Job offers

You've got your job offer so now it's time to celebrate! But before you crack open that bottle of bubbles you might want to have a read of our job offer guide. Accepting a job is a big decision, so we'll take you through some of the things you might want to think about before you make your final choice.

1

Congratulations on your job offer!

After all those CVs, cover letters, interviews and assessment centres, the moment has finally arrived. You’ve received a job offer and you’re on cloud nine! Take a moment to give yourself a big pat on the back, and a well deserved glass of wine/Dominos pizza/10 hour nap/whatever floats your boat to celebrate all your hard work paying off.

But before you celebrate, you need to take a step back, iron out all the details and make sure this job is really the one for you. This doesn’t mean you’re being ungrateful or selfish, but it means you’re sensibly weighing up your options, and not jumping into a role that isn’t going to suit – #adultlife.

2

So what’s the problem?

There’s no problem, but there’s no point in taking on a job role only to realise three months in that you hate it and it definitely isn’t the one for you. While your parents might be pushing you to sign that contract asap, don’t feel pressured into doing anything until you’ve checked out all the details and decided this is 100% the job for you. It’s going to help define the rest of your career path after all, so you need to be sure about what you’re doing.

Just stop, take a deep breathe, and have a look at those job details.

3

Things to consider when you receive a job offer

You might just think a job is a job, but there are lots of different aspects of the role you might want to question and clarify before you jump in head first. If you’re not sure what kind of things you should be thinking about, here are some to get you started:

    • Whether you’re money orientated person or not, you should definitely pay some serious attention to the salary you’ll be receiving and whether it’s a decent wage.

      So many graduates have no idea what the average starting salary in their industry is, which is a sure-fire way to end up getting ripped off, so take some time to do some research, get informed and know what you’re entitled to.

      As a recent graduate, you don’t really have the leverage to be demanding any more than a basic starting salary, but check sites like Glassdoor and Salary.com, or check in with your university careers service, to make sure you’re getting a fair deal.

    • This might sound obvious. Why would you apply for the job in the first place if you didn’t think you would enjoy it?

      But job descriptions can be misleading and make the job sound more glamorous than it really is, so ask if you can arrange a phone call with a current employee or manager to ask questions about what your day-to-day tasks will be.

    • Once you’ve established what exactly you’ll be doing, you need to think about whether that will help you get where you want to go in life. It’s unlikely your very first job offer is going to be your dream job, so think about where you want to end up in ten years’ time, and whether this job role will help you get there.

      Look at what possibilities there are for progression through the company, and whether you think the role is going to help you increase your skill.

       

    • Think about what the company culture is like and whether it suits you as a person. If the office is too corporate and formal, and you’re more of a creative type, then think about whether you will be comfortable working there day in, day out. You need somewhere you’re going to thrive both personally and professionally, so take the time to suss it out.

    • It might not interest you but you should also clarify things like pensions, annual leave, remote working, relocation assistance and other practicalities.

      Ask for a copy of the contract in advance and go through it with a fine tooth comb, making sure you know what everything means. Also check to see whether your university careers centre offers a contract checking service.

    • If this is your first graduate role, it’s likely you won’t have masses of other opportunities to fall back on if you decide to turn down the offer. Sometimes it is better to just get your foot on the career ladder and manoeuvre yourself into a more ideal position at a later date.

      Do think about other jobs you’ve applied for though, and whether one of them might be more preferable.

You need somewhere you’re going to thrive both personally and professionally, so take the time to suss it out.

4

Read some reviews

You wouldn’t buy a new laptop without reading the reviews first, so you shouldn’t accept a job offer without reading what other people have to say about the company or even the specific graduate scheme you’ll be enrolling on.

Sites like Glassdoor contain thousands of reviews from employees about their place of work, and are the perfect way to get some honest opinions. If they flag anything up, make sure to check your contract or ask your contact in the company any questions you’re unsure about. Don’t fall into the trap of believing everything a disgruntled former employee says, but stay clued up and clarify absolutely everything.

