Accept a job offer

When you apply for jobs, you’ll be sent a formal offer if you’re successful in the application.

The offer may be made in person, over the phone or in writing. If you accept the offer, there are things you need to do before you start employment.

Reading your contract

When you accept a job offer from an employer, they will usually give you an employment contract to sign. This contract is a legal agreement between you and your employer.

Employment contracts set out the terms and conditions of a job. You should read them carefully because they contain information about:

  • income and benefits
  • work hours
  • work duties and responsibilities
  • duration of employment
  • different types of leave
  • termination notices
  • working arrangements.

All employment contracts need to meet the minimum legal requirements found in:

  • the National Employment Standards (NES)
  • any awards, enterprise agreements or other registered agreements that apply.

Find out more about employment contracts on the Fair Work Ombudsman website.

Negotiating working conditions with your employer

If you want to change something in your contract, you should speak to your employer before signing. Employers have the right to decline any requests. Things you may want to negotiate include your:

  • annual income and benefits
  • employment start date
  • working arrangements.

If you need flexible working arrangements

You should tell your employer if you need flexible working arrangements before you sign your contract. If they accept your request, it can be added to your contract.

You can ask your employer for flexible working arrangements at any time, even if they aren’t included in your contract.

Find out more about flexible working arrangements on the Fair Work Ombudsman website.

Signing your contract

When you’re happy with your employment contract, you need to sign and return it to your employer. If either you or your employer don’t follow the terms and conditions of the contract, there may be legal consequences.

Page last updated: 14 April 2023