How to accept a job offer
After all the hard work you’ve put into your resumé, doing job interviews and following up, you receive a job offer. Congratulations! While it’s tempting to jump in and accept immediately, there are a few things you should consider first.
In this article, we cover everything you need to know about accepting a job offer, including advice on what to do when you get an offer, making sure it’s the right move for you, and how to write a professional response.
What is a job offer?
A job offer is a formal invitation for you (as the applicant) to work with the employer in a specific role. It’s more than just a letter offering you a job – it’s usually an email containing all the important information relevant to your new position.
A job offer letter generally includes:
- The job title
- A clear job description of your duties and responsibilities
- Salary, benefits, and any extra perks offered by the company
- Start date
- Work days/times and employment status (e.g. full time, part time, permanent or casual, apprentice, intern)
- Duration of employment (e.g. ongoing or fixed contract period)
- Your manager’s name and title
- Company information
- Any other relevant details of the employment
What to do before accepting a job offer
You may be feeling happy or relieved that you’ve been formally offered a job. But before you hit reply or call back, there are a few things you should think about first. Here are some steps to take before formally accepting a job offer:
1. Thank them for the offer
You should respond to a job offer within 24 hours, showing professionalism and enthusiasm for the opportunity. However, you don’t have to give an immediate yes or no at this stage. Instead, let the hiring manager know you would like some time to consider their offer.
Example: Thank you so much for offering me the [job title] position at [company name]. I am excited about the opportunity and honoured to be invited on board. I would love some time to review the offer before formally accepting.
2. Ask the company for a deadline
Next, ask the employer when they need an answer. They may not expect a response for a few days, or they may say they’d like to know right away. Typically a time frame of 24–48 hours is reasonable. This gives you time to read through the offer carefully, do any necessary research, and potentially negotiate.
Example: Would it be possible to get back to you by Thursday morning?
3. Read the offer letter and compare it to industry standards
Now it’s time to go through the letter of offer more carefully. Check that the important details are correct and match what was discussed in the interview. Take special note of the:
- Job title and responsibilities
- Start date and work schedule
- Salary and bonus structure (if applicable)
- Benefits package details (gym membership, vacation time, etc.)
- Notice period requirement
- Signing bonuses or relocation assistance (if offered)
Aside from salary, take note of any other benefits that the organisation offers you. For instance, if the salary is a bit lower than the industry standard, but they offer perks that are relevant to you, like free childcare, an annual bonus, or the option to work from home, this could make the trade-off worthwhile. It’s about finding an overall compensation package that matches your needs.
4. Evaluate your compensation package and negotiate if needed
Have a look online at what the average salary for the specific job you’ve been offered is in your industry. This will give you an idea of whether the offer is fair. Consider your level of experience and skills, and whether you feel these would make you more valuable to the company.
If you feel the offer is too low, you may decide you’d like to negotiate your salary or benefits package. When making a counter offer, start by thanking the employer for the offer and expressing your interest. Detail how your experience and skills will bring value to the company and provide examples from your research to support your request for a higher salary or better benefits.
Example: Thank you so much for this opportunity. I am thrilled at the prospect of working at [company name] and am eager to get started. Before I accept the offer, I would like to discuss the remuneration package, which is a little below industry benchmark for someone with my level of experience and skill set. I would happily move forward with an annual salary of [your amount] or a renegotiation of the compensation package to include [your chosen benefit/s here]. Looking forward to hearing from you.
5. Send any clarifications or questions via email
If you’re unsure about anything in the job offer letter, it’s okay to ask questions. Send an email to the hiring manager or HR recruiter and ask them for clarification. It’s best to ask questions before accepting an offer, so you avoid misunderstandings and have all the information to make a confident decision now. It’s harder to renegotiate after you’ve received the employment contract (or signed it).
Example: On reviewing the letter of offer I noticed ‘team management’ as a responsibility. I am more than happy to step into a management role, but wanted to clarify this as it wasn’t a focus of the interview.
How to accept a job offer
You’ve weighed your options and decided to accept the offer. Here’s how to seal the deal in three main steps.
1. Send a timely and concise email
Respond to the job offer within 24 hours, even if it’s to ask for more time to review the offer. A prompt response shows your professionalism and interest in the opportunity. It also demonstrates your respect for the employer’s time and effort in making the offer. Make sure your email is clear and concise and that you thank them for the offer.
2. Confirm offer details and express excitement for the role
When confirming the offer’s details, show your excitement about the opportunity. Start by briefly restating your acceptance of the position at the company. Then, express your enthusiasm for joining the team and potentially what specifically interests you about the role. For example, you could mention a specific project or the chance to work with a talented team.
