interaction. Notes should be sent within two weeks of the interaction. If you missed that time frame, send the thank you note anyway, better late than never.

· Bow Out Early. If you have pursued an opportunity and have decided that you are no longer interested, let someone know. This can be done tactfully by sending your contact a thank you note letting them know that you appreciate their time and energy, but you are no longer interested. Simply not calling back or avoiding future contact is unacceptable. If you bow out early, you may provide an opportunity for another interested candidates and at the very least, you can preserve the relationship.

· Negotiating Salary . Don't be too eager to discuss salary with an employer. Let the employer bring up the topic first. Be aware that this may not happen during the first, or even the second interview, but during subsequent meetings.) Research salaries before an offer is made so that they can determine the appropriateness of the offer. It is not mandatory to disclose the name of other employers that have made job offers to you or to disclose the salaries they have offered. Instead, try to offer broad responses to these questions. If asked, such as informing the recruiter that you have interviewed with other employers in the industry and have been offered a salary range (for example $30,0000 to $35,000) rather than a specific dollar amount. However, you choose to disclose this information, be honest. Do not lie about interviews or make up or exaggerate salary offers in order to negotiate a higher salary.

· Making a Decision. If you are considering employment with more than one employer, or waiting for other offers to be made, don't be too eager to accept the first offer that comes along. When you accept an offer, be prepared to honor that commitment. If you want to consider an offer, ask for it. Use this time to evaluate the offer(s) in terms of your values -salary, location, interest in the job, continuing education opportunities, potential for advancement, etc. Consider the things that are important to you and how this position will fit with your life planning goals.

· Need More Time. If you need more time to consider this offer while waiting for other offers to be made, it is appropriate to ask for more time to consider all of your options. However, keep in mind that employers are not obligated to grant you this time, and that an employer has the right to withdraw an offer anytime before it is accepted. This may make your decision more difficult, but it is important to remember that an ethical contract is made with an employer once you accept an offer. You are ethically obligated to end your job search and reject future offers. When interviewing on campus, you are required to notify the Office of Career Services once you have accepted an offer, and to refrain from any other on campus interviews. It is unethical to later decline or renege on an offer after it has been accepted in order to accept another offer.

Once you have made a decision, inform the employer(s) of your acceptance or rejection of a job offer immediately. Keep in mind that other candidates are involved in the job search process as well. Prompt notification to employers of your decisions allows candidates to be notified that a position has been filled, or that they are still being considered for the position.

I hope you find these tips useful. Keep in mind that these tips are designed to help you to look your best. Potential opportunities have been lost over the slightest of mistakes. Use this information to keep you from making mistakes and to successfully lead you to an internship or job offer.

Adrienne Alberts is the Interim Director of the Career Center at Johns Hopkins University . Adrienne has been with Hopkins for two years and previously worked at The University of Virginia and the College of William and Mary in career services.

 

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

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