective Bargaining...now you have the deal, how do you make it work?
August 2001	Managing Consulting Costs...how to keep hold of the reins and avoid surprises
July 2001	Expatriate Career Assignments...how to manage the risk and improve the odds of a 'win/win' for employee and employer
June 2001	Part Two of 'Browsers' Choices'... some tips on how to migrate successfully from 'A' to 'B' in a prudent, yet urgent, manner
May 2001	Part One of 'Browsers' Choices'... a summary of the 'new & old world' of HR business
April 2001	Managing promises and expectations during the "R" word
March 2001	'High Potential' Employees...how to ensure they don't sit out the game, then leave
February 2001	How to write really useful Job Descriptions...connecting the business dots
January 2001	Outsourcing...the 'Catch 22' for HR Managers
December	Spreading scarce bonus/incentive dollars...best bang for the buck
November	Ethical Practices in Performance Appraisal & Related Salary Admin
October	Stock Option Plan Design in private companies heading for an 'IPO'
September	Key Lessons in 'Downsizing'...maintaining business & employee relationships under difficult circumstances
August	Grievance management in unionized and non-unionized workplaces
July	Business Planning in HR...how to flex HR's muscle
June	Settling post-termination disputes; mutual gains
May	360° Feedback...is it right for you?
April	Harassment in the Workplace...practical considerations
March	Interpersonal Conflict in the Workplace