5

How to say no to a job offer

Turning down a job offer is never going to be a walk in the park, but if you’re sure it’s not right for you then you’re certainly entitled to. The best thing is to be as up front, open and honest as possible. Try and arrange a phone call rather than communicating over email to make things as easy as possible, and just explain honestly the reason why you’ve decided to turn down the job offer – either because the role isn’t right for you or you received another offer elsewhere.

Be as polite as possible but firm, and the chances are they’ll understand. If they act a bit miffed don’t take it too personally. Companies do spend considerable time choosing which candidates to select, but they’ve likely had job offers rejected before. Don’t panic, they’re not going to black list your name for life.

Turning down a job offer is never going to be a walk in the park, but if you’re sure it’s not right for you then you’re certainly entitled to.

6

Get it all in writing

It sounds like something your mum would say, but seriously get everything in a written contract before you agree to anything. You don’t have to act too suspicious or cynical about it all (you don’t want to get off to a bad start with your employer before the first day) but just politely ask for a contract containing all the details.

If there’s something you’re not sure about, flag it up. It’ll help you to rest easy knowing you’ve got everything written down for future reference and you can just focus on doing what you do best – rocking your new role.

Back to all guides
Guide to graduate schemes cover
Graduate Schemes

Everything you need to know about graduate schemes, including the applications, deadlines and salaries and how to get a full time job.

 8  minute read

Guide to internships cover
Internships

Debut are here to make understanding internships all the easier with our ultimate guide. It will answer all your questions – cross our hearts.

 9  minute read

Guide to placements cover
Internships

The graduate job-scape can be terrifying. But this nifty guide will help you navigate the wilderness and nab a placement at the other end.

 8  minute read

Tackling Job Applications Cover
Job Applications

Job applications are tough, especially for graduate schemes and internships. Debut are here to make them all the easier with our ultimate guide.

 10  minute read

Ultimate CV Guide Cover
Job Applications

Forget the rest. Our guide to creating a CV is the real MVP of CV creation guides. Dive in for a downloadable template and more.

 11  minute read

Ultimate Skills Guide Cover
Job Applications

Demonstrating skills in your job application is key to grabbing that elusive job offer. We tell you how to apply skills to your CV, cover letter and more.

 8  minute read

Ultimate Cover Letter Guide Cover
Job Applications

Featuring a template, step-by-step guide and checklist, this is the only guide you’ll need to write perfect cover letters.

 9  minute read

Interview cheat sheet cover
Job Interviews

Succeeding in job interviews is no mean feat. But with these tools, you’ll definitely be able to get your point across. We’re here to make sure of it.

 8  minute read

Types of interview cover
Job Interviews

Being prepared for the different types of interview you may face is essential for landing a job. Let us give you the low-down on what to expect.

 8  minute read

Common interview questions cover
Job Interviews

Does being asked why you’re a good fit a company break you out in a cold sweat? Our guide to common interview questions is here to help.

 6  minute read

Interview techniques cover
Job Interviews

Job interviews can be scary. That’s why we’ve created this nifty guide full of tips and techniques to help you nail every interview you attend.

 9  minute read

Job offers
Graduate Schemes

Receiving that job offer is the moment you’ve been waiting for, but make sure you read our guide before you sign on the dotted line.

 5  minute read

Rejection
Graduate Schemes

Getting a rejection after a applying for your dream job can knock you back. But take these steps and you will soon turn that no into a yes.

 7  minute read

Guide to unpaid internships
Internships

Unpaid internships are common across a variety of sectors - but are they legal and how can you budget for them? Here's your ultimate guide.

 5  minute read

Career planning cover
Personal Development

With your future spread out before you, how do you even begin to start career planning? These top tips will help you take those first moves.

 8  minute read

Building your personal brand cover
Personal Development

There’s only one thing you have that no other job candidate does: your brand. And this guide is here to show you exactly how to build one.

 7  minute read

Student guide to networking
Personal Development

Networking can seem like a terrifying prospect, but follow these top tips and you’ll be swapping business cards in no time at all.

