According to recent resume statistics, the average job search in the US takes about five months—from crafting your resume to signing the contract.
After all that effort, accepting a job offer is a major milestone, but it’s more than just saying “yes.” To confidently cross the finish line, you’ll need to sort out key details like clarifying the terms, ensuring the offer aligns with your career goals, and confirming the next steps of the hiring process.
Rushing this final step could lead to unanswered questions or misunderstandings.
Once you’ve ironed out the details, knowing what to say when accepting job offers will feel natural. Let’s break it down with simple steps and examples to help you get it right.
Key takeaways
- Always take time to carefully review a job offer, ensuring the salary, benefits, and work arrangements align with your needs before confirming.
- When accepting, express gratitude, confirm key details, and maintain professionalism to leave a positive impression.
- Use email as the most common and efficient way to formalize your ‘yes’, keeping a written record of your response.
- If you’re happy with the initial offer, send your acceptance message promptly to demonstrate enthusiasm and reliability.
- For more formal roles or industries, consider crafting a well-structured letter to align with expectations.
Finding the right words starts with being prepared. In the next part of this guide, we’ll shed light on what to expect after receiving a job offer.
What to do before accepting a job offer
Deciding whether to say yes to a job is a critical moment. Before adding another entry to your resume’s experience section, take a step back to ensure this opportunity truly aligns with your career trajectory.
Here’s how to prepare for a firm decision after a verbal offer:
Thank the employer
Usually, the good news comes in an informal call where they share the offer details.
Take a moment to express your gratitude during that call or email. If you need some time to think it over, don’t hesitate to ask politely—employers appreciate a candidate who takes a thoughtful approach.
Say something like:
Thank you so much for the offer—it’s an exciting opportunity! Could I take a day or two to review the terms and get back to you?
Take time to evaluate
Look at the offer to ensure it meets your expectations.
Start with the salary—is it competitive for your role and location? Use tools like Glassdoor or Payscale, to compare industry benchmarks, or consult trusted peers.
Next, consider the mode of work: Will you work remotely, in-office, or on a hybrid schedule? If it’s remote, check whether the company provides equipment or stipends for a home office. Make sure these terms match your lifestyle and preferences. If anything feels off, be ready to discuss it with the employer.
PRO TIP
This is the perfect moment to plan your salary negotiation strategy. Most companies, especially larger ones, expect candidates to negotiate. A reasonable increase to request is around 10-15%, provided you can justify it with your qualifications, experience, or market research.
Approach the conversation with respect and confidence and focus on the value you bring to the role.
Here are a few more questions to ask yourself while evaluating the offer:
- Will I fit into the company’s culture, or could it be a shock?
- Would I feel proud telling others I work there?
- What are the PTOs and sick leave policies?
- What insurance plans does the company offer?
- Are there additional perks like a company car, phone, or computer?
- Does the company provide other benefits I value?
PRO TIP
If you need to resign from your current job, make sure to do it with appreciation and courtesy. Check out our advice on writing a resignation email and a two-week notice letter to leave your role on a positive note and maintain your work relationships.
Not quite sure what to do? Take our quiz, Should You Stay or Quit Your Job?
Before you commit, though, let’s ensure every detail is squared away.
Confirm key details
When you’re ready to accept, reach out to the hiring manager informally via email to confirm key details like your start date, salary, benefits, and any negotiated terms. Emailing ensures a written record, which is the generally accepted approach in business communication, and helps both parties stay aligned before formalizing the agreement.
Here’s how this could sound:
Hi [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I’m thrilled to accept the offer for the [Position Title] role. Before finalizing, I’d like to confirm a few details: my start date is [start date], the salary is [Salary], and the agreed-upon benefits include [List Key Benefits].
Please let me know if there’s anything else I should prepare or confirm. I’m looking forward to joining the team!
Best,
[Your Name]
Congratulations on making it to this exciting stage in your job search! Now, it’s time to officially formalize your acceptance.
How to accept a job offer
After you’ve said yes, it’s time to put your signature on the formal offer. Typically, this is handled by the HR department or hiring manager and happens within a few days of your acceptance email or letter.
The documentation may be sent via email or a secure online portal, so make sure to clarify how and when you’ll receive it. Keep an eye on deadlines for signing to ensure the process moves smoothly.
Signing on paper (or email) isn’t just a formality. It’s your chance to set a professional tone for your new role.
How to write your job offer acceptance message
When crafting your acceptance email or letter, consider these tips:
Elements of a job offer acceptance message
- Start with gratitude: Thank the employer for the opportunity and express your excitement about the role.
- Confirm the details: Restate key elements like your start date, salary, and benefits to ensure alignment.
- Show enthusiasm: Let them know you’re thrilled to join their team without sounding over the top.
- End on a positive note: Wrap up with a polite and enthusiastic sign-off, just like a strong cover letter.
- Impress with clear formatting: A well-structured and error-free message reflects your professionalism and attention to detail.
We’ve got you covered with ready-to-use template messages—perfect if you’re juggling offboarding tasks at your current company.
