How you accept or decline an offer matters. If done well, it maintains a positive relationship and keeps doors open for you with future employers. Prepare for the conversation through practice with friends, family, mentors, and Career Coaches.

Accepting an offer

✅  Follow the communication protocol used through the offer process. Acceptances may be given through a phone call, an email, or both – many are given initially be phone with follow-up in writing.

✅  Ask questions to make sure you understand next steps for officially accepting the offer and any onboarding pre-work that must be completed.

✅  Complete the official offer acceptance steps of the organization — typically involves completing an online form or signing some documentation.

✅  Follow-up with individuals you met during the interviewing process to alert them to your acceptance and express excitement. 

✅  Withdraw from other processes you are part of now that you have accepted a position –this includes those you’re interviewing with and those you’ve submitted an application to.

Declining an offer

✅  Review articles like How to Gracefully Turn Down a Job Offer from The Muse. 

✅  Express appreciation for the offer, and decide what reasoning, if any, you will give the employer for declining the offer — keep this brief.

✅  Follow-up with individuals you met during the interviewing process at that organization you would like to alert to your decision–this is a great way to keep people in your professional network.

📚Additional Materials

What About the Other Organizations in Your Process| Duke Career Hub
How to Decline a Job Offer| Engineering and Technology Jobs