On average, each corporate job offer attracts 250 resumes. Of those candidates, 4 to 6 will get called for an interview, and only one will get the job -Glassdoor.
Getting a new job offer is always an exciting feeling, especially after a tough job-hunting process and the challenges that come with the interview process. This moment confirms your suitability and competitiveness in the job market. When you receive this call or email, you will likely recall where you were and what you were doing for a very long time.
However, before you pop up the Champagne, it's important that you formally accept the job offer.
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In a professional work environment, job offers are done officially, and the recruitment team formally or verbally makes the job offer details out either verbally or through a formal job offer.
So what is the difference between a verbal and formal offer?
Hiring managers or recruiters inform you verbally, usually via a mobile phone.
Verbal offers usually come before a formal request, which entails only a few details like the starting salary or the start date. When this offer is made, it is a clear indication, that the hiring manager has settled on you. A typical call of a verbal offer will be as follows:
"Hello, James. I wanted to reach out to inform you that we were extremely impressed with your performance during the interview process. Your skills, experience, and enthusiasm align perfectly with what were are looking for in the position of research analyst. We are thrilled to give you an offer"
It is important to note that verbal agreements, may not be legally binding and an employer may rescind the job offer.
The difference from a verbal offer is that a formal job offer is a written offer. This can be done through an email or a formal letter. The information comprises crucial details regarding the position, such as compensation, commencement date, benefits, job responsibilities, working hours, and workplace location.
It is advisable to carefully read, and understand the letter before signing as it may be legally binding.
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After receiving a formal written offer for your new job and all the employment terms are acceptable to you, what remains is to accept the offer officially. It is essential to determine how to respond promptly. Responding to a job offer promptly and timely manner is crucial as they may need to fill a vacancy quickly and require your answer as soon as possible.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to accept a job offer.
Take time to carefully read and understand the details of the job offer.
Take note of the position(it should be the same as what you interviewed for), salary, benefits, work location, starting date, opportunities for leadership development, and any other relevant information provided. Moreover, are you able to read and understand the job offer acceptance letter? i.e. does it contain legal jargon that you might not understand?
Remember that it is within your power to reject an offer letter if you have sufficient reason to believe that you will be disadvantaged or if the company culture does not agree with your values.
Once you've reviewed the offer and made your decision to accept, it's important to express gratitude to the hiring manager for extending the offer. Remember that the onboarding process
This shows professionalism and appreciation for the opportunity.
An example of gratitude is:
I would like to thank the hiring team led by Miss Jane for meeting with me and extending the offer to join this wonderful (XYZ company) as a project manager.
If you have any remaining questions about the offer, this is a good time to seek clarification. For example, you can seek answers to questions such as:
Are you not sure about a paid vacation? Will there be an option for hybrid work? Is the annual performance-based bonus? Are you required to give a two-week notice before resigning?
As a rule of thumb, seek clarification on any points that may still be unclear or negotiate specific terms if necessary for confirming your acceptance to ensure that you are on the same page.
You can either accept the offer verbally during a phone call or express your acceptance in writing through a job acceptance email or a formal acceptance letter.
Confirming your acceptance confirms to your future employer that you are ready to join the team. When confirming your acceptance, make sure it is error-free, covers important details, and ultimately passes a message that you accept the job offer officially.
To avoid confusion, you can confirm your notice period and start date in your acceptance email. For Example, I look forward to starting my new role on [Start Date].
If you plan to transfer from your current job, work on your notice period instead of announcing it in your acceptance email.
This applies if you have been actively interviewing with different potential employers and you have multiple potential openings.
it's professional to inform other prospective employers including your current employer that you have accepted a different offer. This allows them to focus their efforts on other candidates. For your current employer, a two weeks notice period will suffice.
Once you've accepted the official offer the next step is to prepare for the transition to your new job.
The best way of doing this is by regularly staying in touch with your new employer in seeking clarification of issues such as new job orientation and specific responsibilities. Moreover, respond to congratulatory emails and reach out to new coworkers to express your excitement about joining the team. This extra communication can help alleviate first-day jitters and make you feel more comfortable.
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A job acceptance email or letter needs to have the following key components:
Subject: Acceptance of Job Offer for [New Role]
Dear [Hiring Manager's Name]/Sir/Madam,
I am writing to formally accept the job offer for the [New Role] position after the interview.
I am thrilled to join the team at [Company Name] and look forward to contributing my skills and experience to the organization.
Thank you and the rest of the hiring team for your time and effort throughout the hiring process. Your dedication and professionalism have made the process smooth and enjoyable.
As we discussed over the phone yesterday, I am happy with the agreed salary for the new role. I agree with all the employment terms, including the complete benefits package, such as health insurance and a flexible work schedule. It represents my experience and skills fairly, and I am grateful for your consideration.
I am excited to work with your talented team and contribute to the organization's success.
Thank you again for the opportunity to join your team. I look forward to starting my new role on [Start Date]. This offers a sufficient notice period to my previous employer.
Thank you once again for the opportunity.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
More on how to write a professional Acceptance Email here.
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Looking beyond salary or work hours is essential when considering a job offer. It is necessary to evaluate the entire job package and how it will impact your career and personal life, including work-life balance and potential for growth and advancement within the company.
Negotiating the terms of an offer is a standard part of the job acceptance process. If the employer offers up details about salary and benefits in the initial, more informal portion of the job offer process, use that time to negotiate before they've drafted your formal offer letter.
If you want to request changes to a job offer letter, schedule a conversation with the employer instead of sending a counteroffer letter.
Keep it simple and say, "I'd like to discuss some changes to the job offer." If they agree to your requests and the new terms are acceptable, thank them and accept the offer. If they decline, thank them and reflect on whether the offer is fair.
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You naturally feel happy when something you've been trying to get arrives. This is the same with an official job offer. The temptation to accept the job offer immediately is high, so taking a step back and reviewing everything before making a final decision is essential.
Here are some tips on how to respond:
Once you receive the initial offer, it's advisable to take your time and review it carefully. Accepting it right away may result in you agreeing to terms that don't meet your expectations.
Therefore, it's best to express appreciation for the offer and request more time to review it. This extra time will allow you to research the proposed terms and, if necessary, prepare a counteroffer that satisfies both parties.
Once you've asked for more time, take the opportunity to evaluate the job offer carefully. Make sure it fits your requirements and meets your expectations. Check the compensation package to confirm that you're fairly compensated for your skills, and ensure all the details fit your needs.
In addition to your pay, look at other benefits like vacation time, retirement plans, work schedules, and company values. If any terms don't meet your satisfaction, you can discuss them with the employer and try to negotiate better terms.
It's essential to conduct thorough research before you begin negotiating. This includes researching the market pay for the job title, developing a solid negotiation strategy, and practicing your counteroffer. Your negotiation strategy should be carefully planned and organized to avoid potential conflicts with the hiring manager.
For more Tips on how to negotiate your salary, here.
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A job offer acceptance can be a start of a wonderful experience with your employer. How you accept a job offer can create a lasting impression with your employer. Fumble, or act nonchalant, and probably, you might start on the wrong footing.
At Highrise, we teach how to communicate effectively with current and future employers including specifics on how to craft a job offer acceptance email.
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