Receiving a job offer can be exciting, especially if you’ve not been employed for a period of time. But a hiring manager who seems more concerned with obtaining signatures than answering queries might dampen your enthusiasm.
Remember, the hiring process involves you scrutinising the company as much as it is evaluating you. If you find yourself in a position where HR seems to be putting on the pressure to sign without sufficient clarification, here are steps you can take before accepting your new position.
1. Pause and review
Spend time reading the offer letter closely before signing anything. Pay special attention to the pay, perks, employment duties, and any other criteria stated.
Make sure everything supports what was discussed during the hiring process. If specifics are lacking or unclear, you should follow up with HR for an explanation.
2. Request for more time
Requesting time to review the offer is a wise and reasonable step. Say politely that you need to go over the terms and think about how the position will support your career objectives.
Remember to thank HR for the offer, as this shows professionalism and consideration.
3. Ask the right questions
Make a list of queries regarding the offer and your need for further explanation. Typical areas of interest are:
- employment hours and expectations;
- policies for remote work;
- development prospects and training opportunities;
- benefits, bonuses, and leave entitlement.
4. Communicate clearly
When you contact HR, succinctly and professionally frame your questions. For instance:
- “The offer mentions health insurance, but could I please have more specifics on the coverage and when it becomes active?”
- “Could you verify the KPIs and duties for this position? I would like to be sure my knowledge aligns with the expectations of the company.”
5. Watch out for red flags
Should HR ignore your inquiries or constantly appears to be in a hurry, it could point to more serious problems within the firm. A lack of openness during the hiring process could mirror the company’s organisational behavior.
While this might not necessarily be a dealbreaker, you should consider how this fits your work style and moral standards.
6. Seek outside opinions
If you’re unsure about the conditions of your job offer or the business culture, seek guidance from reliable friends, mentors or industry experts. They could offer insightful analysis or assist you in crafting follow-up enquiries with HR.
7. Trust your instincts
Feeling pressure or unease is a legitimate reason to say “stop”. If the hiring manager seems indifferent to offering clarity, or values haste above your need for knowledge, step back and reassess the situation.
Use your intuition; a good company will value your ability to decide wisely.
8. Walk away
Delaying a choice or even walking away is better than committing to a position under duress and regretting it afterwards.
So, if HR continues to be unresponsive and you feel the corporate culture might not fit your needs, give your long-term professional happiness first priority.
This article was originally written by Anisa Aznan for jobstore.com, an online job site that specialises in providing jobseekers with the latest opportunities by matching talented individuals with reputable companies. Find your dream job with over 40,000 job vacancies in Malaysia.
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