When to negotiate and what to say

The job application can. be. Rough. From matching your resume and ending the phone interview to creating the perfect thank-you email, changing every cover letter you use ever so slightly, emphasizing whether your interview attire is professional enough, all with the sole purpose of being the sweet, sweet offer letter.

But wait: what happens once you've received the offer? In addition to lots of celebrating and a load of stress on your shoulders, there are a few key things you can do.

Here's your quick guide to accepting a job offer.

What to look out for in your offer letter

In all your enthusiasm, be sure to take a good look at your offer letter. Start by checking the obvious things such as job title, start date and salary. Once you've covered the basics, you should study this letter as if you were going to be interviewed on the material.

Do you get a guaranteed bond, health insurance or maybe life insurance and a 401 (k)? What about the more fun perks, like free lunch, gym membership or work-from-home options? For most women, the main perks include paid time off, salary satisfaction and flexible schedules.

Where is your offer in each of them?

If there are certain benefits that are a priority for you but aren't included, don't worry, this has some influence to negotiate further.

Before accepting an offer, defend yourself

Before accepting a job offer, you need to negotiate.

The worst they can do is say no to your requests, and if you frame your argument strategically, you could find yourself in a much better position. If you come from a job that offered a number of better benefits, you'll have even more.

Here's what to consider when negotiating your job offer:

Paid vacations

Most companies have a fixed number of paid vacation days, but if your former employers offered more, your number could increase.

Your salary

Do you feel that this number isn't as big as it should be? If you can prove yourself to the company by putting together a convincing portfolio of tasks you've accomplished, you can increase your number.

Do you need a tutorial on salary negotiation? Find out: how to negotiate your salary (for career starters and industry vets).

Do you need help deciding on a figure for your salary?Current rate: What is the right salary for my job?

Flexible working hours

Maybe you're more productive when you work from home - turns out a lot of people are! A great way to get the idea across to your employer is to offer to work in the office for a few months, then work remotely for one day a week.

The ability to work remotely.

Working from home can boost your productivity and keep you more engaged in your work. It's also a great way to maintain a good work-life balance.

Read more:How to ask your boss to allow you to work from home

Moving expenses

If you move to this position, the company should be willing to pay a little more to help you. Calculate in advance what a realistic number is for your problems, then bring it to the table with plenty of evidence.

Additional benefits

Also consider additional benefits such as transportation reimbursement, paid professional development opportunities and education funds or tuition reimbursement. In the end, the separate benefits in your paycheck should add up to about 30% of your compensation.

How to write your acceptance letter

Once you've understood the details and negotiated the right deal, it's time to accept! Of course, every acceptance letter will be different, but there are a few basic points that everyone should keep in mind:

1. Opportunity assessment
2. A declaration of acceptance of the offer and reformulation of the title.
3. A planned (or supplied) start date

You can also include a brief outline of the benefits you've agreed on, as well as some general enthusiasm for what you expect in the job.

Read more:How to give two weeks' notice: sample letters and games on friendly terms

Sample job acceptance e-mail

select [Hiring Manager],

It was great to hear from you and I'm delighted to officially accept your offer as [job title] at [Company Name]. I look forward to the opportunity this position will bring and feel privileged to soon be part of the team.

As we discussed, my annual salary is set at 50,000 $, paid vacations at 18 days and my insurance cover will start after the first 30 days of employment.

I'm available to start within two weeks of today's date. I can't wait to officially join the team! If you need anything else from me or would like me to bring you things on the first day, please don't hesitate to contact me by phone or email.

Thanks again,

[Your Name]

What no when accepting a job offer

Getting a job offer is exciting, but don't rush into it. Now that you know all about accepting and making an offer, here's what you definitely shouldn't do when accepting a job offer:

1. Decide not to talk to human resources about potential benefits. Who needs paid vacation and dental coverage, anyway?
2. Refuse to negotiate your salary. You need to know your worth and not be afraid to fight if you think the salary doesn't match.
3. Deciding things on a handshake without signed documents, because ... obviously, that's a bad decision.

In the end, accepting a job is a fairly straightforward process, but don't hesitate to negotiate the benefits that are a priority for you.

Read more:14 places to find comfortable work shoes for women