Handling job offers

Shicky · 13 Jan 2011 at 17:15

Graduate in summer and over the past while have been dealing with interviews etc while doing exams. I've just had my first offer in of 22.5k and am pretty stoked, however the entire point in applying for the role was as a backup as I am still in the running for several better jobs. Now these other jobs will not be wrapped up for some time yet.

The company offering me a job have asked me to sign an offer letter and return it to them by next week. Now I am afraid I don't quite know how things work here and my first intention is to sign and return the offer letter, then if something better comes along, contact the company and say sorry...

Should I go ahead as planned or is this considered being a horrid turd? I explained at interview I was in the running for much better roles as they did ask.

muon · 13 Jan 2011 at 17:16

Sign and then later say you've had a change in heart in what career you wish to pursue.

Sirrel Squirrel · 13 Jan 2011 at 17:16

Just accept it and turn it down at a later date or hand in your notice if you get offered something better.

Scam · 13 Jan 2011 at 17:18

I should think that if you sign a contract and try to back out of it they won't be best pleased, and surely you could find yourself in legal difficulties should they wish to pursue it...

Just stall, stall, stall. Don't sign anything for crying out loud!

QlimaxUK · 13 Jan 2011 at 17:19

22.5k!!! if you don't want it ill have it!

Sirrel Squirrel · 13 Jan 2011 at 17:20

You'll be under a probation period where they can give you one week's notice of termination and you can do likewise.

toshj · 13 Jan 2011 at 17:21

sign and then back out. there's no legal obligation, as you can't force someone to work somewhere. remember, the important thing is your career notm their company.

aln · 13 Jan 2011 at 17:23

The thing is, most contracts will say they can get rid of you in the early days for no reason. Your job with them isn't safe until you've been working there for a considerable amount of time. Treat it as a 2 way street and sign the contract.

Do let them know the second your circumstances change though.

MrMoonX · 13 Jan 2011 at 17:31

you can sign to accept the offer and then back out, its only once you have signed the contract of employment are you in danger of getting into trouble if you then back out, as you will be required to give notice once your in contract

Amleto · 13 Jan 2011 at 17:40

accept, but make start date a little bit in the future. If you get another offer you can give your notice and accept the new offer.

Shicky · 13 Jan 2011 at 17:51

Yeah just to clarify its only a job offer not a contract. I think this essentially marks me down for intake in july but the actual contract will not be worked out until april/may. I didn't think 22.5k was anything particularly special, just going to use it as a bargaining chip with other companies i.e. company A have offered me 24k. Friend has done the same and is set for 27k...he hasn't even gone back to the first company yet the scumbag!

PhillyDee · 13 Jan 2011 at 17:58

Done it myself. Worked somewhere for 3 weeks, said it wasnlt working and left.
You can terminate your contract at any time by giving (usually) 1 weeks notice.

Amleto · 13 Jan 2011 at 17:59

July? Just say yes, then turn it down later if something better comes up.

Fubsy · 13 Jan 2011 at 18:09

I read the title as "hand job offers"

XPE · 13 Jan 2011 at 18:15

Fubsy said:
I read the title as "hand job offers"

Disappointed ?

Shicky · 13 Jan 2011 at 18:33

Fubsy said:
I read the title as "hand job offers"

You sir will not be on the receiving end of an old fashioned from yours truly Im afraid

Amp34 · 13 Jan 2011 at 18:51

Depending on what your industry is like it may not be the best idea to accept then turn back on it at a later date. It's very bad form to do that and if your industry is small you could get into bother later down the line.

If it's just something like "IT" or recruitment then probably doesn't matter either way though as those industries are so big.