How to Accept, Decline or Negotiate a Graduate Offer

TL;DR

Key Takeaways

Receiving a job offer is exciting, but how you handle the communication that follows sets the tone for your career.

Accepting: Read the contract carefully to check if the offer is conditional on your final degree grades.
Extensions: If you are waiting on a preferred employer, you can politely ask for a deadline extension, but do not assume it will be granted.
Declining: Never ghost an employer. Decline promptly and politely via email so they can offer the role to another candidate.
Negotiating: You usually cannot negotiate the salary of a highly structured graduate scheme, but you can negotiate the salary for direct-entry graduate jobs at SMEs.

Understanding the offer (Conditional vs Unconditional)

After the final interview or assessment centre, the employer will usually call you to make a verbal offer, followed by a formal written offer via email.

Before you celebrate, read the contract to understand the conditions.

Conditional Offers

Almost all graduate scheme offers made to final-year students are conditional. The condition is usually that you achieve a specific degree classification (e.g., a 2:1) and pass standard background checks. If you fail to meet the grade, the employer has the right to withdraw the offer in the summer.

Unconditional Offers

If you have already graduated and have your degree certificate, or if you are applying for an entry-level role that does not require a specific grade, your offer will not depend on your results. Almost every offer is still subject to standard pre-employment checks, such as proving your right to work in the UK and providing references.

If your offer is conditional on your grades, our guide to whether you need a 2:1 explains how flexible employers can be.

How to accept an offer

If you are thrilled with the offer and ready to commit, accept it promptly.

Reply to the email confirming your acceptance, sign the digital contract, and express your enthusiasm. Example: "Dear [Name], Thank you so much for the offer. I am delighted to accept the position of Junior Analyst and have signed the attached contract. I look forward to joining the team in September."

Once you have formally accepted and signed the contract, backing out later because a "better" offer comes along (a practice known as reneging) is seen as highly unprofessional and is likely to burn your bridges with that firm. Only accept an offer when you intend to take it. If your circumstances genuinely change, tell the employer as early as possible and explain honestly.

How to ask for a deadline extension

Employers usually give you between one and four weeks to accept an offer, and the deadline should be stated in the offer itself. The dilemma arises when you receive an offer from Company A, but you are still waiting to hear back after a final interview with Company B (your preferred choice).

You can ask for an extension

Call or email the HR contact at Company A. Be honest but professional. Example: "I am thrilled to receive this offer. However, I am currently completing the final stages of another interview process. This is a major career decision, and I want to ensure I can commit fully to the role. Would it be possible to extend the deadline for my decision until [Date]?"

Be prepared for a "no"

Large graduate schemes often run on strict timelines and have a waitlist of backup candidates. If they say no, you must decide whether to take the guaranteed job or risk it for the preferred job.

Ask Company B to speed up

Immediately contact Company B. Tell them you have a competing offer with a deadline. "I am very keen to join your team, but I have an offer from another firm expiring on Friday. Is it possible to expedite your final decision?" Good employers will often speed up their process if they know they might lose a strong candidate.

How to decline an offer without burning bridges

If you have multiple offers and need to reject one, do it as soon as you have signed the contract for your preferred choice.

Do not ghost the employer. Someone else is on a waitlist hoping for that job. Send a polite, concise email. Example: "Dear [Name], Thank you so much for offering me the role. However, after careful consideration, I have decided to accept an offer at another firm that aligns slightly closer with my current career goals. I really enjoyed meeting the team and appreciate the time you took during the process."

The industry is small. You might want to work for that company in five years' time. Always remain gracious.

Can you negotiate a graduate salary?

The answer depends entirely on the type of role you applied for.

Large Graduate Schemes (Do not negotiate)

If you are joining a large graduate cohort at a bank, Big 4 firm, or large retailer, the salary is almost always fixed. Everyone joining the same programme in the same location is paid the same amount, so there is nothing to negotiate. It is fine to ask questions about the package, such as relocation support, start dates, or study leave, but trying to push the salary up will not get far.

Direct-Entry Graduate Jobs at SMEs (You can negotiate)

If you are applying for a specific junior role at a smaller company or startup, there is often wiggle room. If they offer you £25,000, but you have a competing offer for £27,000, you can negotiate. Example: "I am very excited about this role and would love to accept. However, I have another offer on the table for £27,000. If you are able to match that base salary, I am ready to sign the contract today."

If they cannot match the salary, they might negotiate on benefits (e.g., more remote working days or a training budget).

FAQ

What happens if I fail to get the 2:1 for my conditional offer?↓
What happens if I fail to get the 2:1 for my conditional offer?

Contact the employer immediately on results day. Do not wait for them to find out. Some employers are strict and will withdraw the offer. Others might show flexibility if you missed the grade by a small margin, performed well at the assessment centre, or had extenuating circumstances during your exams.
Can I ask for feedback if I am rejected?↓
Can I ask for feedback if I am rejected?

Yes. Always reply to a rejection email asking for feedback. Large firms might send a generic automated response, but smaller firms will often give you valuable insights into why you missed out, which you can use for your next application.
Is it normal to receive a background check form?↓
Is it normal to receive a background check form?

Yes. Almost all employers carry out right-to-work and reference checks. Depending on the role, you may also face extra checks: credit checks are common in financial services, the Civil Service uses a baseline security check, and roles working with children or vulnerable adults need a DBS check. The employer will tell you what is required and walk you through it.

Ready for the workplace?

Congratulations on securing the offer!

If you are still searching, our complete guide to graduate schemes covers the application cycle, and you can create a free EarlyBird account to get personalised job recommendations, track your applications, and discover the best student employers in the UK.