After the interview or assessment centre

How to handle job offers

After an initial verbal or email offer, you will usually get a formal written offer with details such as:

• salary and hours of work
• period of notice required for either party to end the contract
• date you will start work
• holiday entitlement and other benefits, eg pension scheme and bonuses
• any required ‘probationary period’ before the job is ‘permanent’

The offer may be ‘conditional’, eg subject to satisfactory references, medical checks, a specified degree class, or security checks.

The offer forms one half of your contract of employment. If there is anything you do not understand or think has been omitted, you need to ask the employer. If you are unsure about any aspect, discuss it with a member of careers staff before contacting them.

You probably have a good idea about whether you want the job but do think carefully about your needs and options. Accepting an offer of employment in writing constitutes your half of the employment contract. When the job is confirmed and no longer conditional, you should withdraw from all other job offers, interviews, and remaining applications.

Job offers can cause problems if you have other applications pending, but do not accept one with the intention of hoping to turn it down in favour of another employer. Verbal and written acceptances are legally and morally binding. The best advice is to thank the employer, explain you are definitely interested and ask for some time to consider it, giving them a date by which you expect to respond. If you are uncertain what to do, discuss it with careers staff.

If you decide to decline an offer, let the employer know as soon as possible so they can offer the job to someone else. Thank them and outline your reasons if appropriate. Be professional and considerate as you may come into contact with this employer again in the future.

What to do if you're not successful

Ask for help. If you are getting to the interview or assessment centre then your applications are fine, so something could be going wrong during selection. Think about how well you prepared, what happened, how you responded to questions, and whether you think you showed real enthusiasm.

Ask the employer for feedback. Not all employers will discuss their decision but they may give you advice. Remember, there may not be much wrong with what you did. You may have only just missed out, so keep trying; you will become even more skilled and confident with practice.

Key Task

• If you have multiple job offers, carefully consider these before making a decision and signing a contract. Ask for more time if you need it, and if you are still uncertain, discuss with a member of our friendly team.
• Unsuccessful at an interview? Reflect on what happened on the day. Would you have done anything differently? What can you learn from the experience? Can you ask the employer for feedback?