You had the interview(s), and everything went well. It went so well that you got a job offer. So, how do you accept a job offer in a professional way?
Do you have to accept it immediately, and if not, how long do you have before you need to let them know your decision? Does how you accept the offer need to line up with how they made the offer? Do you need to email back if they email you, or call if they called you?
There are plenty of questions you may have when it comes to how to accept a job offer. To make job acceptance easier for you, here are some tips.
Before You Accept Any Job Offer
Accepting a job offer requires you to consider a few things. Don't just say yes, or you could hurt yourself in the long run. You need to take some time to decide if this is the right job for you and even if the pay is right for you.
Accepting a job offer should be done in steps:
1. Get a Deadline
Find out when they need a response by – most jobs won't require that you immediately accept the offer (and if they do, you might want to think twice about taking that job). It's likely you'll get at least 24 hours, if not an entire week, to make an educated decision on whether you feel like this job is the right fit for you. Don't be afraid to ask for extra time, and don't say yes immediately even if you're sure about the gig.
2. Research the Company/Position
The employer obviously thinks you're the right fit for them, but you need to consider a few things – like how your beliefs and goals align with the company and the position you'll be taking with them. Take some time to find out what you'll really be doing for the company – research your job title. Look up the company's history as well.
3. Research Your Pay
They likely offered you a certain amount of pay for the position they're planning to hire you for. Research the average pay for your position so you can negotiate if needed before you accept the offer. If you accept first, you may be cheating yourself out of money that you deserve.
The company isn't going to be upset that you're making them wait – they want you to be as sure as they are that this is the right job for you. If you say yes and then quit a month (or less) in, you're causing them issues and forcing them to go through the hiring process all over again when they could have chosen someone else that would have stuck with the job longer-term.
How to Accept a Job Offer
“I'll take it” may be a statement you used when you first started applying for work. However, that's not really a professional way to accept a job – and while you may still be applying to retail and sales jobs and not something higher up in the ranks, it's useful to know how to properly accept a job offer.
Not only does it look and sound more professional to properly accept a job offer, but it also opens you up to better positions with the company in the future. Even though your first impression may be the most important, you want to continue making good impressions if you want to make something of this career.
1. The Phone Call
Most likely your job offer will come over the phone – you'll get the call and the offer, and it's at this point that you want to show your gratitude for the offer and then ask when you'll get your written offer. Professionals know that you want to always have everything in writing. By getting your job title, starting pay amount, and other information in writing you're guaranteed that there will be no changes to these things once you agree to take the job.
2. The Letter
You may not even get a phone call – sometimes your job offer will come in a letter. Before responding to the offer, get on the phone and talk to someone with the company (even if it isn't the person that signed the letter). This gives you a chance to verbally thank them and let them know that you are interested but would like time to make an educated decision on the job.
This is also a good time for you to talk about any of the things that need to be done before your first day of work, like whether or not you have paperwork to fill out or an orientation to attend. Find out when they need your confirmation by, and then thank them again before hanging up.
3. Write a Thank You Letter
The thank you letter is truly a lost art, but it is such an important part of the job application process and can win you points with potential employers. This is why it is important that you send a thank you letter (or even an email) when you've gotten a job offer – even if you already said thank you to them on the phone. A letter shows gratitude and kindness, and that you take the time to make an impact.
This also gives them something in writing that lets them know when you intend to give them your answer. Just as something in writing is important for you, it helps the potential employer as well (and you should keep a copy of that letter as proof you had your respond date in writing).
4. Schedule a Talk for Negotiations
Don't use your thank you letter to negotiate your pay or hours, or any other thing you want to make changes to in the job offer. Contact the hiring manager and ask over the phone or make an appointment to talk to them in person.
5. Accept or Decline the Job Offer
Once you've made your decision (don't take to long or they'll move on to the next candidate for the position), it's time to accept or decline the position you've been offered. So, how do you do it?
There are three main ways to accept a job offer – via letter, through email, or over the phone. Each one of these requires your complete professionalism. Which one you choose can depend on different factors.
Resigning from Your Current Job
Before you resign from your previous position, if you're currently working, you want to make sure that you have the new job – you want everything in writing, and you need to make sure that you have accepted the offer. Once you have your starting date locked down, it's time to write a letter of resignation to your soon-to-be-former employer.
Always do this in writing, even if it's via email – and always be sure to date it. When it comes to the amount of notice you give, two weeks is often the customary time – you should look at your employee handbook to ensure that you give the proper amount of time for your resignation. You may already have a new gig lined up, but you still don't want to ruin your chance of using this previous employer as a reference in the future.
Some Final Thoughts on How to Accept a Job Offer
Be honest with your potential employer if you're also considering other job offers – it may help you get increased pay, benefits, or hours. When you ask for an extension on your response, let them know why you need the time to consider, and be honest about it. Employers understand that you don't want to rush into something and they'll be appreciative of your honesty.