For many of you new grads, it’s celebration time right now. In addition to graduating, you created a killer resume, networked like crazy, interviewed like a boss, negotiated for your very first salary—and now you’ve gotten an official offer for your first real job!

Hold the bubbly, though— there’s a little more housekeeping to take care of before you start popping corks left and right.

In this story, you’ll learn what you need to do after getting a job offer for the very first time.

Respond ASAP

You will receive a written offer that requires your signature, so read it thoroughly and compare its details with that of the verbal offer you received.

Once you’ve reviewed your written offer and verified that everything matches up, don’t sit on it. It’s important to respond quickly (within a day), especially if there’s more to accepting the offer than just signing on the dotted line.

Most companies will also have to perform a background check, so send your soon-to-be-employer all the necessary information as quickly as you can. If you drag your heels, that won’t do your reputation any good. Also, these requests for information may come in a rolling fashion and take time to complete, so the sooner you start, the sooner you’ll finish.

Close the Loop on Outstanding Applications

Hiring people takes a lot of effort. And just as you’ve put in work to get a job, you want to be respectful of all the hiring managers out there to whom you’ve sent your resume, so they can look for someone else to fill the role.

Politely notify the other prospective employers and request that your application be withdrawn from consideration due to acceptance of other employment. This not only shows integrity and respect, but will also leave a good impression with the recruiters—because you never know if you’ll cross paths again.

Complete Your New Hire Paperwork

Yes, after your acceptance paperwork, there may be even more forms to sign and online documentation to complete. It’s probably the last thing you want to deal with after four years of term papers and exams, but it’s extremely important.

Read and save copies of all the new hire paperwork—offer letter, benefits information, employee handbook, non-compete agreements, etc. This helps you understand the terms you’re agreeing to and allows you to reference them quickly if need be.

Some new hire documentation, such as health insurance and retirement plans, could also affect you financially. For example, your new company may match your retirement plan contributions. If you have any questions, ask a parent, mentor, or your college career counselor before making important financial decisions.

Start a First Job Budget

While your bank account may not exactly be bursting at the seams, many college grads earn the most money they’ve ever made once they start working full-time. You’ll want to be wise with this new income.

Making a budget and be sure to include income taxes, rent and utilities, commuting costs, pre-tax retirement contributions, student loan payments, and your personal savings goals.

Seeing that large number marked “salary” on your official written offer can be misleading since it’s pre-tax income over an entire year, which will have to cover a variety of expenses. So take 30 minutes to figure out monthly expenses with this new income, and it might stop you from getting into first-job debt.

Go on a Thank-You Tour

You didn’t get this job alone. It took a village. So be sure to thank everyone involved with helping you get hired.

Reach out to the individuals in your network to share the news of your new job and thank them for any help they provided throughout the process.

Go beyond thanking your interviewers and recruiters; thank anyone you went to for advice about the company or the job, thank family friends who recommended you, and thank roommates who proofread your resume. And last, but not least, thank the career services team that had your back throughout the application process.

Keep Your Career Path Clear

It’s been a long time coming, so when you land your first job, you definitely have cause to celebrate. But obviously, this isn’t the end of the line—you’re just getting started! A first job is the place where you can help build the foundation for a great career. Need some help making your way up the ranks? Create a free profile on Monster. You can get career advice and job search tips sent directly to your inbox. From leadership skills, to time-management techniques, to negotiating your first raise, you’ll learn how to takes steps along your career path that lead you to the top.

Elizabeth Muenzen profile image
Elizabeth Muenzen Career Advice Writer

Elizabeth Muenzen is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches who empowers job seekers to take control of their career paths using Monster’s comprehensive job search and resume tools.

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