By Denise Dayton Updated August 25, 2021
Before accepting a job offer, it's smart to ask questions of your future employer. You want to be confident going into a job that it's the right fit. Accept a position only after you have a written job description and your questions are answered.
The Job Offer Letter
As explained by legal website UpCounsel, a written job offer is not legally binding until you accept it. When you get a job offer, whether it's written or verbal, you are under no obligation to take it. You can still look for other jobs and you can decline the offer. If there are conditions to employment, such as reference checks or a physical exam, the offer is not binding.
Once you acknowledge a job offer response with an acceptance, you've entered into a contract with the employer. The time to ask questions, then, is before formally accepting the offer.
Components of a Typical Offer Letter
The employment website Indeed lists these items as typical of a written job offer:
- Job title.
- Description of responsibilities.
- Name and title of supervisor or manager.
- Workplace location and expected working hours.
- Base salary, benefits and additional compensation potential.
- Offer letter expiration date.
Acknowledging the Offer
The office of Career and Professional Development at Virginia Tech says that good manners dictate that you provide a job offer response, even if it's to decline. You don't want to burn any bridges. Just because you decline a current job offer, that doesn't mean you won't consider future employment if the offer, or your circ*mstances, change.
Accepting Job Offer Email With Questions
You may have questions that need to be answered before you can make an informed decision about taking a job. When accepting a job offer email with questions, outline your areas of concern and provide a timeline for your actions. Here's an example:
Dear Ms. Jones,
This email acknowledges your letter offering me the position of assistant sales manager at the Acme Company. Thank you very much for the opportunity. I understand the terms of the offer, but I still have some questions. May I speak with you sometime during the next few days so I can let you know of my decision by your requested deadline of October 15?
I'd like to know more about education opportunities that can help me advance my career with Acme. Specifically, can you tell me about training that is offered and any tuition reimbursem*nt plans?
Please let me know if there's a certain day and time that's best to phone you. If you prefer to reach out to me, please feel free to contact me at your convenience at 617-555-1234, and I will respond promptly.
Sincerely,
Catherine Andrews
Other Questions to Ask
Some questions may seem like small details, although they can have a big impact on your decision to accept or decline a job offer. For example, parking may be an issue for a job in the city. You'll want to ask where to park, and whether there are designated spaces provided to employees or if you'll have to pay garage expenses out of pocket.
The employment website Glass Door suggests other questions you might want to ask before making a commitment to a job offer. These include:
- What's included in the benefits package? Understand provider options, what's covered by the employer and what costs you will be responsible for.
- Is the salary negotiable? Employers want to pay you as little as possible, but may be willing to offer more money if you have the qualifications they need.
- What do other employees say about the organization? Find out what it's like to work there.
FAQs
Start by saying thank you and expressing your excitement and fit for the role. Then ask for a phone call to go over some details and ask a few questions about the offer. Usually something like, “I have a question about the salary,” is enough to get across that you're planning on negotiating.
How do you accept a written job offer? ›
Dear [Name of Recruiter or Hiring Manager], Thank you for offering me the opportunity to join [Company Name] as a [Job Title]. I accept your offer, and I am looking forward to getting started on [Start Date]. Thank you for all of the work you put into developing an offer that all parties could agree on.
How do you professionally respond to an offer letter? ›
Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],I am thrilled to formally accept the position of [Job Title]. I appreciate your detailed offer letter and am excited about contributing my skills towards achieving [Company's Name] goals.
How do you respond to a job offer nicely? ›
Follow these guidelines to accept an offer:
- Formally accept the job. ...
- Express your thanks. ...
- Confirm employment details. ...
- Ask about final steps. ...
- Notify other employers. ...
- Formally decline the job. ...
- Consider providing a reason. ...
- Thank the employer.
If you're interested but want to negotiate: “Thank you so much for the offer. I'd love to discuss some details with you regarding compensation. Is now a good time for that?” If you're interested but need some more time to consider: “I really appreciate this offer and would love a few days to think it over.
How do you accept a job offer with questions? ›
Start by saying thank you and expressing your excitement and fit for the role. Then ask for a phone call to go over some details and ask a few questions about the offer. Usually something like, “I have a question about the salary,” is enough to get across that you're planning on negotiating.
How do you accept an offer letter in simple words? ›
Thank you for offering me the position of [Name of Position] at [Name of Company]. I am delighted to accept your offer and very excited to begin this journey. [As we have previously discussed / As stated in the offer letter], I accept my starting salary of [Salary] for this position.
How do you write a response letter for a job offer? ›
In responding to a job offer, express gratitude for the opportunity. Clearly state your excitement about the role and confirm your acceptance of the position. If there are any negotiated terms, address them respectfully and professionally. Reiterate key details discussed to ensure mutual understanding and alignment.
How do you politely respond to an offer? ›
I am writing to thank you for offering me the position of [job title] at [company]. I enjoyed our interview and was pleased to hear back from you, and I'm excited to see where this new position leads. I have reviewed the terms of employment as set out in the contract and am happy to accept!
How do you professionally accept a job offer via email? ›
How to write a good job acceptance email
- A professional subject line.
- A formal, yet personalized greeting.
- A short opener to express your gratitude.
- A statement to officially accept the job offer.
- A recap of your terms of employment.
- A polite email sign-off.
Example acceptance letter or email
I was delighted to receive your formal offer today for the role of [Job Title] at [XYZ company]. I am happy to officially accept your offer of employment. I look forward to joining your team.
How do you respond to an offer of opportunity? ›
I am very excited to learn what the position has to offer. I have [Years of experience] years of experience in [Industry the role is in]. [Mention an accomplishment that would put you in a good light]. I am particularly interested in [Relevant duty from the job description] and I think I am a great fit for this role.
How do you politely say yes to a job offer? ›
I am very grateful for the opportunity, and delighted to be joining the company. As discussed over the phone, my starting salary will be [Agreed starting salary], with [percentage] commission, as well as [days] annual leave, and private health insurance. I will be able to start work on [Start date].
What do you say when countering a job offer? ›
Based on my qualifications, my research shows that the average salary for this position is [Range]. I was hoping for something closer to [Amount], which I feel better reflects my qualifications and the job requirements. Let me know if you are open to discussing this before I make a decision on your offer.
What not to do when negotiating a job offer? ›
- Make The First Offer. ...
- Use Another Offer As A Bargaining Chip. ...
- Share The Least Amount Of Money You'll Take. ...
- Focus Only On The Number. ...
- Start Negotiating Without Doing Your Research. ...
- Give A Salary Range. ...
- Misrepresent Your Value Or Previous Earnings. ...
- Get Defensive Or Emotional.
How to respond to a low salary offer
- Ask for time. ...
- Understand your minimum acceptable salary. ...
- Conduct research. ...
- Make a plan. ...
- Practice negotiations. ...
- Show enthusiasm. ...
- Negotiate for early performance reviews. ...
- Focus on your skills and expertise.
How to write a good job acceptance email
- A professional subject line.
- A formal, yet personalized greeting.
- A short opener to express your gratitude.
- A statement to officially accept the job offer.
- A recap of your terms of employment.
- A polite email sign-off.
How To Accept the Job Offer: 5 Ways To Be Professional
- Respond Promptly and Professionally.
- Express Gratitude for the Opportunity.
- Confirm the Details of the Offer.
- Ask Questions and Seek Clarification if Needed.
- Sign the Offer Letter Promptly.
In most cases, it's helpful to wait one or two days to offer a response. Waiting allows you to field other offers and gives you time to review the terms of the offer and identify potential issues. You may want to accept a job offer immediately if you've secured your dream career.
