Accepting and Declining Job Offers

Congratulations on your job offer! This is a major milestone in your career. While exciting, it’s essential to take the time to thoughtfully evaluate your options and determine if the position and company are the right fit for you.

Follow these steps and consult an IST career coach for guidance:

• Avoid snap decisions. Carefully evaluate the offer within the given timeframe. You can request an extension, but the employer may not always accommodate it.
• Read carefully. Understand the job role, expectations, and company culture before making a decision.
• Consider the salary. Use sites like Glassdoor and CollegeGrad's Salary Calculator to compare industry averages.
• Respond to the offer. Whether accepting or declining, always notify the employer of your decision. Ghosting is never acceptable.
• Stop your search. Once you've accepted an offer, it’s unethical to continue interviewing. Withdraw from pending interviews and notify companies with outstanding offers that you are no longer available.

You may receive multiple job or internship offers, putting you in the position to decide which opportunity is the best fit. Before making a decision, consider key factors such as location, salary, job responsibilities, and company culture, mission, and values.

To evaluate your options:

• Make a pros and cons list for each offer.
• Rank your priorities based on what you value most in a dream job.
• Think beyond the paycheck. What skills, experiences, or networking opportunities will you gain?

Recruiters can provide valuable insights about their company, so don’t hesitate to ask questions. IST career coaches can help you formulate thoughtful questions and guide you through the decision-making process. While we won’t recommend one position over another, we can help you identify important factors to consider.

• JobStar Salary Information
• CollegeGrad.com: Salary Information
• Suggested Salary Negotiation Guidelines for Recent College Grads
• Salary Negotiation Self-Training Module from Penn State Financial Literacy
• Salary Negotiation Video - Soklov-Miller Family Financial and Life Skills Center
• Penn State Alumni Earnings Data - OPAIR

You’ve landed the job! Now what?

Start by thanking those who helped you along the way. Express appreciation to anyone who referred you, provided a reference, or supported your job search. Even if their assistance wasn’t used, sharing your success with them shows gratitude and professionalism.

Once you’ve reviewed your offers and made your decision, notify the employer to accept the position. At the same time, inform other companies if you are still in the hiring process. Letting them know you’ve accepted another opportunity not only maintains professionalism but also allows them to focus on other candidates, including your peers.

Taking this step helps build your reputation and keeps doors open for future opportunities within those organizations.

• Sample Job Search Letters
• Acceptance Letters

Once you've chosen the right position for you and accepted an offer, you'll need to let the other companies who have extended an offer know.

This can feel daunting and you may be unsure what to say. It is never acceptable to ignore an offer of employment and hope that the company will get the hint. Reach out to the recruiter who initially extended the offer, thank them for the opportunity, and let them know that you've decided to accept with another employer.