Evaluation
The University commits to employers that all students understand expectations for accepting job offers.
Mendoza Graduate Programs Career Development (MGPCD) requires students who are engaged in a career or job search to conduct themselves in an ethical manner reflecting the policies and expectations put forth by the University of Notre Dame in the Ethical Job Search Agreement signed by students. This issue is taken seriously. Students who renege on an offer of employment (full-time/part-time job offer or internship) will be held accountable by the University and will be required to meet with MGPCD senior leadership to discuss the circumstances of why the offer was reneged and the resulting consequences.
Reporting Your Offer Acceptance in DOME
DOME is the official tracking tool for Notre Dame Specialized Master's outcomes where you will report your offer acceptances.
Note: Once you have accepted an offer it is very important to alert your Career Coach and immediately enter the offer into the DOME platform.
Before accepting an offer:
Think very carefully about the offer and do not accept it until you are ready, as an acceptance must be made in good faith with every intention to honor the acceptance. When reflecting, ask yourself the following questions:
- Are the organization’s values and culture in sync with mine? Did I engage well with the people I met?
- Is the work challenging? Do they provide me with quality professional development opportunities? Will it take me on my desired professional path in a reasonable time frame?
- Even if it isn’t the exact position I was hoping for, will I gain skills that will positively influence my career/professional development?
- Does the compensation package (salary, benefits, vacation, health, and retirement plans) meet my needs?
- Is it in a geographic location that interests me?
- How do I feel about the required level of travel?
Accepting an Offer
When accepting a job offer, many companies have their own procedures in place to confirm your acceptance. As an alternative, you may do so in writing by restating your interest and the key components of the job. However, any acceptance (even verbal) must be given with the full intention of honoring your word.
Mendoza Graduate Programs Career Development’s Ethical Job Search Policy* requires that you notify all other organizations with whom you have applied that you have accepted an offer and wish to withdraw your name from further consideration. You should also consider notifying and thanking all those who have helped you in your job search, including those who served as references, provided you leads, and gave advice.
*NOTE: Your official acceptance of the Mendoza Graduate Programs Career Development’s Ethical Job Search Policy takes place in Becoming Irish prior to matriculation.
Declining an Offer
Sending an email or letter when withdrawing from the interview process or declining an offer is important to assure good relations with the organization.
- Withdraw from the interview process/decline an offer as soon as you know you are no longer interested, or immediately after accepting an offer from another organization
- Withdrawing/declining tactfully in a timely manner will not offend the organization
- Be positive—let them know it was a difficult decision, express your appreciation, and thank them for the opportunity
Exploding Offers
Exploding offers are those with short deadlines. If you are faced with an exploding offer, please contact your Career Coach. If the employer recruited on campus through our department, you have more leverage to negotiate an extension since it aligns with the Employer Job Offer Policy. You always have the right to request an extension whether or not the employer recruits on campus.
Requesting More Time
When faced with a decision to accept an offer that you feel you can’t make in the time allotted, you can consider requesting more time from the employer. You may need a phone conversation with the employer about your request to extend the offer deadline, but it's wise to provide a "heads-up" to the employer regarding the nature of your request before the call. Make sure to express your enthusiasm and gratitude for the offer. Odds are extremely low that the recruiter will rescind the offer just for asking - and if they do, it’s probably best to steer clear of the company anyway. Do not wait until the last minute to ask for an extension - a week or more before the deadline is preferred.
Notre Dame's Coaching/Student Agreement and Ethical Job Search Policy