
Module 30 - Follow-Up Letters and Calls and Job Offers
In-Class Exercise: Have students critique the follow-up letter example in Figure 30.1 (p.
509). What are the letter’s strengths? Weaknesses? How might they improve these
weaknesses? If students identify significant weaknesses, consider having them rewrite
the letter as homework, to be turned in the next class period.
In-Class Exercise: Give students 10-15 minutes to complete Exercise 30.8 (p. 513).
Afterward, have them partner up and critique each other’s solutions for another 10
minutes. Then have them revise their answers accordingly, turning the final version
in to you.
What should I do if my first offer isn’t the one I most want? LO 30-2
Phone your first-choice employer to find out where you are on that list.
While some interviewers may offer a job at the end of the interview, many instead contact the
applicant later. In either case, the applicant should respond immediately. However, responding
does not necessarily mean accepting the offer. Many employers allow an employee time to think
things over. A two-week period is not uncommon. Taking time to think things over is especially
important in situations where the job offer comes from an employer that is not the applicant’s
first choice. During that period of time, applicants can carefully consider where they stand, as
well as contact other employers to learn the status of their applications.
As illustrated on PP 30-5, students can use specific strategies in responding to job offers:
If your first offer is not from your first choice, express your
pleasure at being offered the job, but do not accept it
immediately.
Ask for two weeks to consider the offer.
Then call the other companies you’re interested in.
Explain, “I’ve just got a job offer, but I’d rather work for you.
Can you tell me what the status of my application is?”
If you still need time, ask for an extension beyond two weeks to consider the offer.
Make your acceptance contingent upon a written job offer confirming the terms.
When you’ve accepted one job, let the other places you visited know that you're no
longer interested.
Teaching Tip: Remind students that a reasonable amount of flexibility from the
employers can be expected. However, cooperation is a two-way street. Employers
may frown upon applicants who seem to be needlessly stalling or taking advantage
of them. Applicants should carefully analyze their audiences to understand what
may be appropriate to request.
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30-3