ADVANCED CAREER SOLUTIONS (ACS)

A great résumé has only a sole purpose – to gain the interview. Only great interviewing will gain ‘The Offer.’ Now, how fair is the Offer? Research based upon job title, industry, and zip code (of where you will be based) is easily accomplished through a simple Internet ‘search.’ You should have done this in advance to be sure the salary and potential bonuses are satisfactory to you before continuing your career search campaign. You’ll surely be asked verbally and/or on the Application for Employment what is your expected salary and yes, you do need to provide a number! (This number is not etched in granite. Travel, bonuses, etc. could cause that initial number to increase, or decrease to be fair to all)

​Quitting, huh? Is the new position so great that you would be a fool not to accept it? Would you consider staying IF your current employer ‘matched’ your new Offer? Is this place so terrible that you must leave to protect your sanity? Please take stock of your true reasons. Okay…time for your ‘two-week notice.’ No, unless under contract, no longer than two weeks no matter your perceived value!
 
1. You must prepare an email to your immediate supervisor. Subject: Notice of Resignation. The message: I wish to inform you that I will be departing XYZ company with my final day on (a day two weeks, or so from today <less than that is unprofessional, at best>).
 
Were it not for the training and support that I’ve received here, this new position would not have been possible, so I wish to thank you and all of those with whom I’ve worked. I hope that our paths cross again in the future.
 
…all the best!
 
-Name

So, you’ve survived the gauntlet of interviews, applications, and here comes the Offer of Employment! CONGRATULATIONS!
                                               
​If it is presented verbally, BEWARE! Will it be followed by a written Offer? If yes, then express your excitement about getting started and tackling the issues that you will face. If no, then expect some surprises such as potentially unsatisfactory health and dental benefits, the “start” date and their associated costs; only one, or two weeks’ vacation; expenses reimbursed quarterly while your charge card bills you monthly; no mention of the bonus structure that quickly passed during the interview, and the list goes on. For me, if it’s not in writing, it’s not real, but you’ll feel the pressure to accept immediately when face-to-face with your future boss. If a third-party recruiter is involved, they will highly suggest your immediate acceptance since it speeds the 20% - 30% commission check to them.