Congratulations! You have passed the interview process and have received a job offer that you are ready to accept. While you may be eager to show your acceptance of employment and move forward with your exciting new opportunity, you can still take a few steps during the acceptance process to ensure there is no confusion on either side and that you are getting everything you expect from the offer.
Before accepting a job offer
Here are some tips for accepting a job offer. You can expect a few standard steps during the job offer process, including an offer notification, an initial or verbal request, and a final offer.
Wait times between your last interview and job posting discussions vary, but it’s acceptable to follow up if you haven’t heard back in at least three business days unless you’ve been given a timeline for the next steps.
The first (often more informal) job offer will likely be a phone call or email. After that first conversation, you should receive a formal communication with your official job offer. If the offer looks good, you’ll proceed to communications to accept a job offer. If the request is not, use this time to negotiate. Let’s take a closer look at each of the phases:
informal offer
This communication is often presented as an assumption, meaning they will ask you to tell them precisely what you need from them for a job acceptance. It would be best if you were prepared to discuss salary, benefits, work hours, and any other needs you may have at the new job.
official offer
After your initial informal discussions, you should receive an official offer. If the job offer comes with a phone call, request a written document for you to review. You should get all the job offer details in writing to make the offer official and fully understand the expectations of your position, salary, start date, and benefits.
Prepare to negotiate the job offer.
Negotiating the terms of an offer is a standard part of the job acceptance process. If the employer offers details about salary and benefits in the more informal early part of the job offer process, use that time to negotiate before they have drafted your formal offer letter.
If you’re looking at the details of your job offer for the first time in the official job offer letter and decide there are one or more changes you’d like to request, contact the employer to schedule a time to talk rather than just sending a counteroffer letter. You can write: “I have reviewed the offer and would like to discuss further details. When can we set up a time to meet?
Do not opt for another negotiation when the employer returns with his decision. If your application has been accepted and you are comfortable with the new terms, express your appreciation and intent to get and sign the offer as soon as possible. If they reject your requirements, thank them for their consideration.
Tips for accepting a job offer
Follow these steps when accepting a job offer.
1. Be timely in your response
Once you’ve received the official offer, it’s time to figure out how to respond. It is always better to react promptly to a job offer. Be sure to send a note upon receipt of the request indicating your steps and when they can expect a response.
2. Officially accept the job offer
Once you’ve carefully reviewed the job offer terms and are ready to buy, begin drafting your response. If you’re wondering how to start your answer, look at the employer’s communications and follow the same tone.
- Choose a clear subject line: Make the subject line of your job acceptance email clear and easy to find, such as “Juan Fernandez Job Offer Acceptance.”
- Express your appreciation: Begin your job acceptance letter by expressing gratitude for the opportunity.
- Officially accept the job offer: Then clearly explain that you are formally getting the job offer from the company.
- Repeat the final offer details: Next, confirm your accepting job offer details. This may include your expected title and a summary of the salary and benefits you have agreed to.
- Confirm your start date: Indicate your start date as you understand it in the communication you received.
- Conclude with good wishes: At this point, ask any questions before your start date, such as any paperwork you must complete before your first day. End your job acceptance email again with your thanks.
3. Check your answer
Review your job acceptance response several times to catch any errors. Having a friend or mentor back to help you through this process is always helpful to ensure your new opportunity gets off to a great start.
Tips after accepting a job offer
Once you’ve finalized the deal, your next steps include tying up any loose ends with your former employer and preparing for your first day. Before you submit your two-week notice (or other deadline depending on your company policy), make sure you’ve done all of the following:
- You formally accepted the job offer letter in writing with a confirmed start date.
- You signed any documents from the new employer that make their offer official.
After informing your current employer of your resignation, now is the time to prepare for your first day at your new job. Although you’ll likely receive communications from your new employer about preparing for your first day, here are some things to consider as you start your new job:
- Onboarding documentation you must complete before the start date
- orientation details
- Items you should come prepared with
Lastly, the time between job acceptance and your first day can vary widely, although most employers give their employees two weeks to prepare for their first day after accepting a job offer. Companies generally require two weeks’ notice when someone plans to leave their position. This time window allows someone to go on good terms and enables the company to find a replacement.
