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Candidate confidence · 4 min read

Your Written Job Offer: A Candidate Checklist

Turn an attractive headline into conditions you can understand. Use this checklist to compare written offers and identify the questions still needing an answer.

By the Manpower Serbia team · Published 21 September 2026

Keep two written documents distinct

The employer’s offer describes the work. The service provider’s offer describes the assistance you are buying. A programme brochure, vacancy record, invoice or payment receipt does not replace either document.

Save the version you reviewed, the date, the sender and your outstanding questions. If a condition changes during the process, ask for the update in writing so the current version is easy to identify.

Six areas to check in the employment offer

CHECK 01

Employer and location

Record the employer’s legal name, work address and contact person. Ask whether the work takes place at that address or at changing sites. Confirm who will employ you, supervise you and pay your salary.

CHECK 02

Role and requirements

Get a clear job title and list of duties. Confirm the skills, language level, certificates or licences the role requires, and how your experience will be assessed. A broad sector label is not a complete job description.

CHECK 03

Salary and deductions

Ask whether the amount is gross or net, the currency, normal payment date and the hours it covers. List each proposed deduction. Keep overtime, bonuses and variable earnings separate from the basic salary.

CHECK 04

Hours and rest time

Confirm normal hours per day and week, shifts, rest days and the approach to overtime. Ask how additional hours are approved, recorded and paid. Request the applicable contract conditions rather than relying on an informal estimate.

CHECK 05

Accommodation and daily costs

State whether accommodation is provided and whether it is free, subsidised or deducted from wages. Ask about occupancy, deposits, utilities, meals, commuting and who pays each cost. “Accommodation included” alone leaves too much unclear.

CHECK 06

Start date and responsibilities

Distinguish an estimated start date from a confirmed one. Record who prepares employer documents, who submits each application and what must happen before travel. Obtain a contact for questions if the employer, role or timing changes.

Read the service offer alongside it

Your personalised service offer should name the services, total amount and currency, what is included, what is separate, and the payment schedule. It should explain what happens if the candidate withdraws, the role changes, the employer declines or an authority refuses an application.

Ask which payments, if any, are refundable in each situation, what work is considered completed and how a cancellation request is made. Do not assume that one candidate’s payment or refund conditions apply to everyone.

Understand programme, platform and official fees

Use a question that gets a clear answer

“Please confirm the employer, role, salary basis, normal hours and every deduction. Please also send the service scope, full cost breakdown, payment schedule and cancellation terms that apply to my application.”

If a material point remains unclear, leave it open and request clarification before paying or committing to travel. A credible process can distinguish what is agreed from what still depends on employer or official review.

Request your written offer