How to Accept a Job Offer (With Examples)

How to Accept a Job Offer (With Examples) was originally published on Forage.

You got the job! Before you throw caution to the wind and start celebrating, you’ll need to formally accept your offer. This may involve negotiating the terms of the offer, signing an official offer, and sending a formal acceptance letter via email. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to accept a job offer. We’ll cover:

The process might be confusing if you’ve never gotten an official job offer. While every company is different, here’s a little bit of demystification of the process:

First, you’ll get a verbal offer. This will likely come from the hiring manager or the recruiter and may include details like your tentative start date and compensation. If they offer these details, be prepared to negotiate them before the written offer comes your way. If they don’t, ask for time to review the details in the written offer. In these conversations, you may informally accept the offer verbally on the condition that the written offer meets your expectations.

Then, they’ll follow up with a formal written offer. This offer should include all the details you need about your compensation, start date, benefits, expectations of the role, and working location and hours. You can negotiate this offer by asking to speak with the hiring manager or recruiter (whoever sent the offer to you), or, if the offer meets your expectations, you can officially accept it.

When Should I Accept a Job Offer?

Deciding whether or not to accept a job offer is about much more than a single factor, like compensation or work schedule. Instead, consider the whole package of the job and how it’ll affect your life and career, from your work-life balance to promotion opportunities within the company.

>>MORE: How to Find a Job You Love: 3 Things to Do (and 4 to Avoid)

Nema Smith, recruitment specialist, recommends asking yourself multiple questions about the offer:

TopicQuestion to Ask YourselfCultureCould you fit in seamlessly at the company, or would it be a culture shock? ValuesWould you be proud to say that you work there?SalaryIs the compensation in line with standard market rates? Is it in line with how much your skills and experience are really worth?Promotion OpportunitiesIs the incentive plan based on personal achievements or the company’s performance?Annual LeaveWhat’s the vacation and sickness allowance?Health InsuranceWhat insurance plans do they offer? What are the premiums? Is dental and vision coverage included? When will you be eligible?EquityWhat stock options are available? Are stock units given as part of a bonus or do you have to be working at the organization for a certain length of time before you are eligible?EducationWill the employer cover your tuition fees if you enroll in relevant paid educational courses?RetirementWhat contributions will the company make toward your pension?Other ExpensesIs the use of a company car, cellphone, or computer provided? If so, will these expenses be tax refundable?Further BenefitsAre any additional benefits offered for gym memberships, daycare, travel costs, sabbaticals, etc.?

Of course, not every person will value the answer to each question as much as the next. For example, if you’re thinking of pursuing higher education while working, tuition reimbursement might be a non-negotiable for you. On the other hand, you may want to work for a company that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. If that’s the case, you might not accept a job at a company that doesn’t embody that in its mission.

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Whether you accept a job offer or not is entirely personal — which is why it’s crucial to make sure you’re making the right decision for you.

>>MORE: How to Decline a Job Offer (With Examples)

How to Accept a Job Offer

Congratulations! You’ve decided this opportunity is right for you and would like to accept the job offer. Here’s how to do so.

Review the Offer (Yes, Again)

While it’s essential to review the offer before you make a decision, review it again before you officially say yes to ensure that you’re OK with everything within the offer. If there’s something you’re unsure about or want to negotiate, ask the hiring manager or recruiter to clarify or set up a meeting with them to discuss.

>>MORE: What Is a Hiring Manager (and How to Talk to One)?

Negotiate

“I recommend negotiating over the phone if you’re able,” Michelle Doan, ICF career coach and founder of Rising Tide Coaching and Consulting, says. “It can feel scary to do so, but you’ll get more immediate cues from the recruiter on the possibility of getting what you’re asking for. Prior to the phone call, you can send an email stating that you’re excited about the offer, and want to see if there’s a possibility of adjusting X element. That way, the recruiter is prepared for the call and isn’t caught off guard.”

For example, your email asking to set up a conversation might say:

Before your phone call, prepare what you’ll say to the hiring manager or recruiter, including any market rate salary or benefits data. This will help ground your arguments in facts vs. feelings and keep you from stumbling when you’re nervous.

>>MORE: How to Negotiate Salary for Beginners (With Examples)

Say Yes

If you’ve negotiated and gotten the offer you’re expecting, it’s time to officially say yes to the offer. Be sure to express your gratitude and enthusiasm. It’s better to be straightforward here — getting right to the point will make sure no one’s confused about whether you’re joining the team.

Restate the Terms

In your acceptance, restate the terms of the offer to ensure everyone has their details straight. For example, you might want to reiterate the starting date, compensation, critical benefits, and other information you want to make sure is correct about the offer.

Ask for Next Steps

Finally, ask the hiring manager and/or recruiter for next steps with the offer. Is there any other paperwork you need to complete or onboarding action items before your first day? Ask about these now to avoid running into surprises or outstanding items before you officially start.

How to Accept a Job Offer Via Email (With Examples)

So you’re ready to say yes to the offer, clarify the terms, and prepare for your first day. What does that look like in an email? Here are three examples of a how to accept a job offer email.

Once you’ve accepted your job offer, get ready to join the workforce with Forage’s personal development virtual experience programs.

Image credit: Karolina Grabowska / Pexels

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