Job offer
A job offer is an employer's proposal to hire you on stated terms, sometimes subject to conditions being met.
An offer may specify salary, hours, location, start date and employment type. Conditions might include satisfactory references, qualifications or permission to work. Ask which checks remain and when the employer expects to complete them. If a recruiter describes an offer verbally, request the terms and any conditions in writing so you can compare them with what was discussed.
Acceptance can have legal consequences before your first day. Acas explains that in Great Britain, accepting an unconditional offer can form an employment contract, including when the offer and acceptance are verbal. Other countries have their own rules. Read the offer together with the contract and any documents it incorporates. Resolve differences about pay or remote working before you accept, and consider outstanding conditions when deciding when to resign from your current job.
Example
An offer lists a Monday start date but still requires a qualification check. The applicant asks when the employer will confirm that condition is satisfied.
What to check
- List all outstanding conditions.
- Compare written terms with interview discussions.
- Confirm the acceptance deadline and start date.