Accepted a Job Offer? Your Essential New Job Guide

Check Whether Your Job Offer Is Conditional

Before resigning from your current position, establish whether your new job offer is conditional or unconditional.

A conditional offer may depend on the successful completion of requirements such as:

• Satisfactory employment references
• Proof of qualifications or professional certifications
• Right-to-work checks
• Security clearance
• A Disclosure and Barring Service check, where appropriate
• Occupational health clearance
• A medical or fitness assessment
• Drug and alcohol testing
• Confirmation of professional membership

These checks can be particularly important in scientific, engineering and manufacturing environments where employees may work with specialist equipment, controlled materials, sensitive information or regulated processes.

UK government guidance regarding job offers recommends waiting until you have received an unconditional offer before handing in your notice, as a conditional offer could still be withdrawn if its requirements are not met.

You can also follow the UK Government step by step guide to starting a job here

Your job offer checklist

Receiving a contract can feel like the final administrative step, but it is an important document that deserves your full attention.

An employment contract is a legally binding agreement between an employer and a worker. Contractual terms can be agreed in writing, verbally or through the conduct of the parties, so it is important to make sure that the written documentation accurately reflects what was discussed during the recruitment process.

What should you check?

Review the following details carefully:

• Job title and primary responsibilities
• Salary and payment frequency
• Normal working hours
• Workplace location
• Hybrid or remote working arrangements
• Overtime expectations and payment
• Shift patterns
• Holiday entitlement
• Pension arrangements
• Bonus or commission structure
• Probationary period
• Notice period
• Sick pay
• Training commitments
• Confidentiality requirements
• Intellectual property clauses
• Post-employment restrictions and non compete clauses
• Company policies referred to in the contract

For science, engineering and manufacturing positions, pay particular attention to clauses covering:

• Shift allowances
• Call-out arrangements
• Travel to customer sites
• Use of a company vehicle
• Protective equipment
• Security clearance
• Ownership of inventions or technical developments
• Confidential designs, data and processes
• Health and safety responsibilities
• Professional registration or certification

If the contract differs from what you were told during the interview process, raise the issue before signing it. A genuine administrative mistake can usually be corrected, but it is far better to resolve it before you start work.

The contract is an agreement between your new employer and yourself and for the purposes of data protection, your consultant at Senex Recruitment is unlikely to have been sent a copy. However, we are here to help and with your permission we are always happy to view the clauses and offer our support.

In very rare cases you may wish to seek legal advice and employment lawyers such as Gaby Hardwicke are highly recommended.

Complete Your References and Employment Checks

Many job offers are subject to satisfactory references and pre-employment screening.

Respond promptly when your new employer or recruitment consultant requests information. Delays in supplying documents can delay the checks and potentially affect your agreed start date.

You may be asked to provide:

• Contact details for previous employers
• Copies of academic certificates
• Evidence of technical qualifications
• Professional membership details
• Proof of identity
• Evidence of your right to work in the UK
• Address history
• Security clearance information
• Occupational health information
• Driving licence details

Employers are not always legally required to provide a reference, unless this has been agreed in writing or applies to certain regulated roles. References are commonly requested near the final stage of recruitment and may be completed alongside other pre-employment checks.

Speak to your referees

Where appropriate, contact your referees to:

• Let them know that a request may be coming
• Confirm their preferred contact details
• Remind them of your employment dates and position
• Thank them for their assistance

Do not assume that your previous manager is still available or that the company will accept a reference request addressed to them personally. Many organisations require references to be managed centrally by their HR department.

Securing a new position is exciting, but avoid resigning before you understand the status of your offer.

Ideally, you should have:

• Accepted the offer in writing
• Reviewed the contract
• Clarified any questions or discrepancies
• Completed the main pre-employment checks
• Received confirmation that the offer is unconditional
• Agreed a realistic start date

Once an unconditional offer has been accepted, it can form a legally binding employment contract. This is another reason to check the terms carefully and make sure you are fully committed before accepting.

If you are working through Senex Recruitment, keep your recruitment consultant updated. We can help maintain communication with the employer and clarify what remains outstanding before you resign.

Once your new employment arrangements are confirmed, you can formally resign from your current role.

Check your employment contract or written statement to establish the notice period you must give. Employees will usually be required to work an agreed notice period, although the exact requirement depends on contractual terms and length of service.

