I am getting an offer with a short decision deadline. What should I do?
For those of you who are actively recruiting and in the final rounds of interviews, you may run into situations where you have to make decisions within a short time frame. Please remember you can get offer and negotiation support from CDO.
Here are the steps to take when you receive an offer:
1. Show gratitude
Getting an offer is an exciting moment. Don’t get overwhelmed and forget to say thank you. Resist accepting on the spot if the offer is verbal, even if it is your dream employer. If you receive an email, acknowledge you receive the offer and ask for clarification on the deadline to respond.
2. Negotiate for more time to respond
It’s typical for employers to offer a few days to two weeks before you confirm the offer, but it doesn’t mean you can’t negotiate for more. Negotiating with employers to extend the deadline for your response will not negatively affect your candidacy; in fact, it demonstrates your respect for their time and shows that you are giving serious consideration to your decision. MIT Sloan’s Recruiting Guidelines state that any employer extending an offer to an MFin student gives the student a minimum of 4 weeks from the date of the written offer to evaluate that offer. Refer to MIT Sloan Recruiting Guidelines and check tips for asking for an extension of your offer deadline.
3. Strategize with your cohort advisor
Every offer situation is unique. It’s important to get your advisor’s take on it and co-develop a strategy for your particular case. Some MFins may be given only 24-48 hours to decide on an offer while others may have to juggle multiple final interviews and conflicting timelines. Your advisor and the CDO team can help you navigate the nuanced and complex situation, and provide appropriate guidance and resources.
To avoid stressful situations when it comes to offer decision-making, you can prepare yourself in advance by watching the Understanding & Negotiating Offers webinar, and proactively update your recruiting activity with your dedicated advisor.
