Being Made a Job Offer: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Being Made a Job Offer: What to Expect and How to Prepare

As an early talent recruiter, I’ve had the privilege of making hundreds of offer calls to candidates. Honestly, it was the highlight of my job delivering the good news and hearing the pure joy on the other end of the line. I’ve had students cry with happiness, scream in excitement, and even go completely speechless. It’s a big moment and I know just how emotional it can be.

With that in mind, I want to help you prepare for this exciting milestone. Let’s assume that one day soon, you’ll receive that long-awaited phone call from the company you’ve been dreaming of joining. It’s thrilling, but it can also be overwhelming. Your mind will likely race ahead to all the possibilities, making it difficult to stay focused on the details. That’s why having a plan and knowing what to ask can make all the difference.

What to Ask When You Get the Call

• Who is your line manager? Your line manager might not be assigned at the time of the offer, but it’s always worth asking. If they are known, ask when you can expect to hear from them. Typically, they will reach out to congratulate you and welcome you to the team. They’re the best person to provide insights into your day-to-day role and the projects you’ll be involved in.
• Who is your buddy? Most apprentices are paired with a “buddy”, someone a little ahead of you in their journey, possibly a current apprentice nearing the end of their program. They’ll understand exactly how you feel and can offer guidance, support and advice in a way that might feel more approachable than a manager.
• What happens between now and your start date? Many companies have a "keep warm" strategy to keep you engaged and informed in the months leading up to your start date. This could include virtual insight events, newsletters, or even casual check-ins to ensure you feel connected.
• What will orientation week look like? Your first week will likely be an induction into the company’s culture, values, and expectations. You’ll probably hear from senior management, get a deeper understanding of the company and possibly attend social events to network with other apprentices. If these details aren’t shared on the call, it’s worth asking!

Ask for Feedback

Even though you’ve received an offer (congratulations!), asking for feedback from your interview or assessment centre is still valuable. It shows a growth mindset and a commitment to continuous learning, both of which are qualities employers love. As a recruiter, I always appreciated when candidates sought feedback because it demonstrated their eagerness to develop.

If You Need More Time to Decide

Not everyone is ready to accept an offer on the spot and that’s completely okay. You might have a competing offer or still be waiting to hear from another employer. If you need time, don’t feel pressured. Simply ask about the flexibility of the deadline (which is usually a few days). If you’re unsure about anything, such as what happens if you change your mind later, don’t hesitate to ask. A professional way to phrase it could be:

"I’m very interested in this role, but before confirming, I’d like to review the contract and fully understand the next steps. Could you provide more details on the process?"

Understanding the Contract

Most offers start with a verbal confirmation or an email before you receive the formal contract. Accepting at this stage isn’t legally binding, but once you sign the contract, different rules may apply. Always check if there’s a withdrawal policy before making a final decision.

Comparing Multiple Offers

If you’re lucky enough to have multiple offers, well done! You’ve clearly made a great impression. Take time to compare them carefully, while keeping deadlines in mind. Consider factors like:

• Entry requirements - Will your predicted grades affect your options?
• Salary and benefits - Is there a significant difference?
• Location - How will commuting or relocating impact you?
• Training and development opportunities - Which company offers better long-term prospects?
• Company culture and career progression - Do you see yourself thriving there?
• Work-life balance - Will the role fit into your lifestyle?

Be Fair and Professional

If you decide to accept an offer and withdraw from another, do so as early as possible to give other candidates a chance. Recruiters understand that circumstances change and we appreciate honesty. I’ve had plenty of candidates withdraw from processes for various reasons and as an early careers professional, my priority was always their happiness and career success. A good recruiter will wish you the best and you never know, you may even cross paths again in the future!

Do Not Attempt to Negotiate Salary

In professional roles, salary negotiation is normal. However, for apprenticeships, salaries are typically fixed within a structured framework. No matter how much experience you have, the apprentice salary is set for the entire cohort. The good news? This ensures fairness and consistency. Plus, there will be plenty of opportunities to negotiate your salary once you’ve completed your apprenticeship!

Final Thoughts

Hopefully this guide has not only made you feel excited about the offer process but also confident in how to handle it. When that phone call comes, you’ll be ready to ask the right questions, make informed decisions and start your journey with clarity and confidence.

Wishing you the best of luck, you’ve got this!