Recruiting Activity Expectations for Students

Be honest and accurate in everything you share during the job search process—on your resume, cover letter, Handshake profile, LinkedIn, applications, and interviews. Exaggerating or falsifying information (like inflating your GPA or overstating a project outcome) can lead to losing an offer and can damage both your reputation and UW–Madison’s credibility with employers.

As you explore career opportunities, be thoughtful about which interviews you choose to pursue. Interviews can help you learn more about a role, organization, and work environment, while helping you determine if the position and organization are a good fit. Before moving forward, consider whether the opportunity aligns with your interests, goals, and preferences. If you are unsure, connect with your career services office to talk through the opportunity and your options.

If you are only accepting an interview opportunity for practice, we instead recommend using UW–Madison resources like Big Interview or completing a mock interview with a career advisor or coach. These can help you build confidence and strengthen your skills without taking a real interview spot from another student. 

Following through on commitments is an important part of professional etiquette and helps foster positive relationships with employers. If you can no longer participate in a recruiting event or interview, let the employer know as soon as possible with a brief, respectful explanation. If circumstances change unexpectedly, communicate promptly and contact your career services office for assistance if needed.

The availability and timing of opportunities and employment offers can vary significantly by organization and industry. This should be considered in your search strategy. Accepting an offer is a commitment. Backing out later (reneging) can harm your reputation and UW–Madison’s relationships with employers. For international students, reneging on an offer may have other implications for your current and future visa eligibility.

Additionally, before accepting a position, make sure you have the offer in writing and review the full package, including responsibilities, pay, benefits, and any agreements. If you have questions about reviewing or evaluating a job offer, connect with your career services office prior to accepting.

We encourage employers to set reasonable deadlines for job offers because we understand it is in your best interest to have ample time to make an informed decision. If you receive an offer but need more time to decide, ask for an extension before the deadline and reaffirm your interest. It’s okay to be considering multiple opportunities—just be clear and timely in your communication. 

If you are waiting on other employers, let them know you have an offer and ask about their timeline so you can make an informed decision. Clear communication helps you choose what’s best for you and builds trust with employers.

Accept your offer in writing or by following the specified process outlined by the employer (e.g., accepting the role in an online portal) and wait for confirmation that your acceptance was received before withdrawing from other opportunities. This helps ensure everything is finalized and confirms that the employer can end their search for the position.

Once you have accepted an offer, withdraw from all other opportunities. Let employers know as soon as possible (whether you have interviewed or have interviews scheduled) that you are no longer pursuing employment opportunities and thank them for their time. Accepting an offer means you should stop interviewing and applying for other jobs. Clear communication helps employers move forward with other candidates and shows respect.

Deciding not to accept a job offer is a normal part of the career decision-making process. If you choose to decline an offer, communicate with the recruiter promptly and professionally and follow up with a brief thank-you.

A respectful response helps maintain positive relationships with employers, supports your professional reputation, and allows employers to continue the hiring process. This email template can be a helpful starting place for declining a job offer.

When declining an offer:

• Respond as soon as you have made your decision.
• Thank the employer for the opportunity.
• Clearly communicate that you are declining the offer.
• Keep any explanation brief. You are not obligated to share detailed information about your decision.
• Maintain a professional and respectful tone.

Avoid backing out (reneging) after accepting an offer. Doing so can harm your reputation, UW–Madison’s reputation, and future opportunities for other students. While reneging is never an ideal first choice, we understand that unique situations may arise–we strongly encourage you to reach out to your career services office for guidance when navigating these circumstances.

The information you report is used and shared in the aggregate (never as individual responses) to help current and future students learn about career opportunities and enables UW–Madison to assess and improve how we prepare students for career success.

Undergraduate Students 

Report your accepted (post-graduation) job by completing the First Destination Survey. Report completed internships, co-ops, student teaching, clinical, and other relevant experiences by filling out the Workplace Experience Survey. 

Graduate Students 

Graduate Students in research-based Master’s and PhD programs should report accepted (post-graduation) jobs by completing the Master’s Exit Survey or Doctoral Exit Survey. Report completed internships, co-ops, student teaching, clinical, and other relevant experiences to your program as required by your program.