 8  minute read

Freshers' guide to careers cover
Personal Development

So the time has finally come: it’s Freshers’ Week. Seven-plus days of pure freedom, and here's how to make the most of it.

 8  minute read

Personal Development

Careers fairs are a great opportunity to suss out employers and do some networking but you need an action plan. Here's one we made earlier...

 6.5  minute read

Navigating the workplace
Personal Development

Making the transition from uni life to the professional workplace can be tough, but following these tips will help you settle in.

 6.5  minute read

Personal Development

Apart from its beautiful cities and all the tea you could dream of, the UK is a hub for international students because of how much choice there is.

 9  minute read

Assessment Centres

There are lots of hoops jump through in assessment centres, but this guide will help you make it to the end without losing your head.

 6  minute read

Psychometric Tests

The unique insights psychometric assessments provide into an individual is exactly why they are being used by more employers.

 10  minute read

Sectors

Accountancy may seem like a dry subject area, but if you’re good with numbers and have a logical mind (and like dealing with money), it could be the perfect role for you.

 10  minute read

Guide to Banking & Finance
Sectors

Fancy a career in Banking & Finance? It's fast-paced and lucrative field to be in, but often stressful. Here's our guide to everything you need to know.

 4  minute read

Charity sector
Sectors

Want a job role which will enable you to give back to society? Working in the charity sector is the perfect way to put your skills to good use, whilst also helping to improve people's lives.

 9  minute read

Consultancy guide
Sectors

If you fancy a career in Consulting then you need to read this guide, including the job roles you could be doing and the skills you need.

 8  minute read

Consumer retail
Sectors

Working in Consumer and Retail could involve everything from buying and merchandising to logistics and technology - here's your guide.

 7  minute read

Defence
Sectors

Working in the Defence sector offers so many more options than simply joining the Army, Navy, RAF or Police.

 8  minute read

Guide to the Energy sector
Sectors

The energy sector is incredibly vast with multiple avenues to explore, but it's also a sector in which innovation is happening all the time.

 7  minute read

Engineering sector
Sectors

There are so many different types of engineering, from aerospace to software, and we’re here to demystify them all.

 10  minute read

Law sector
Sectors

Law is not quite as glamorous as it seems on Suits, but it’s still a fascinating and highly rewarding industry to pursue a career in. Here’s everything you need to know…

 11  minute read

Guide to Marketing & Media
Sectors

The Marketing and Media industries are some of the most popular among graduates, so here's our guide to getting ahead.

 4  minute read

Public sector
Sectors

In the Public Sector you could be doing anything from fighting fires to saving lives. Read on to find out what experience you need and the skills you should be developing…

 9  minute read

Your guide to the technology sector
Sectors

It is a multi-million pound industry which affects so many aspects of our daily lives that without it, many of us feel lost.

 8  minute read

Guide to telecommunications
Sectors

The Telecommunication industry connects people all over the world with cutting edge technology. Here's your guide to the growing sector.

 8  minute read

Guide to London
Locations

This is the ultimate guide to London to help you grapple the capital, master the tube, and become a savvy city dweller.

 8  minute read

Guide to Birmingham
Locations

Fancy moving to the UK's second biggest city? Here's out guide to everything it has to offer and why you don't want to miss out.

 6  minute read

Guide to Manchester
Locations

The land of Coronation Street, Oasis and world class football - but what more does Manchester offer? Here’s our ultimate guide to living and working in the city.

 5  minute read

Guide to Liverpool
Locations

More than just the home of scouse accents and the birthplace of The Beatles, Liverpool has so much to offer as a city for graduate living and working...

 8  minute read

Leeds
Locations

It's the fastest growing city outside London and right in the middle of God's Own Country - here's why you should consider moving to Leeds.

 6  minute read

The Careers Conversation Tile
Personal Development

Careers today are very different to what they were 30-odd years ago - and employers are looking for people with the right skills to be able to adapt for the future.

 14  minute read

Download the free app today

Debut is available to download in the iOS App Store & Google Play Store

Apple app store button Google play store button