Congratulations! You have made it through the interview cycle and have received a job offer that you’re ready to accept. Although you may be ready to firm up and take on this new opportunity, there are a couple of important steps to follow during the acceptance phase. This makes everything clear on both ends and assures you’re receiving what you anticipate from the offer.
In this article, we will guide you through how to proceed before saying yes to a job offer, give an example acceptance letter, and offer advice on next steps after saying yes.
Key takeaways:
Before signing, read carefully through the offer and negotiate any other terms.
Upon accepting, confirm the offer details and convey gratitude and enthusiasm in your reply.
After agreeing, arrange with your new employer paperwork and onboarding for a smooth first day.
An individual sporting short hairsmiles as he shakes hands with a bearded man.
Before Accepting a Job Offer
Throughout the offer process, you will see a few typical steps: an offer notice, an initial or verbal offer, and a final offer. The wait from your last interview to the job offer will depend, but if you have not heard within at least three business days, it is alright to follow through—unless they mentioned a specific timeframe.
The initial offer (generally informal) will typically be delivered over the phone or email. Next, you’ll get a formal notice with the formal job offer. If the offer is adequate as it stands, you’ll proceed with acceptance. If it isn’t, this is where you negotiate. Let’s take it apart:
Informal Offer
This typically comes across as a discussion in which they pose the question of what would have to happen for you to take it. Prepare to negotiate salary, benefits, hours, and any other requirements for the position.
Official Offer
Once the informal discussions are concluded, you should then be offered the job formally. If it’s by phone, ask for a written copy to read. Having something in writing is important—something that makes your offer binding and helps you clearly understand your position, salary, hire date, and benefits.
Be Ready to Negotiate the Offer
Negotiating is a normal part of the process. If salary or benefits come up in the informal stage, discuss adjustments before they draft the formal offer.
If you’re seeing the details for the first time in the official letter and want changes, reach out to set up a conversation instead of sending a counteroffer. Keep it simple:
“Thank you for reviewing the offer. I’d like to discuss the specifics more. Can we arrange a time to chat?”
After the employer’s reply, don’t negotiate any more. If they accede to your demands and you’re satisfied with the conditions, express gratitude and assure them you’ll sign within no time. If they refuse, graciously accept their decision and determine whether you’re okay with taking it as-is.
Accepting the Offer
Do the following steps to accept:
1. Respond in Time
When you get the formal offer, send a quick response. Send a brief note confirming receipt and asking for the earliest date on which they would like to hear from you. For instance:
“Thank you for the offer! I’m happy to review the terms. When do you need my response?”
2. Formally Accept
After reading and agreeing to accept, write your response. Emulate the tone used in the employer’s communication. In your acceptance:
Subject line: “Job Offer Acceptance – Shay Garcia”
Be thankful: Begin by expressing gratitude for the offer.
Official acceptance: Explicitly state you accept the offer.
Restate important details: Confirm your job title, salary, benefits, and start date.
Close positively: Pose any last questions and express gratitude once more.
3. Proofread Your Answer
Double-check for mistakes. Having a friend or advisor look over it can guarantee a good beginning.
Job Offer Acceptance Letter Sample
Dear Mindy,
Thanks so much for your call and for leaving the written offer. I’m happy to officially accept the Finance Associate role with River Tech.
As negotiated, my base salary will be $55,400 annually and I will have three weeks of vacation time. I know my health, dental, and vision coverage will take effect on my date of hire, with the possibility of having a flexible spending account.
I’m looking forward to starting with the team on Monday, July 20. Do please advise if there is any documentation or information that I need to prepare in advance. Thank you once again for this chance—I’m eager to begin!
Warm regards,
Shay
Back-and-forth in the offer process can be confusing, so don’t be afraid to ask questions. Employers want clarity as much as you do.
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Tips After Accepting a Job Offer
Once everything’s finalized, wrap up loose ends with your current employer and prepare for your new role. Before giving notice (following your company’s policy), ensure you’ve:
Formally accepted the written offer with a confirmed start date.
Signed all required documents.
Cleared final steps like reference checks or background screenings.
Your new employer will probably be glad to help—don’t hesitate to ask, “Is there anything that I need to finish before I tell my current employer?”
Once you’ve resigned, turn your attention to getting ready for your first day. Although your new employer will show you the way, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Onboarding forms.
Orientation information.