Your resignation letter should be brief and professional. It should normally include:

• A clear statement that you are resigning
• Your job title
• The date of your resignation
• Your expected final working day
• A short expression of thanks

You do not need to provide a detailed explanation about why you are leaving. Focus on maintaining a positive and professional relationship.

Protect your reputation

Science, engineering and manufacturing can be closely connected sectors. You may work with former colleagues, suppliers, customers or managers again in the future.

During your notice period:

• Continue to perform your role professionally
• Complete important work where possible
• Prepare a clear handover
• Organise documents and project information
• Return company property
• Avoid taking confidential information
• Thank the people who have supported you

Leaving on good terms can protect your professional reputation and help you secure positive references in the future.

Once the offer, checks and notice period are settled, you can concentrate on preparing for your new role.

Contact your new employer or recruitment consultant if you have not received joining instructions a few days before your start date.

Confirm:

• Your start date and arrival time
• The full workplace address
• Where to park
• Who to ask for when you arrive
• The expected dress code
• Whether protective clothing will be provided
• What identification or documents to bring
• Whether you need to bring your own safety footwear
• Whether you are expected to bring any equipment

The UK government’s starting-a-job guidance also highlights practical information that a new employer may require, including National Insurance details, a P45 or starter checklist, and relevant student loan information.

Additional preparation for technical workplaces

If you are joining a laboratory, factory, workshop, cleanroom or engineering site, ask whether there are specific requirements for:

• Personal protective equipment
• Safety footwear
• Facial hair around respiratory equipment
• Jewellery in production areas
• Mobile phones and photography
• Food and drink restrictions
• Cleanroom clothing
• Security access
• Parking permits
• Site inductions

Do not purchase specialist equipment unless you have been told that you need to provide it yourself.

You are not expected to understand every system and process before you arrive. However, some preparation can help you feel more confident.

Before your first day, you could:

• Review the company website
• Read recent company news
• Look at its products, services and customer sectors
• Review the original job description
• Refresh relevant technical knowledge
• Make a list of questions
• Confirm the names of key contacts
• Plan your journey to the workplace

For regulated scientific and manufacturing positions, it may also be useful to refresh your understanding of relevant quality standards, documentation procedures and health and safety principles.

Keep your preparation proportionate. Your employer should provide appropriate training, induction and access to the information you need.

Every organisation has its own systems, culture and working methods. Even if you are highly experienced, take time to understand how your new employer operates before suggesting major changes.

During your first week:

• Listen carefully
• Take notes
• Ask sensible questions
• Learn who is responsible for what
• Clarify immediate priorities
• Understand reporting lines
• Familiarise yourself with safety procedures
• Find out how performance will be measured
• Be punctual and reliable
• Introduce yourself to colleagues

In technical environments, never be afraid to ask for clarification. Asking a question is better than making an assumption that could affect safety, quality, production or customer requirements.

Starting a new job can feel overwhelming, especially when you are learning new systems, meeting colleagues and adapting to unfamiliar processes.

You do not need to prove everything in your first few days. Focus on being dependable, curious and willing to learn.

Arrange an early conversation with your manager to understand:

• Your immediate priorities
• What success looks like
• Your training plan
• Key projects and deadlines
• Your probationary objectives
• How frequently you will receive feedback
• Who can support you with technical questions

Keeping a record of your objectives, achievements and training can also be helpful when you reach your probationary review.

Before your first day, make sure you have:

Received the written job offer

Confirmed whether the offer is conditional

Reviewed the employment contract

Checked the salary, working hours and benefits

Clarified any contractual questions

Supplied the required reference details

Completed right-to-work and employment checks

Received confirmation that the offer is unconditional

Handed in your notice professionally

Confirmed your final day with your current employer

Agreed your new start date

Planned your journey or commute

Confirmed the dress code and PPE requirements

Gathered the documents needed on your first day

Reviewed the company and job description

Received your first-day arrival instructions

At Senex Recruitment, we support professionals and employers across the science, engineering, and manufacturing sectors.

Our support does not end when a candidate receives a job offer. We help manage communication throughout the offer process, answer questions, coordinate pre-employment requirements and support candidates as they prepare to start their new position.

If you are considering your next career move or would like advice about opportunities in your specialist area, contact the Senex Recruitment team.

Call: 01424 211872
Email: kevin@senexrecruitment.com
Website: senexrecruitment.com

Please note that this article provides general career information and should not be treated as legal advice. For advice about your individual employment circumstances, consult an appropriate legal or HR employment professional or advisory service.