How to Accept a Job Offer

Accepting a job offer isn’t as simple as saying, “I’ll take it! When do I start?” It’s important to make sure you and your employer have covered all the bases and there’s no confusion. It’s best to accept a job offer with a letter of acceptance.

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What to look for in a job offer

Prior to the official offer, you may take part in a brief little dance (sometimes called a supposal) where your potential employer says something like, “Suppose we want to offer you a position. What would we have to offer in order for you to accept?” Once you’ve negotiated the terms, it’s time to seal the deal.

Here’s a tip: The time to negotiate your salary and benefits is before you’ve accepted the position. If you’ve had a strong interview (or series of them) and you’re anticipating being offered a position, it makes sense to prepare to address these things in advance. Knowing what you want is half the battle.

Except in the most informal cases, your future employer should then extend an offer to you in writing. The offer should lay out:

Your salary
Your benefits package
Your start date

Here’s a tip: If the employer doesn’t extend a written offer, it’s a good idea to request one. You can subtly prompt the employer to send you something in writing by saying, “I’m excited to get to work! I’ll review the terms of your written offer just as soon as I receive it. When would you need my response?”

How to write an acceptance letter

You’ve got the job! Now it’s time to show your new employer they’ve made a good investment. You polished your résumé and cover letter, so give your acceptance letter the same attention. Make sure you proofread your letter carefully. (May we suggest a helpful personal editor?)

Here’s a tip: Read your letter aloud to yourself before you send it. Reading aloud helps you recognize problems with flow and syntax—the parts you stumble on as you speak might need some rewriting.

Be sure to express your gratitude for the job offer. You’ve been given an opportunity, and your acceptance letter is a great time to show how excited you are to get started. Think about what you’re looking forward to the most. Maybe you’re amped about contributing your creative energies to projects, or you’re on board with the company’s mission, or you’re ready to dig into a project you’ve been told about. Go ahead and say so!

Keep your letter short and sweet, but do include these elements:

A thank-you for the opportunity
Verbiage that says you accept the company’s offer of employment
Your title
A recap of the salary and benefits as you understand them
The date you expect to start

Job offer acceptance letter example

You can send your acceptance letter by snail mail or email. If you send a hard copy letter, format it like a business letter with your contact information at the top.

Here’s a tip: If you’re unfamiliar with business letter formats, word processors like Google Docs and MS Word have handy templates you can use.

If you’re sending an email, include your name in the subject line and the words “Job Offer Acceptance.”

Here’s what the body of your message might look like:

Dear Cecilia,

I was excited to get your phone call yesterday. I’m writing to formally accept your employment offer for the Social Media Manager position at XYZ Company. Thank you for the opportunity to put my skills to work making XYZ’s brand shine across multiple platforms.

As we agreed, my starting salary will be $52,800 per year with two weeks of paid time off. I understand that health and dental benefits will be available after ninety days of employment.

If there’s anything you need from me prior to that start date, or any documents I should bring on my first day, just let me know. I’m eager to dig in and get started on November 6, 2017.

Thanks again,

Paul