Good preparation and knowing your current status financially, professionally, and with other interviews/offers are key contributing factors in knowing when to exit the negotiating process, always being professional but firm in your convictions.

However tempting it may be to leap at the first meaningful offer, it pays to consider all the factors in making that decision. Nothing positive comes from accepting a position with a firm that you are unhappy in working for at low wages or benefits, poor conditions, or unacceptable hours/location. Finally, thank the interviewer for the time spent and the consideration the company has afforded you by tendering an offer.

1. Determine the start date, hours of operation, and location.
2. What is the exact job title?
3. What are the associated responsibilities for that title?
4. Determine salary, overtime, commissions, bonuses (guaranteed or not?), sign-on bonus, expense reimbursement, car and mileage allowance, uniform/dress code allowance, and tuition assistance.
5. Be clear on the benefit package, i.e., medical and dental (and co-payments), life insurance, pension plans, stock options, maternity, orthodontics, vision, vacations, and coverage of relocation expenses.
6. What is the reporting structure at the company for this job?
7. What types of support should I expect, both in people and resources?
8. What are the opportunities for growth and advancement?
9. Is there a contract involved with this position?
10. How and when are performance reviews handled and by whom?

As the discussions evolve into definitive talks about the offer, the candidate has to make certain that the company is making a firm offer, so get it in writing! Simply determine by asking, “Are you making me an offer?”; then request it in writing by email, mail or other means so you may review it with a spouse, a friend, your family or a consultant. Then ask when the interviewer would like to have an answer to the offer, thus giving you the candidate time to carefully evaluate it and compare it to others.

The candidate has now regained some control of the situation and needs to proceed with confidence as the offer is evaluated and discussed. Remember: both sides have what the other wants, you want the job and they want you, so proceed with the confidence that comes from being properly prepared. Be professional and cordial, and like the interview process, always smile and make it a pleasant conversation. Determine when and how the next exchange of information will take place, and email the interviewer a thank you note and confirmation.