In today’s uncertain employment market, it’s more critical than ever to carefully consider the job offers you receive—especially that first offer that comes your way. Increasingly, I’m seeing candidates pass on solid opportunities, hoping for something better. But with economic uncertainty and fewer opportunities available, rejecting a good offer can be a risky move.

Why the First Offer Might Be the Best One

Gone are the days when the first offer came with wiggle room for negotiation. Employers are trimming the fat, and we’re not seeing the same generous salary packages that were offered in previous years. Often, the first offer is also the final offer, meaning candidates need to be careful about how they handle negotiations.

Avoid Over-Negotiating

At the moment, I’ve witnessed candidates lose offers by getting too aggressive with their contract demands. Employers are more than willing to walk away if they sense that negotiations are dragging on or if a candidate is pushing too hard. You have to be mindful that the job market is not in your favour, and if you don’t have a backup offer, holding out for something better can leave you empty-handed.

Why Saying Yes Can Be the Smart Move

It’s disappointing to see candidates reject reasonable offers, especially if they’ve been out of work for a while. Recently, a client turned down a substantial job offer based on rumours about company culture. This individual had been unemployed for months with few meaningful offers on the table. My advice was clear: take the job, regroup financially, and keep searching quietly for the next opportunity. Unfortunately, the offer was rejected, and the chances of finding another one before Christmas are slim.

Sometimes, taking what’s available is the best move—not just for financial stability but also to get back into the workforce. A good offer doesn’t mean you need to abandon your long-term goals—it simply gives you the breathing room to plan your next move.

Look at the Total Package, Not Just the Base Salary

A common mistake I see is candidates getting fixated on the base salary, ignoring the full scope of the total remuneration package. It’s essential to look beyond the paycheck and consider:

• Superannuation contributions
• Bonuses and incentives
• Additional benefits like health insurance or leave entitlements
• Professional development opportunities

When you evaluate an offer, think about the full cost of employment—these extras can make a significant difference in your financial well-being.

Be Realistic About Contract Rates

In today’s market, contract rates are more conservative. If you’re used to seeing $2,000 or $3,000 per day offers, it’s important to recalibrate your expectations. A $1,500 per day rate can still be an excellent offer, given the current conditions. Gratitude and realism are essential mindsets—taking a good contract now can help you stay engaged and ready for future opportunities.

Diversify Your Income with a Career Portfolio

Rather than relying on a single source of income, think about building a career portfolio. This approach allows you to balance your primary job with other income streams, such as:

• Board directorships
• Coaching, mentoring, or facilitation
• Training and consulting engagements

With multiple income sources, you have more financial flexibility, and your livelihood doesn’t depend solely on one role. This is particularly useful if your primary role falls short of your ideal salary expectations.

Final Thoughts: Take the Bird in the Hand

My strong advice is to be cautious when rejecting offers. In a challenging market, the offer in hand may be the best you’re going to get for a while. Even if it’s not ideal, accepting it can give you time to regroup, rebuild, and stay in the market.

There’s no shame in compromising in the short term—sometimes you have to live to fight another day. And remember, if you don’t like the company culture, you may still be able to bring a positive change and elevate the environment through your professionalism and leadership.

The job market isn’t what it used to be, so be grateful for good offers and mindful of how you manage them. Taking the right steps now can position you for long-term success in 2025 and beyond.

Need more career insights?

Visit www.kyliehammond.com.au for a free career assessment or book a session directly.