job huntAcceptance of the Job Isn’t the End of the Process

If you are a fan of the NBA, then you know that when it comes to your favorite player, he can be speedy, strong, and have dribble/drive skills beyond belief. But if he cannot “finish” the play, he will never be considered one of the best. When it comes to the job hunt, accepting the job offer is not the last of it. Or at least it should not be. Remember, along with the short term position, you have a long-term career to manage. The following are some things you can do to tie up all the loose ends once you have been offered the position and the job hunt ends.

Get the Offer in Writing

The hiring manager has called you and offered you the position. That is great! The job hunt is over! But don’t start doing the happy dance just yet. If the salary and benefits are to your liking, go ahead and verbally accept, but request that a copy be sent to you in writing. You want to go here is to avoid any misunderstanding should your application have to cycle through other individuals and departments for the details. If you are told that you are being offered $80,000 annually, you do not want to find out on the back end that somehow this was changed to $72,000 and have no documentation to refute that. Be sure all benefits and perks are mentioned within the document. Ensure that you can access a copy of this when going through your onboarding process. This is just good business, people.

Change LinkedIn Profile

A “current” LinkedIn profile is a good profile. When the timing is right after your job hunt, log in and add the new position to your profile. Don’t forget to change the previous position to past tense verbiage and provide an ending date. Follow the new company via your profile as well. While I recommend that the alerts on profile changes usually be turned off, you may wish to inform the world of your new position. If so, then turn on alerts before entering the new position and it will automatically update your timeline. What??? You do not have a LinkedIn page yet? Then click here so I can help you join the 21st century, will you please?

Inform Colleagues of your New Position

If you have been conducting your job hunt the right way, you have your colleagues also keeping an ear to the ground for positions that may be of interest to you. Once you have accepted a new position, take the time to let all of your colleagues and networking contacts know that you have done so. This not only prompts them to stop expending effort for you, it provides you with the opportunity to thank them for their assistance. The “thank you” is a powerful gesture. While you should be doing so all the time, small gestures such as this help to maintain your relationships. Remember, one’s network is still the #1 avenue for finding new employment, even in our highly technological age.

Reach Out to Strong Interests to Inform of Acceptance

Hey, let’s not forget those hot irons you had in the fire. While most people will simply break off communication with other potential employers after landing a position, what you should do is reach out to those hiring managers to inform them that you have accepted another position. Why? You may have to reach out to these hiring authorities again in the future, be it with these companies or the next. Again, little gestures carry more weight than most people think. With these individuals considering bringing on professionals, you will save them time by letting them know you have taken your hat out of the ring. This will make their job easier, and perhaps even open up long-term lines of communication that adds to your trusted network. (HINT: it is always, always about the long game!)

Research new Position, Prepare Questions to Hit Ground Running

Ok, you have think your network, advised by the potential employers, now it is time to prep for your new role. Do as much homework as you can on the new job that you have been offered. The more you know going in the door, the more impressed they will be. Have your questions prepared in advance if you can. First impressions have always been important. (That is why you got your new resume from a certified resume writer, right?)

I know there is a lot to account for and plenty to do to prep for your new position. But taking care of these seemingly minor items can do a lot for positioning you for expedited movement in the future. If you are managing your career correctly, you are always working the long game. That new job you accepted could abruptly end in six months. You want to be ready just in case.

Now go WOW them!