Accepting a job offer

Check the job package on offer before you celebrate

You've been offered a job - congratulations. Now keep a calm head and don't make any sudden moves.

If you are offered a job during your interview, only say yes if you are 100% sure. If not, it is perfectly acceptable to say you will get back to them in a couple of days.

Make sure you tell them that you are very interested and specify when you will phone them.

Know what salary you want or what the job should pay before you go in, so you can answer the tricky 'how much do you want?' question. It's unlikely to happen for your first job, but after that, be ready for this one.

Look through newspapers or websites to establish what is about right. Don't ask for something astronomical and if you're tempted to lie about your current package remember that your new employer will see your P45.

Added benefits

Remember to ask about salary, holiday entitlement, benefits packages and any other perks of the job. It's up to you whether you ask this at the end of an interview or only after they offer you the job.

Job perks Company pension Staff share scheme Health and dental insurance Company car

If your current employer tries to persuade you to stay ask yourself what you really want - do you love the company, the pay, or the prospects of your current job more than the one you've applied for?

In the unlikely event that you're offered two jobs at the same time don't play the firms off against each other - make them aware of your situation, and see if either will try and make their offer sweeter. Promise them a swift answer and then ask your closest friends or relatives for advice if you need to.

Try to leave your current job as gracefully as possible. Tempting as it may be to list all the complaints and irritations that have built up against your old boss, resist the urge. You may still need a good reference or their help in the future.