Managing Job Offers

Q – I have one job offer on the table which I have verbally accepted but another company looks like they might make me an offer I would prefer, what should I do?

A - This is a difficult question and there are a lot of ‘ifs’ and ‘buts’ surrounding it so I have referred back to the NUS, AGCAS, and AGR.
Best Practice In Graduate Recruitment Guide [July 2007] 

This is their advice to students:

• When accepting an unconditional offer, decline all other offers and withdraw any outstanding applications. Be aware of what is being signed up to. The acceptance in writing of an unconditional offer forms a contract. If students wish to qualify or defer acceptance, they should contact their careers service for advice first whether or not the offer is in made in writing or verbally.
• When declining an offer, do so as soon as possible to enable to employer to make alternative arrangements.

In addition their advice to employers is:

• Keep candidates informed if offer/process is delayed.
• Allow a reasonable time for decision making (a minimum of 2 weeks). Don’t subject candidates to undue or excessive pressure to accept offers - particularly current students.
• Agree referees with the candidate. Indicate clearly to the candidate and to the referee whether or not the offer is conditional on the reference.
• Clearly explain the terms and conditions of service and nature of contract in the offer letter. State whether or not an offer is conditional.
• Recognise that both the offer of a post and its acceptance forms a contract unless conditions are attached to either.

The safest piece of advice therefore seems to be… once in possession of an offer contact the other opportunities you have in the pipeline explain your situation. You should be able to use it as leverage to speed the other company’s process and ensure you have been through their process as well, before you accept any offer.

It is better to make the right decision first time round than make a decision you later regret. Any company will obviously want you to start with their firm but will also want you to remain with them in the foreseeable future. For this reason, most should be obliging about allowing you the time you need to make a decision whilst helping you with any further information or support you might need in order to be able to make that decision confidently. Remain honest and inform all parties of the situation and you should reach a conclusion that is suitable for everyone.