Accepting an offer is more than just saying ‘Yes’
First you should agree to terms verbally. By offering you a position, the employer is acknowledging that you can contribute to his firm. Avoid letting gratitude carry you away and so settle for less than you might be able to negotiate in relation to salary and conditions.
Few people like to talk about money. But, to avoid disappointment in the written offer, you should look to agree financial terms prior to having them put in writing. To do this, it is best to get all non–contentious elements out of the way first. Are all other terms of the job satisfactory and as they have been described? Is career progression defined and acceptable to you? Once the field is clear, the subject of money can be raised, first in terms of an approximate figure and then more specifically. Before the session is ended, you should have agreed upon a figure that commits both you and the employer. It is all too easy for either party to lose face at this stage and for the entire negotiation to break down. Consider the employer’s viewpoint and take care.
Ask to see the offer confirmed in writing and establish that you expect the employer to refrain from taking up references until you have accepted. References should be no more than double–checking a decision already taken and the employer ought not to prejudice your current situation unnecessarily. In some firms, an offer will be contingent upon either satisfactory references, or the results of a medical examination, or both. You must warn your referees that they will be contacted and by whom. Also, it is wise to confirm what they will say (you may want to offer an alternative referee). Make sure you know about and agree to those conditions in advance. You could otherwise find that you have resigned one post, only to have another fall through.
Source: Macdonald & Company - The Property Career Guide
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