Examples of what to say when accepting a job offer
Most employment documents are signed digitally these days, so accepting a job offer via email is perfectly acceptable. It’s fast, efficient, and keeps everything documented.
Email example: accepting an offer after negotiations
Subject: Thrilled to Join the Team at [Company Name]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
Thank you so much for offering me the [Position Title] role at [Company Name]. I am delighted to officially accept this opportunity and am excited to contribute to your team.
As we discussed, my start date will be [Start Date], with a salary of [Negotiated Salary] and [Mention any other negotiated terms, such as remote work arrangements, bonuses, or benefits]. Please let me know if there’s anything further you need from me to complete the onboarding process.
Thank you again for this incredible opportunity. I look forward to working with you and the team at [Company Name]!
Best regards,
[Your Full Name]
If you’re happy with the initial verbal offer and don’t plan to negotiate any further, the template below will help you confirm your acceptance with ease.
Email example: accepting a job offer without negotiation
Subject: Excited to Join the Team at [Company Name]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
Thank you so much for offering me the [Position Title] role at [Company Name]. I’m delighted to officially accept the offer as discussed during our initial conversation.
As outlined, my start date will be [Start Date], with a salary of [Salary] and the benefits package shared during our discussions. Everything aligns perfectly with my expectations, and I’m excited to join the team.
Please let me know if there’s anything I need to complete before my first day.
Thank you again for this opportunity. I’m looking forward to contributing to the success of [Company Name].
Best regards,
[Your Full Name]
In some cases, a formal job offer acceptance letter is preferred or even required. This is especially true in industries or roles where thorough documentation is the norm, such as law, academia, or executive positions.
A formal letter is also common when accepting international roles or when a signed contract accompanies the offer. Below is an example to guide you in crafting your own.
Formal job offer acceptance letter example
[Your Full Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager’s Name]
Lexis & Partners Law Firm
[Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
Thank you for offering me the position of Associate Attorney at Lexis & Partners Law Firm. I am thrilled to accept this opportunity and join your esteemed team.
As discussed, I will begin on [Start Date] with an annual salary of [Salary Amount] and the benefits package outlined in the offer letter. Please let me know if there is anything further you need from me before my start date.
I am excited to contribute to the [specific practice area, e.g., Corporate Law Division] and collaborate with the talented professionals at Lexis & Partners. Thank you again for this opportunity.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
Before you put the final touches on your job acceptance email, let us share a few key things to avoid when crafting your message
Common mistakes to avoid when accepting a job offer
Even in moments of excitement, it’s important to avoid missteps.
Here are a few pitfalls to steer clear of:
- Being too casual: Even if the hiring process was friendly, maintain professionalism in your response.
- Failing to confirm details: Make sure all key terms, like start date and salary, are clearly acknowledged.
- Accepting verbally without written confirmation: Always follow up with an email to have everything documented.
- Overexplaining: Keep your response concise and focused.
- Not addressing outstanding questions: If you have doubts about any part of the offer, clarify them before committing.
Frequently asked questions about accepting a job offer
Job offers can bring up a lot of questions—we can help you handle them with confidence.
Let’s dive into some of the most common concerns job seekers face.
How do I accept an offer over the phone?
Accepting a job offer over the phone is straightforward. Start by expressing gratitude, confirm the key details, and show enthusiasm for the opportunity.
Keep it concise and positive, as in:
Hi [Hiring Manager’s Name], this is [Your Name]. I just wanted to thank you again for offering me the [Position Title] role. I’m really excited about the opportunity and happy to let you know that I’m accepting the offer.
As we discussed, I’ll be starting on [Start Date], and the salary will be [Salary]. Is there anything else you’d like me to take care of before my first day?
Thanks again, and I’m really looking forward to joining the team!
Should I accept a job offer immediately?
Not necessarily. It’s okay to take a day or two to review the offer and ask any outstanding questions before giving your final answer.
What do I say when I need time to consider the offer?
Start by thanking the employer and expressing enthusiasm for the opportunity. Then, politely request time to review the offer. Keep in mind that some employers may have a specific timeline for your response and will let you know how much time you have.
Say something like:
Thank you so much for the offer! I’m really excited about this opportunity. Would it be okay if I take a day or two to review the details and get back to you? Please let me know if there’s a specific timeline you’d like me to follow.
Can I negotiate the offer before accepting?
It’s perfectly fine to negotiate before accepting, as long as you do so respectfully and reasonably. Be clear about what you’re looking for and why it’s important to you.
Can I decline a job offer I already accepted?
Yes. You can decline a job offer, even after initially accepting it, as long as you handle it promptly and politely. Circumstances change, and most employers understand this. The key is to act fast and be clear in your communication.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’re all set to start this exciting new chapter in your career. By following the tips in this guide, you’ve shown professionalism, confidence, and thoughtfulness—qualities that will serve you well in your new role.
As you prepare to join the team, remember to stay organized, enthusiastic, and open to learning. This is your moment to shine, so enjoy it!
Make one that's truly you.
