Top of page

Job Offers

Congratulations on your job offer! This is an exciting step, and it’s important to handle the period between accepting the offer and your start date professionally. Here’s a detailed guide to help you through the process.

Evaluating & responding to the offer:

Reasons why you should never renege on an offer:

Evaluating the offer

Here are key areas a student should evaluate when they receive an offer:

1. The Position Itself

  • Job Responsibilities: Are the duties and tasks a good fit for your skills and interests? Will the work be engaging and challenging, or is it a role you might quickly outgrow?
  • Career Growth: Does the company offer a clear path for advancement? Are there opportunities for professional development, training, or mentorship?
  • Work Environment: What is the company culture like? Is it collaborative or more independent? How does the management style align with your own work preferences?
  • Work-Life Balance: What are the typical working hours? Is overtime expected or required? What are the company’s policies on paid time off, sick days, and remote work (if applicable)?

2. The Company and Location

  • Company Culture and Values: Do the company’s mission and values resonate with your own? How is its reputation in the industry?
  • Financial Stability: Is the company financially sound and growing? This can impact job security and future opportunities.
  • Location and Commute: Where is the office located? What is the cost of living in that area, and how will it affect your salary? What is the commute like, and is it a manageable distance?

3. The Total Compensation Package

  • Base Salary: While not the only factor, it’s a significant one. Is the salary fair for the position, your experience, and the geographic location? Research industry standards using resources like Glassdoor, Salary.com, and discuss with your career coach.
  • Benefits: A comprehensive benefits package can be worth a lot. This includes health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plans (like a 401(k) with a company match), and life insurance. Understand when these benefits start and what, if anything, you will pay out-of-pocket.
  • Additional Compensation: Does the offer include a signing bonus, performance bonuses, profit-sharing, or stock options?
  • Relocation: If the job requires you to move, does the company offer relocation assistance to help with moving expenses?

4. Making a Decision

  • Request an Extension: If you need more time to evaluate the offer or are waiting to hear back from other companies, it is perfectly acceptable to ask for a reasonable extension on the deadline. This shows you are taking the decision seriously. Be polite and professional in your request.
  • Contact the Career Center: Your career coach is here to help. You can schedule an appointment to discuss the offer, negotiate, or create a pros and cons list to help you make an informed decision.

Accepting the offer:

  1. Formally Accept the Offer: The first thing you need to do is formally accept the offer, ideally in writing. A simple email is sufficient and shows your commitment. Be sure to confirm the key details of your employment, such as your job title, start date, and salary. The email template provided below is a great starting point for this.
  2. Discontinue Your Job Search: Once you have accepted an offer, the ethical and professional expectation is that you will cease your job search. This means withdrawing any outstanding applications and canceling any upcoming interviews. Continuing to interview after accepting an offer is not only a bad look but also a disservice to the other companies and candidates.
  3. Maintain Communication: After you’ve accepted, it’s a good idea to stay in touch with your new employer. This shows you’re enthusiastic and proactive. You can send a follow-up email a few weeks before your start date to reconfirm the details, ask any questions you have, or simply express your excitement again. This is also a good time to ask if there’s anything you can do to prepare for your first day.
  4. Confirm Logistics: Don’t forget to nail down the logistical details. This includes confirming your start date and work location. If your role is remote, make sure you understand the company’s expectations for communication and equipment. If you’ll be working in the office, ask about parking, dress code, and what to expect on your first day.
  5. Inform Your College: Many colleges, including Wake Forest, have a “First Destination Survey.” This is a crucial tool for your college’s career center to understand where graduates are finding jobs and to help future students. Please take a moment to let us know where you’ve landed by completing the survey below.
2025 College First Destination Survey

EMAIL TO EMPLOYER CONFIRMING OFFER:

Sample Email to Your New Employer

Here is a more detailed template you can use to communicate with your new employer. Be sure to personalize it to your specific situation.

Subject: Thank You & Follow-Up – Your Name

Dear Mr. or Ms. [Employer’s Last Name],

Thank you again for the incredible opportunity to join [Company Name] as a [Job Title]. I am so excited to begin my journey with your team and contribute to [mention a specific project or goal you are excited about].

Right now, I am focused on finishing my last semester at Wake Forest University. I have also had the opportunity to continue my research on [your industry] and develop additional skills in [mention specific skills from classes, certifications, or self-study like a LinkedIn Learning workshop].

Could we please schedule a brief phone call or video meeting to discuss any actions you may wish me to take prior to my start date on [Your Start Date]? I want to make sure I am as prepared as possible.

I look forward to becoming a member of your team at [Company Name].

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Declining the offer:

Sometimes, after all your research, you may decide a job offer isn’t the right fit. That’s okay! The key is to decline the offer professionally and respectfully. This keeps the door open for future opportunities with the company and maintains a good reputation for both you and Wake Forest.

1. Be Quick and Clear: Don’t wait until the last minute. The sooner you let the company know, the sooner they can move on to other candidates.

2. Phone Call is Best, Email is Required: The most professional way to decline is with a brief, courteous phone call to the hiring manager. Follow up with a formal email to confirm your decision.

3. Be Gracious and Thankful: Start by expressing your sincere gratitude for the offer and the time they spent with you. Thank them for the opportunity to interview and learn about the company.

4. Keep It Brief: You don’t need to give a detailed explanation. A simple statement like, “After careful consideration, I have decided to accept a different opportunity that better aligns with my career goals” is all you need. Don’t go into specifics about what you didn’t like about their offer.

5. Leave on a High Note: End the conversation positively. Wish the company and the team all the best. This ensures you leave a good lasting impression.

EMAIL TO EMPLOYER DECLINING OFFER:

Subject: Job Offer – [Your Name]

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

Thank you so much for offering me the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to meet with me and for sharing details about this exciting opportunity.

After careful consideration, I have decided to accept a different position that is a closer match for my career interests at this time.

I have great respect for [Company Name] and the work you are doing. I wish you and your team all the best.

Thank you again for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]