How to broach a Job Offer

After weeks of interviews, nothing’s more frustrating for a company or more disappointing for a candidate than when things fall apart right at the finish line!

Top talent doesn’t hang around. If the offer stage feels flat or poorly handled, your star candidate can walk away. The flip side? Get it right, and you’ve not only secured your hire, but you’ve also got someone starting on day one buzzing with energy.

Keep it personal

The best offers come from the hiring manager. Face-to-face if you can, phone call if not. It shows genuine enthusiasm and gives space for a proper conversation. HR cannot provide the same energy as a line manager that has handpicked the new recruit.

Talk about what matters

Focus on the role, the responsibility, and the difference they’ll make. Tie it back to what they said they were after when you first met them. It should feel like the next step in their story, not just a job offer on a bit of paper.

Don’t shy away from concerns

If they’ve got questions, great, deal with them head-on. If they want time to think, fair enough, but agree when you’ll speak again. If they’re weighing up another offer, acknowledge it positively – ask to see them again and how you tip the balance – so often it’s not just salary related. The best people always have options, so keep the tone open and supportive.

Paperwork comes last

Only send out the formal letter once they’ve said “yes.” The paperwork should be warm, celebrate them, they have won the contest. I see too many dull offer letters!

Keep the buzz alive

Once they’ve accepted, don’t go quiet. A quick call from a senior leader in the interview process, a welcome coffee with the team, even a thoughtful message and gift – it all helps them arrive on day one feeling as motivated as possible.