Job Offer & Negotiations

Job Offer & Negotiations●

​​Receiving a job offer is an exciting milestone - but it's important to approach the process thoughtfully and professionally.

​

Most offers are initially made verbally, followed by a formal offer letter or employment contract. A verbal acceptance is generally provisional, subject to satisfactory references, background checks, and the signing of formal documentation.

You are not required to accept or decline an offer immediately. It is perfectly acceptable to request time to review the offer, clarify details, and confirm your decision. If you are confident the role is right for you, you may choose to accept at that stage.

​

Negotiating Your Offer

Once an offer is made, discussions around salary, benefits, and employment terms can take place.

If you are working with an ACI consultant, your remuneration package will typically be negotiated on your behalf, balancing your expectations with the employer’s requirements to achieve the best possible outcome.

​

If you are negotiating independently:

• Be clear and realistic about your salary expectations and benefits

• Research market benchmarks for similar roles and locations

• Consider the overall package, including career progression, learning opportunities, and long-term potential

​Tips for Managing a Job Offer

• Allow the employer to raise the topic of salary first

• If asked for expectations early, try to defer until the role is fully defined or refer to your consultant

• If required to respond, provide a reasonable salary range

• Be open to flexibility if the role offers strong career advancement

• It is reasonable to request one to two days to consider an offer before responding

Approaching a job offer with preparation and clarity helps ensure you make a confident, informed decision that supports your long-term career goals.

​

Offer & Negotiation Checklist

Before accepting a job offer, take time to review the following:

​

Role & Expectations

• Do you clearly understand the role, responsibilities, and reporting structure?

• Are performance expectations and KPIs clearly defined?

• Does the role align with your career goals and development plans?

Compensation & Benefits

• Is the base salary aligned with market benchmarks?

• Have you reviewed bonuses, incentives, and commission structures (if applicable)?

• Are benefits clearly outlined (leave, insurance, allowances, flexibility)?

• Have you considered the total remuneration package, not just salary?

Negotiation Considerations

• Have you allowed the employer to raise salary discussions first?

• Are your expectations realistic and supported by market data?

• If negotiating directly, are you prepared to present a reasonable salary range?

• Are you comfortable being flexible where long-term growth opportunities exist?

Decision & Acceptance

• Have you requested adequate time to review the offer in full?

• Are all agreed terms documented in the offer letter or contract?

• Are references and background checks clearly stated as conditions?

• Are you confident this role supports your long-term career progression?