What happens after the job offer?
Careers, Jobseekers / 19 July 2022
In the time between the job offer being made and the first day in your new position, there are plenty of boxes that must be ticked. Some of these are tasks for the employer to carry out, while others need to be dealt with by you.
What is the difference between a conditional job offer and an unconditional job offer?
An unconditional job offer means that you have been offered the job as you are seen to be. You have met all the employer’s eligibility criteria and there are no further hurdles to jump over. Once you accept an unconditional job offer, you enter a legally binding contract of employment.
A conditional job offer means that you appear to be the right fit for the job but there are still eligibility criteria that you must meet before the job offer becomes unconditional. The employer has the right to withdraw the job offer if you don’t meet their conditions.
You’ll find more information about your rights relating to job offers on the gov.uk website.
What to expect from the employer after the job offer
The employer has decided that you are the best candidate for the job. You impressed them at the interview. You have the right mix of skills and experience. You stood out above all the other candidates. However, there are still a number of steps that the employer will generally take after the employment offer and before you start your new job.
References
The employer will contact your list of references for details of how you performed in previous jobs or perhaps for a character reference. It’s always recommended that you notify anyone who you’ve listed as a reference well before they are contacted.
Candidate screening
The level of candidate screening that a company will carry out beyond work references is dependent on the job you have applied for and the employer. Some positions will require higher levels of screening because of security and safety issues, for instance, for a police officer, teacher, or pilot role.
Screening could include:
- medical history
- right to work in the UK
- criminal record
- credit check
- qualification verification
Provide written employment contract
Ideally, you will receive a written employment contract once you accept the job offer, but you automatically enter a legally binding contract as soon as you make your acceptance of an unconditional job offer.
There’s no legal requirement for an employer to provide you with a written contract but having one in place makes the conditions of your employment more accessible and easier to understand. It is also helpful to have the conditions of your employment to hand, should there be a disagreement between you and your employer.
What do you need to do after the job offer?
Whereas the steps an employer will take between job offer and job start are administrative, the steps you need to take are all about protecting yourself and making sure that this is the right move for you.
Evaluate the compensation package
This information should be listed in the job advert and/or job description. If it is not, ask your employer for details of the salary and benefits you will receive before you accept the job offer.
Evaluate the compensation package by answering the following:
- What’s important/a must-have for you? For instance, salary or working patterns. Does this compensation package provide that?
- Do you need more information?
- Do all the listed benefits apply to you now? Will they apply to you in the future?
- How does the compensation package compare to the same for similar jobs elsewhere?
It may be that you need more information on aspects of the compensation package, such as opportunities to work flexibly, or the details provided may differ to what the employer previously stated. Don’t be afraid to ask for more information or negotiate aspects of the compensation package.
Accept the job offer
You’re happy with the compensation package and excited to start your new job. The next step is to accept the job offer. Check whether the employer has specified how you should do this. If so, follow their instructions.
It’s recommended to put your acceptance in writing, either in a paper copy or by email, even if you’ve already accepted verbally. This provides proof of your acceptance and allows you to include the conditions of the job offer, such as the salary stated or starting date. Ask if the employer needs any more information from you and express your enthusiasm for the new job.
Make sure your written acceptance is forwarded to the correct person. That might be the hiring manager or the employer’s HR department. If you send a paper letter, don’t forget to keep a copy for yourself.
Check the starting details
Check that you have the full starting details, for instance:
- date and time
- location
- who you should report to
If the employer doesn’t supply the above or you need more information, don’t be afraid to contact them.
Close other outstanding job applications
Once you have accepted an unconditional job offer, close any other outstanding job applications. This saves the time of employers you may have applied to and avoids further communication from them.
Hand in your resignation
As with your job acceptance, it’s always recommended that you put your resignation in writing. Give the agreed notice stated in your contact of employment. Make sure your manager is the first to know, even if your resignation letter is addressed to the HR department.
Don’t forget to calculate exactly what you are owed and find out how your benefits will be affected. Your calculation should include:
- final salary payment
- outstanding holiday allowance
- commission and bonuses
- company pension
- shares
You may be keen to put this job behind you but it’s always a good idea to be polite when handing in your resignation and working your notice period. You may, after all, rely on them for a work reference in the future.
Final Thoughts
The period between receiving a job offer and starting your new job can be an exciting time. You’ve landed the job you want and can journey further along your desired career path. However giddy you may feel though, this is also the time to check that the new job is as good as it sounds. Check the details, don’t be afraid to ask for more information, and check again.