How to Make a Job Offer

Revisit the details of the job requisition and double-check that it has been approved. You don't want to make an offer that, it turns out, you can't back up.

Before you contact your chosen candidate, be sure to know the details of what you are offering and whether there is room for negotiation.

It is not advisable to send a "yes or no" email or make an out-of-the-blue call asking your chosen candidate to make a decision. Rather, send an email setting up a time to speak with them about the offer you want to make and to get their thoughts on it.

During your scheduled call with the candidate, make them an informal offer, detailing what it entails, and answer any questions they may have. Before ending the call, let the candidate know when they can expect to receive the formal job offer letter.

You'll want to get to this point fairly quickly. Don't go so fast that it makes you seem desperate, but if you can get them from application to offer in two weeks, you'll beat most competitors to the punch.

Having discussed the particulars of the offer with the candidate over the phone, you can now draw up a formal job offer containing detailed information, such as the job description and compensation package they're agreeing to.

Be sure to send the letter or email containing the formal job offer within the timeframe you indicated to the candidate.

Inform all applicants that the position has been filled. Don't overlook this part as it's an important part of employer branding. Treat the candidates you passed over well and you may be able to tap them again when the right position does open, or get referrals from them in the future.