Handling Job Offers

recruiter holding a contract of employment on a clipboard

Congratulations! Your hard work has paid off and you've been offered a job. So what do you need to do next?

Although any job can provide valuable experience, it's worth considering whether the role you've been offered is right for you. You might want to consider:

  • How might the role fit in with your longer term career plans?
  • Are there opportunities for progression?
  • Are the salary and conditions suitable?
  • Are there opportunities for training?

Receiving a job offer

If you are offered a job verbally it is vital that you obtain a written offer before starting work.

A written offer should contain:

  • Date of offer
  • Your new job title
  • Start date
  • Starting salary
  • Hours of work and holiday entitlement
  • Period of notice required to end the contract
  • Details of any probationary period

Salary negotiation

Sometimes a company will state that your salary is negotiable and ask you to open negotiations. Make a realistic opening request; this can either be a specific sum or a range in which you expect your salary to fall.

Research the starting salaries for similar posts by looking at job adverts or asking contacts who work in similar areas.

For more information on researching and negotiating salaries see:

  • Starting salary (Guardian.co.uk) - advice and ideas to help you negotiate successfully.
  • Explore types of jobs (Prospects) - search a wide range of job profiles and view ‘Salary and conditions’ for details of typical starting salaries.

Accepting an offer

If you are confident that the role on offer is right for you then do not delay in accepting. It is quite common to initally accept an offer verbally (over the telephone, for example) and then follow it up in writing. Be aware that accepting an offer over the phone is a legally binding verbal contract.

You should receive a contract of employment prior to starting work or on your first day in your new role. A good contract will clearly lay out your employment rights, responsibilities and duties and both you and your employer should sign it.  Always keep a copy for your records.

For more information on employment contracts see Directgov.

Not sure you want the job?

If you have applied for other jobs you think you want more than the one you have been offered, ask the employer for more time to consider your options.  

To do this you should contact the organisation offering the job straight away, thanking them for their offer and asking for extra time. Up to two weeks is an acceptable amount of time to request to consider an offer, according to The Association of Graduate Recruiters.

It may not be possible for an employer to give you more time. If this is the case you need to make a decision based on the information you have, which may mean accepting a job that is not your first choice. However, you should never accept an offer if you do not intend to start work with the company.

Declining an offer

If you decide to decline an offer you should do so as quickly as possible and thank the employer for the opportunity. Always try to maintain a good relationship with the employers involved as you never know when you might encounter them in the future!

Need more help?

If you have any concerns about handling a job offer, come and talk to us in the Careers Service.