What should you check in your first job offer?
In your first job offer, check the job title and duties, pay and how often you are paid, hours and schedule, benefits and when they start, your start date and location, and any conditions such as a background check. Get the offer in writing, ask your questions before you accept, and ask for a reasonable time to decide.
At a glance
- Get everything in writing, including pay, duties and conditions.
- Compare the offer to the posting and to what you were told in interviews.
- Ask about benefits and the date they begin.
- You can ask for a few days to decide. Say thank you and name a date.
- Never pay money to accept a job.
Is the offer real?
Before anything else, confirm the employer is real. Check that the offer came from a company email address, that the company has a real website and careers page, and that nobody asked for a deposit, equipment fee or bank login. If anything is off, use the 10-point fake posting check.
What should the offer say?
| Item | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Title and duties | A title and a short description that match the posting |
| Pay | Rate or salary, pay period (weekly, biweekly, monthly) and whether you are paid hourly or salaried |
| Hours | Expected weekly hours, schedule, overtime rules and whether the schedule can change |
| Start date and place | First day, location, remote or hybrid terms |
| Benefits | Health coverage, paid time off, retirement plan, and the date each begins |
| Conditions | Background check, reference check, drug screen or proof of work authorization |
| Employment type | Full time, part time, temporary or contract |
| At-will or term | Whether employment is at will or for a fixed term |
If something you were told is missing, ask for it in writing. A friendly email works: "Thank you for the offer. Could you confirm the pay period, benefits start date and my regular schedule?"
How do you check the pay?
Compare the figure with a range for the same job in your area; the guide on how to research pay shows how. The Department of Labor notes that the federal minimum wage applies to covered nonexempt workers, that many states set their own, and that an employee is entitled to the higher of the two. Check your state's rate on the Department of Labor's State Minimum Wage Laws page.
Ask whether the job is exempt or nonexempt, which affects overtime, and what the pay period is. If there is a bonus, ask how it is calculated and when it is paid.
What about benefits?
Benefits can be worth as much as a pay difference. Ask when health coverage starts, what the waiting period is, how paid time off accrues, whether a retirement plan has an employer match and what training or tuition support exists. Ask for the plan summary rather than relying on a verbal answer.
What conditions can change the offer?
Many offers are contingent on a background check, references or proof that you can work in the US. If a check is part of the process, read how a background check affects your job offer so you know your rights to notice and to dispute errors. If you have any concern, tell the recruiter early and ask how it will be handled.
Can you negotiate a first offer?
Yes, politely, and it is common. You can ask about pay, start date, schedule or training support. Be specific, be grateful and back your request with research. The steps are in how to negotiate salary. If the employer cannot move on pay, ask about a review date or a learning budget.
How much time can you take?
Ask for it. A sentence such as "I am excited about this offer. Could I confirm by Friday?" is normal. Do not accept while you are still waiting on another offer unless you are ready to decline it. If you choose another job, use a respectful note; there is a template to decline a job offer.
What if you are joining through an apprenticeship?
Apprenticeship.gov says apprentices earn a wage from the start and get guaranteed raises as skills grow. Ask the sponsor to put the wage schedule, training hours and credential in writing.
Frequently asked questions
Is it rude to ask questions about an offer? No. Employers expect them.
Should I accept right away? Not if you have open questions. Ask for the written details first.
Can an offer be withdrawn? Yes, especially when it is contingent. Do not resign from your current job until conditions are cleared.
What if the offer is verbal? Ask for a written offer before you act on it.
Where do I find an offer letter example? See our job offer letter template to compare the items.
By LiveRec Editorial. Read our editorial standards.