Interview tips: Job offers

More in this section

1. Types of interview
2. Preparing yourself
3. Making an impression
4. Interview questions
5. Interview problems
6. Job offers

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What constitutes an offer

You are likely to receive your offer initially by telephone. This should be followed by a formal written offer letter inviting you to accept the job which contains the following information:

• your name and the name of the employing organisation;
• the date of the offer;
• the job title and department or location;
• the salary;
• the period of notice required for either party to end the contract;
• your start date.

It may also include your full conditions of employment including:

• hours of work;
• holiday entitlement;
• other information, e.g. details of pension scheme, bonuses, salary reviews, other benefits such a company car, medical schemes, employee handbook;
• details of the any probationary period.

The offer may be contingent upon the following:

• acceptance of the offer by a given date;
• completion of a medical examination;
• proof of a specific class of degree;
• positive feedback from your referees;
• police vetting or clearance.

Keep your letter safely - it forms one half of your employment contract. Seek clarification if there is anything you do not understand or that you think has been omitted. If you have concerns about any aspect of the job offer, discuss it with your careers adviser.

Making a decision

To evaluate whether an offer is right for you, or to decide between multiple offers, you need to consider a variety of factors including: the job itself, the organisation, the location, the working conditions, the salary, training and career development, and your own values and needs. Compiling a list of weighted pros and cons can help you make your choice.

Remember:

• when jobs are in short supply it may be that you will opt for a ‘good-enough-for-now’ job in order to earn money and gain experience;
• few people find their ideal job, at least not initially;
• every job can open unexpected doors into other career options and provide you with a valuable network of contacts as well as new skills;
• if you find that the job doesn’t suit you, discuss the issue with your immediate supervisor or the HR department to try and resolve it. If it cannot be resolved you can leave giving the appropriate period of notice. It is in no one’s interest for you to stick with a job that you are really unhappy in.

Accepting an offer

If you decide to accept an offer, telephone the employer to state your initial acceptance and follow with a reply in writing by the deadline given or on the next working day. There may be a form or a copy of the letter included with your offer that you just need to sign and return. If not, address your acceptance to the person who wrote the offer letter, stating that you agree to the terms and conditions of employment outlined. Your reply constitutes the other half of your contract of employment so keep a copy and store it safely with the offer letter.

When your offer of employment is confirmed, i.e. no longer conditional, you should immediately decline all other job offers or invitations to interview and withdraw any outstanding applications.

Declining an offer

Think very carefully before deciding to reject an offer. Respond in writing to the person who sent you the offer, thanking them and outlining your reasons for declining it, if you feel happy to disclose these.

Send your response as soon as possible so that the employer has time to offer the job to an alternative candidate. Such an approach will reflect well on you, especially if you decide to seek employment with the organisation again in the future.