In the fast-paced world of business growth, as a CEO, attracting and securing top talent is crucial to achieving your company’s goals. The job offer phase is a pivotal moment that not only influences a candidate’s decision but also sets the stage for their experience with your company.
This guide offers a step-by-step approach to crafting a compelling job offer, backed by research and expert insights to enhance your hiring strategy.
This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to making a compelling job offer, backed by reputable sources to enhance your hiring strategy.
Step 1: Schedule a Call with Clear Intent
Reach out to the candidate to schedule a call, explicitly stating that you’ll be making a job offer. This transparency sets the right expectation and ensures the candidate is prepared for the conversation.
Why it Matters: A study in the Journal of Business and Psychology found that clear communication during the job offer stage positively impacts a candidate’s perception of the employer (Taylor & Collins, 2020).
Step 2: Make the Offer Over the Phone
During the call, present the offer verbally. Discuss benefits, logistics, and any other relevant details. Making the offer over the phone allows for immediate feedback and questions.
Expert Insight: Alison Green, a columnist for Inc. Magazine, emphasizes: “Phone calls are still standard for job offers because they allow you to pitch the job, express enthusiasm, and get an initial sense of the candidate’s response. This personal touch can significantly impact the candidate’s decision to accept the offer.” (Green, 2021)
Step 3: Gather Candidate Feedback
Listen attentively to the candidate’s feedback. Address any questions or concerns they may have about the offer.
Why it Matters: Active listening fosters trust and can increase offer acceptance rates by 40%, according to a study published in the International Journal of Human Resource Management (Smith & Kelloway, 2019).
Step 4: Confirm Acceptance or Schedule a Follow-Up
If the candidate accepts the offer immediately, confirm all details and outline the next steps. If they need time to consider, set a specific follow-up date to discuss their decision.
Why it Matters: Setting a follow-up demonstrates your commitment and keeps the process moving forward, reducing the chances of losing the candidate to competitors.
Step 5: Address Any Hesitations
If the candidate expresses hesitation, gently probe to understand their concerns. Ask which parts of the offer are causing uncertainty and if they’re considering other opportunities.
Why it Matters: Understanding their perspective allows you to tailor your approach and make necessary adjustments to secure top talent (Breaugh, 2017).
Step 6: Formalize the Offer in Writing
Once the candidate verbally accepts, send a formal offer letter. Include all compensation details and key performance expectations to ensure clarity.
Why it Matters: Written offers reduce misunderstandings and provide a reference point for both parties.
Step 7: Agree on a Start Date and Maintain Engagement
Set a start date during the call. If it’s more than 14 days away, maintain regular communication to keep the candidate engaged. This can include pre-onboarding activities or introductions to team members.
Scientific Insight: A study by Becker, Connolly, and Slaughter (2020) published on ResearchGate indicates:
“Quicker job offers are more likely to be accepted, and delays between the offer and the start date can increase the chances of candidates not showing up on their first day. Longer wait times allow candidates to continue exploring other opportunities, leading to a higher likelihood of them accepting a different offer.” (Becker et al., 2020)
Step 8: Keep the Candidate Engaged Until Day One
Ensure the candidate remains excited about joining your company. Regular touchpoints like phone calls, virtual meetings, or casual catch-ups can make a significant difference.
Statistic: According to a survey by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), 49% of new hires receive calls from hiring managers before their start dates. This initial contact helps set expectations and makes candidates feel valued (SHRM, 2019).
Conclusion
By following these steps, you not only increase the likelihood of the candidate accepting your offer but also set a positive tone for their future with your company. A smooth and effective job offer process reflects your organization’s professionalism and commitment to its employees.
We’d love to hear from you. How do you handle the job offer process in your company? We’re interested in listening to your current hiring pains and sharing our expertise, tools, and techniques. Get in touch with us to learn how we can help.
