Is it wrong to accept the offer of a firm and then go on to apply to firms you feel are 'better', using the firm who gave you an offer as a back up.I ask this because I have met a number of people with the same ethical quandry and feel that I may too find myself in a similar situation.How would the employers out there feel if they offered a job to a grad and then somhow found out that the grad continued to apply to firms after having recieved an offer.

If youre relatively low down the recruitment ladder (grad etc) do it.Youve got to make the most of every opportunity.

Better to ask the firm who gave you the offer for more time to consider it. Try to give them a reasonable estimate - they shouldn't be rushing you to sign a contract for work you won't do for another 11 months. You don't have to tell them you're applying elsewhere unless they ask.At the end of the day, if you aren't successful in your other applications you'll probably not be happy in a "second choice" job. Decide whether you really want to work there - if not and you're just holding on in case, then turn down the offer.If you think you will want to reapply to your first choice firms if you are unsuccessful this year, then you are far better to go travelling or volunteer or do something that isn't a grad job. That way, when you reapply you can say you were doing something developmental. If you apply from a second choice firm then a) you will look like you lack commitment and b) you will look desperate.

They will not have any loyalty towards you, so why should you to them?

Wow, no wonder you guys are always b*tching about your jobs if you go into them with that attitude!Thank god I don't have to work with you - you must be a nightmare. I didn't think anyone these days actually believed in Theory X anymore.