We want to ensure students are prepared as they take the next step in their career journey. The following is a guide to assist students are they start to receive job offers. Students may use this guide to their discretion and Career Coaches are always available to answer any questions during this process.
1. Students should consider conducting research on their needs and the companies they apply for as they start their job search. This will allow students to be prepared as they start receiving offers. Items to consider include:
- Review Labor Market Data: this will allow students to see trends such as salary estimates for different job titles in specific geographic areas.
- Create a budget: This will allow the students to see the salary they need to consider as they are searching. Research into the cost of living in the location they are interested in working in will help to create their budget.
- Research the companies you are applying for: reviewing the company’s website can help with providing some information on the company to ensure your values align with the company. Networking with current employees through career events or LinkedIn can provide you with someone who can provide additional details on the company.
- Students may receive multiple job offers, they should take the time to weigh the pros and cons of each company. Key factors to consider may include work-life balance, growth potential, company culture, salary, and location. The goal is to make an informed, thoughtful decision.
Example of Pros and Cons:
- Company A
- Pros: Great salary, strong mentorship, flexible work schedule
- Cons: Less opportunity for relocation, smaller team
- Company B
- Pros: Opportunities for international work, dynamic culture, larger team
- Cons: Lower starting salary, longer commute
2. Before accepting or declining students should request time to review the job offer. It is best they have the offer in writing. This allows students time to review the offer before making their final decision. An example students can use to verbally request a written offer:
Thank you for the job offer and I am excited about the possibility of working for [Company Name]. Before I make my final decision, I would like to take time to review the details of the offer. Could you please provide me with a written offer at your earliest convenience?
3. When reviewing job offers, students should follow best practices to ensure they are making informed decisions while being respectful of the employer’s recruiting process. Requesting a few days to review the offer before accepting is encouraged. In some cases, students may need longer than a few days to consider their options. In these cases, University Career Services has created an employer time offer guideline. If students are interested in using the guideline we expect students to use them in an appropriate matter.
Students should:
- Make requests for reasonable accommodations promptly
- Immediately release offers they do not plan to accept in order to allow the employer the opportunity to consider another student for the position
- Not accepting an offer for employment while continuing to pursue other opportunities
- Not renege or turn down a previously accepted job offer
Below are examples of how a student can communicate an extension to allow them time to make an informed decision.
Requesting Reasonable Accommodation
If a student requires any adjustments or accommodation related to the offer or timeline (such as additional time for family or personal reasons), it is important to communicate this request early and professionally.
Example:
Subject: Request for Accommodation Regarding Offer Deadline
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am grateful for the job offer you extended to me for the [Job Title] position. Due to [specific reason], I would like to request an extension of the offer deadline to [new date] based on the UNL Career Services job offer policy. This will allow me to better manage personal circumstances while also making a well-informed decision about the opportunity.
I appreciate your understanding and would be happy to discuss this further if necessary.
Thank you again for your consideration,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Considering Other Opportunities
Students should not accept an offer while still pursuing other opportunities. If an offer is accepted and then later turned down, it can hurt both the student's and the employer's reputation. If there is uncertainty, it’s best to ask for more time to decide while being honest about ongoing job-search efforts.
Example:
Subject: Request for Additional Time Due to Ongoing Job Search
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
Thank you so much for the offer to join [Company Name] as [Job Title]. I am excited about the potential to join your team. However, I am still in the process of interviewing with other organizations and would like to request additional time to make the most informed decision.
Would it be possible to extend the offer deadline until [new date] based on the UNL Career Services job offer policy? I want to make sure I carefully evaluate all options to ensure I find a good fit for both myself and the company.
Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Students are encouraged to respect timelines provided by employers while also seeking adequate time to make decisions. Employers may not acknowledge the University’s Job Offer Guideline; however, employers are encouraged to consider the following timeframes for internship and full-time offers:
- Internship to Full-Time Offers: 3 weeks from the date of the written offer or until November 1, whichever is later.
- Fall Recruiting: 3 weeks from the date of the written offer or until November 1, whichever is later.
- Spring Recruiting: 2 weeks from the date of the written offer.
If you have any questions, we encourage you to connect with a career coach. They can help guide you through the process to make the best decision.