Job Offers | Jobs and Internships | Career Services

Congratulations! You've received a job offer—or maybe more than one.

Sometimes it’s an easy decision because your favorite company made an offer. Often, it’s a tough decision because you’re unsure which offer fits you best.

Even if it’s your dream job/company, we encourage you to take time to closely evaluate the offer—and Career Services can help. The salary and benefits may be immediately evident, but there are many other considerations you should think about. Immediately thank the representative for the offer, ensure you have complete details, then take the time to evaluate and compare.

What You'll Want to Know and Evaluate

Internships and Co-ops

Because internships are short term, time off is rarely granted. Arrangements for time off should be discussed during the interview process
Job location
Housing arrangements, stipend, or relocation expenses
Expected start and end dates
Drug and physical testing requirements

Full time

Job description
Salary and benefits package details
Out-of-pocket health insurance expenses
Vision and dental coverage
401K retirement company contributions
Bonuses, award basis, and historical amounts/percentages
Job location
Cost of living
Moving or relocation expenses
Signing bonus
Formal training program
Potential for lateral or vertical movement

Accepting and Declining Offers

Companies typically permit two weeks to respond to their offer. We encourage you to evaluate and allow for time to receive other offers. Once you’ve accepted, you’ve accepted. Just as a verbal job offer from the employer is considered a commitment from them, a verbal acceptance is a firm commitment from you, even if you haven’t yet received a written offer or signed a contract.

We expect you to be completely ethical throughout your entire job search, upholding your own integrity, as well as Michigan Tech's. Once you've accepted a job offer, you must keep your commitment. Discontinue any further job search—it is unethical to renege on an accepted offer.

It is professional courtesy to contact companies who have extended you an offer with a respectful declination. If you have had consistent contact, decline with a phone call. If you've had limited contact, you can decline with an email. Career Services can help you with what to say.

Before accepting an offer, get help from Career Services to:

Evaluate and Negotiate Your Starting Salary

You’ll need to provide credible evidence as to why you believe you should receive a higher salary. Career Services can provide industry-standard salary data and help you leverage other offers to negotiate with your target company.

Request an Offer Deadline Extension

An extension buys you time to evaluate offers, negotiate salaries or start times, and receive offers from other companies. It’s critical to ask for the extension in a reasonable time frame—about five to seven days before the initial deadline.

Request an Accelerated Job Offer

While this is an awkward situation, consider contacting companies you're still waiting to hear back from to tell them about other upcoming offer deadlines. They're usually happy to hear from you and many are able to expedite the offer process so they don’t lose you. Career Services can help you write this email.