3. Officially accept the offer and prepare for next steps
Clearly state your acceptance of the job offer terms as outlined in the offer letter. Mention specific details, such as your agreed start date and salary, to ensure you have the correct official details and that your expectations match those of your new employer. Make sure to follow any instructions provided in the offer letter regarding the acceptance process, such as signing and returning the offer letter or completing any necessary paperwork.
Email templates for accepting a job offer
Wondering how to reply to a job offer? Use these email templates to get an idea of what to say and how to say it.
Offer acceptance letter templates – for general use
Email Template 1:
Subject: Acceptance of Job Offer – [your name]
Dear [hiring manager’s name],
I am excited to accept the offer for the [job title] position at [company name], per the terms and conditions in the letter of offer. I’m thrilled about the opportunity and honoured to be invited to join your talented team.
A start date of [start date] is perfect for me – I’m keen to jump in as soon as possible once I’ve got everything tied up in my current role.
Please let me know what information you need from me to prepare the contract and if there’s anything I need to do before my start date.
Thank you again for this opportunity!
Sincerely,
[Your name]
Email Template 2:
Subject: Acceptance of Job Offer – [your name]
Dear [hiring manager's name],
I am writing to formally accept the offer for the [job title] position at [company name] as outlined in the letter of offer. Thank you for this exciting opportunity – I’m looking forward to contributing to all the great work you do.
Please let me know if there are any additional steps I need to take to finalise my acceptance. I’m excited to join the [company] team!
Thank you once again for this opportunity.
Best regards,
[Your name]
Offer acceptance letter templates – negotiating salary or benefits
Email Template 1:
Subject: Acceptance of Revised Job Offer – [your name]
Dear [hiring manager's name],
Thank you for the opportunity to join [company name] as a [job title]. I’m thrilled to accept your revised offer and I look forward to starting on [start date].
I appreciate you taking the time to reach this agreement, and I’m eager to prove my worth. As discussed, I’m happy to move forward with the new salary of [dollar amount] and additional [negotiated benefits] that we agreed upon.
I'm excited to be joining [company name] and am ready to hit the ground running.
Please let me know if there is anything you need from me for the contract.
Thank you once again for this opportunity.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
Email Template 2:
Subject: Acceptance of Revised Job Offer – [your name]
Dear [hiring manager's name],
I am delighted to accept your revised offer to join [company name] as a [job title]. I am looking forward to starting on [start date] and am excited to soon be joining your team.
Thank you for working with me to reach an agreement – I appreciate the time and effort. As we discussed, my new package comprises a salary of [dollar amount] in addition to [negotiated benefits].
I am eager to start my next chapter at [company name] and looking forward to achieving great things together.
Best regards,
[Your name]
By responding promptly and professionally to a job offer – and expressing gratitude for the opportunity – you can start your new role on the right foot. Remember to carefully review the offer to decide if it’s fair and the right fit for you before confirming your acceptance by email. Now that you know how to respond to a job offer, you can take this exciting and significant next step in your career journey.
FAQs
Should you accept a job offer immediately?
The time you take to accept a job offer is up to you. It’s best to take enough time to review the offer and consider the terms carefully before you agree. Politely ask for a deadline to respond if one isn’t provided.
Should I send a thank you after accepting a job offer?
Yes, saying thank you is an important part of how to accept an offer. Sending a short and polite thank-you email to your new boss or hiring manager is a great idea – it shows your excitement and enthusiasm to be joining the team, and makes a good impression before you’ve even signed a contract.
How do you politely accept a job offer?
Here’s a quick overview on how to respond to a job offer:
- Respond within the agreed timeframe with a clear, concise email.
- Thank the employer for the offer, state your acceptance of the position and terms as outlined in the offer letter
- Finish by expressing your excitement for the role
How do you respond to a job offer acceptance?
When responding to a job offer acceptance, you should acknowledge it promptly and confirm the details of the offer, such as start date and salary, in writing (in an email).
What do you say when you get a job offer?
When you get a job offer, your response will depend on whether you want to accept the role or not. Regardless of your answer, you should take the time to thank the employer for the opportunity and express enthusiasm for the role. Ask any questions you may have and request a deadline to respond if one is not provided. From there, you can formulate your response.
How do you accept a job offer letter by email?
Here’s a quick rundown of how to accept a job offer by email:
- Respond promptly, within the agreed timeframe (or within 24–48 hours if no timeframe was given)
- Express your gratitude for the offer and ask any follow up questions
- Confirm your acceptance of the role and terms as outlined in the offer letter, and reiterate your excitement to be joining the team.
