Frequently Asked Employability Questions

Below you will find some frequently asked questions, if there is anything you would like to know but cannot find an answer to on the website please email emma@emma-ford.com and we will do our best to answer and add it to the questions below.

Q: If I have accepted a job and then decide its not for me, what should I do.

A: Hello, I suggest you have an honest conversation with the company who has offered you the job and explain your situation, you might find they will be disappointed but say OK, if they don’t ask them what they expect of you, stay in conversation with them to work through the situation. If you have accepted the offer then it is legally binding and they could ask you to work notice for your resignation, if this is requested and you don’t do it, your employer could claim breach of contract.

Q: I have been asked by the company who have offered me a job to have a medical, but I am planning to travel until just before I start work, can they make me have the medical before I start work.

A: Hello, you will need to check whether the medical is in your contract as a pre-employment check and if it states it has to be done before you start work. If it does then I am afraid you will have to amend you travel plans to get this done before you start work, if you don’t, you could be in breach of your contract. If it doesn’t I suggest you speak to your future employer to come to an arrangement which suits you both, perhaps to get it done immediately you return. You might also want to check that there aren’t other documents/checks that are contracted for completetion before you start work.

Q: I am due to go for an interview next week and someone has told be that there is a short piece of reading to do, I am dyslexic and am concerned I will not have enough time to read the text.

A: Hello, don’t worry, tell the person who is organising the interview that you are dyslexic and that you may need more time to read any text you are given. I would also tell your interviewers and perhaps ask them to read the text out to you. Don’t be shy, ensure you give yourself the best chance during your interview.

Q: If I get a verbal offer from a company, is this a binding contract?

A: A contract does not have to be in writing, so your verbal offer is a contract and will remain so until it is formally ended, by giving notice or the ‘terms’ are changed. For more information see ‘Contracts of Employment’ under Articles on this website.

Q: I have been offered a job with a good company, but I am not sure what training/development I will receive, is this something I can ask about?

A: Hello, yes it is something you can ask about. It may be outlined in the terms of your Contract, if it isn’t then call and ask the company what training/development will be offered to you over the first years of your employment, see if you can get this in writing. You might also want to ask about different career paths in the company.