Offer Acceptance Guidelines

In accordance with the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) guidelines, our goal is not to dictate a specific time frame but to encourage practices that create a transparent and equitable process for students and employers. Effective communication is essential to align with NACE Principles for Ethical Professional Practice, which seeks to “maintain a recruitment process that is fair and equitable and that supports informed and responsible decision-making by candidates.”

NACE Recommendations

According to NACE, it is recommended that employers allow students to participate in recruiting activities such as information sessions, career fairs, and on-campus interviews to enable suitable long-term employment choices and reduce the likelihood of reneging on job offers. In keeping with this practice, we recommend employers establish and incorporate offer extension protocols where students are free from undue pressure, and requests for extensions are honored within reason. As a guide, once a written employment offer is received, a minimum of two weeks should be allowed for you to make an informed decision. If you require an extension beyond these deadlines, you should ask the employer directly. Depending upon individual circumstances, some employers will extend their deadlines, while others may not. If you need guidance regarding evaluating job offers, we strongly encourage you to schedule an appointment with your career advisor.

Receiving and Accepting an Offer

If you receive an offer, you may continue to interview with other employers. However, be certain that you respond to the offering employer prior to their deadline. Once you have verbally accepted an offer for a full-time position, internship or co-op, request that the offer be made in writing. It is ethically wrong and strongly discouraged to continue to interview, send letters of application and conduct other job search activities for opportunities with similar or competing start dates as the accepted offer. Your acceptance is a formal commitment to the employer that should be honored. Reneging on an offer (accepting an offer then withdrawing that acceptance) not only damages your personal credibility and professional reputation but also reflects badly on Seton Hall University. In addition, the employer may decide to discontinue recruiting at Seton Hall, thus jeopardizing opportunities for future candidates. If you renege on a written offer, your on-campus recruiting and job listing rights may be permanently revoked.

If you have any questions, please contact us at (973) 761-9355.