How to accept a job offer
Review the job offer details
If you’ve just been offered your dream job, congratulations! But before you sit back and celebrate, there are several job acceptance steps you must follow. To help, we share our advice on how to write an acceptance email and we include a job offer acceptance template, so you can get started right away.
Before you accept a job offer though, it’s important to firstly take some time to review the details. Most employers make an initial job offer verbally, either over the phone or via the recruiter. Before accepting a job offer, ensure you are happy with this verbal offer. Does it align to what you were expecting? Are the salary, benefits, training and hours, for instance, equivalent to what was discussed during the job interview? Make sure you firm up all the details so you can carefully consider the job offer.
Job acceptance steps from Hays
This video offers advice on accepting a job offer. Follow our simple steps on how to accept a job offer in this important part of the job-hunting process.
If you need time to think, ask for it
If you need additional time to review the job offer, please ask for it. You don’t want to accept a job offer you aren’t happy with, so rather than making a rash decision, communicate your appreciation for the offer, confirm your interest in the role, then give your recruiter and the hiring manager a timeframe of when you will come back to them with your answer – and stick to it. One to two days is considered the most you can reasonably expect to ask for – after all, if you decline the job offer, the hiring manager needs to be able to contact other interviewed candidates promptly.
To help you decide whether to accept a job offer, speak with your recruiter, trusted colleagues and family and friends. As soon as you’ve made your decision, let your recruiter and hiring manager know, regardless of what that decision is.
Be prepared to negotiate
Realistic negotiations are often part of the job offer process. As mentioned, most job offers are firstly made verbally in a phone call, and this is the most appropriate time to begin negotiating if you are unhappy with one or more aspects. Don’t wait until the formal written offer is sent.
Raise your concerns with your recruiter. Remember, we are available to help you through the negotiations to reach an offer that works for both sides.Often, we already know if there is any room for movement on salary or benefits, so talk to us.
Just ensure you are realistic; to aid your decision making, it can help to refer back to your target job requirements and why you wanted a new job in the first place. If you accept the position, will these goals be met?
Get the job offer in writing
Most employers make an initial job offer verbally, either over the phone or via the recruiter. Before accepting a job offer, ensure you are happy with this verbal offer.
Once both parties have discussed and reached an acceptable offer, a formal letter is usually sent to confirm the details and terms of employment in writing. When you receive the written formal offer, read it thoroughly and check all aspects.
If the employer doesn’t indicate they will provide a written offer, ask for one so that you can formally accept the job. If your new employer is keen for you to start as soon as possible, the job offer letter should arrive promptly.
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During your notice period
Once you have sent your job offer acceptance email, it’s advisable to keep in touch with your new employer throughout your notice period. For instance, send them an email half way through your notice period to say you are looking forward to the impending start date. After you accept a job offer, your new boss may even invite you for a team drink to meet your future colleagues, and if so, make an effort to put in an appearance.
Don’t forget to also extend an olive branch to your current colleagues. It can be hard for a team to hear that a valued colleague is leaving, so take the time to personally explain to your closest colleagues why you are leaving. Focus your reasons on the positive aspects of your new role, not the negatives of your current one. Let them know how much you’ve enjoyed working with them and that you’d like to keep in contact.
Don’t forget to also extend an olive branch to your current colleagues. It can be hard for a team to hear that a valued colleague is leaving, so take the time to personally explain to your closest colleagues why you are leaving. Focus your reasons on the positive aspects of your new role, not the negatives of your current one. Let them know how much you’ve enjoyed working with them and that you’d like to keep in contact.
Be excited
Accepting a job offer is an exciting step. This is the next chapter in your career and what you have been working towards. Convey this to your new boss to further underline that they have made the right decision.
Now that you’ve accepted your new job offer, you may be interested in our tips on starting a new job or further career development advice.
How to structure a job offer acceptance letter or email
While your job offer acceptance letter or acceptance email should be succinct, it is still a formal business communication that will be added to your employment file. It should therefore be well-constructed, error-free and contain the following details:
1. Express your thanks
Begin your job offer acceptance letter by thanking your new employer for offering you the position. Clearly state the job title and the organisation’s name.
For example, “Thank you for your time on the phone yesterday. I was delighted to receive your formal offer today for the role of [Job Title] at [XYZ company].”
2. Officially accept the job offer
Next, communicate that you are delighted to accept the offer. You may like to mention that you look forward to starting.
For example, “I am happy to officially accept your offer of employment. I look forward to joining your team.”
3. Clarify the salary and benefits
Then clarify the salary and benefits when accepting the offer.
For example, “As discussed, my starting salary is [$XX,XXX], with [an annual performance-based bonus, training, professional membership and hybrid working] part of the offer.”
4. Note your start date
If you're transferring from another job, you will likely have to work out a notice period. In your acceptance letter, formally communicate the notice period and start date to avoid confusion. If you are yet to confirm your notice period with your current employer, explain that you will notify them in writing as soon as possible of your start date.
For example, “I can confirm that I am required to serve out a four-week notice period with my current employer. My start date will be Monday 23rd June.”
5. Conclude on a positive note
End on a positive note by saying that you are looking forward to commencing your new role.
For example, “I am looking forward to joining the team and getting started in my new role!”