How to accept a job offer

Accepting a job offer should be the easiest and most satisfying thing in the world, particularly if you have been looking for alternative employment for a while, or the role fits in perfectly with your ambitions and dreams. However, even when you want to accept a job offer, there are some things to consider to ensure the process continues smoothly and you are fully protected from any unexpected shocks or surprises further down the line.

In this article, we will talk you through how to accept a job offer, including the do’s and don’ts and general etiquette surrounding this crucial part of the recruitment process.

If you're lucky enough to have multiple job offers but aren't sure which is the best one for you, take a look at our guide on how to choose the right job offer to accept.

Be appreciative

Most job offers will initially be presented over the phone or in person by the hiring manager, before sending a written offer.

The first thing you should do, regardless of your intentions, is thank the person calling for the offer and make it clear how grateful you are to be given the opportunity.

You should then make clear your intentions — if you would like some time to think about the offer, it's perfectly reasonable to explain this. You can then find out about what will happen next and the steps that follow you accepting the offer, so everybody is on the same page.

Try to avoid accepting on the spot

Unless you are absolutely 100% about the role and employer, it's often best to take a little bit of time to make 100% sure that it is the role that you want before officially accepting.

Now that the prospect of joining the organisation is very real, is it definitely the right position for you? Even if the answer is still yes, which hopefully it is, you are entitled to ask for a little bit of time and the hiring manager should understand if that is what you want. 

If you are concerned about sounding less enthusiastic than you are about the position, you can reassure the hiring manager that you are delighted with the offer and excited by the opportunity, but would just like to make sure everything you need is in place before moving ahead.

Equally, if you have so far only received a verbal offer and not a written offer, then you should ask for the written offer — which will contain details of salary, annual leave and additional benefits — before accepting.

If you are happy with the written offer and you are sure you want to progress, then you can go ahead and accept.

Clear up any queries

However, there may be situations where you are happy with a written offer and are keen to accept, but have other queries about the specifics of the role that you would like to have answered first.

This could be anything from practical working arrangements, probation periods and equipment that you will be using, through to details of your pension.

It is always best to make sure you have all the information you feel is important about your day-to-day work and role before accepting an offer, to avoid any misunderstandings once you begin your employment.

Write an acceptance letter

If everything is as it should be and you want to accept the offer, it is always best to do this in writing, even if you have already verbally agreed.

Your letter only needs to be short and to the point. You should:

• Thank the hiring manager for their offer and state that you accept immediately
• Re-state and confirm the key terms of employment that you have agreed, such as:
  • Start date
  • Salary
  • Benefits
• Send a final note of gratitude and eagerness to begin the role, as well as any personal contact information they might need that they do not already have on file

Once you have accepted the offer, all that remains is to prepare yourself for your new career, and get excited about what the future has in store for you.

If you have any more questions on how to accept a job offer, then contact us.