Accepting a job offer isn’t as simple as saying yes. When done correctly, it should include requesting a written offer, a review period, and thoughtful consideration about compensation and benefits. Before you accept your next job offer, consider the following steps.

8 steps to follow when you accept a job offer:

Step 1: Ask for a written offer. 

When an employer is ready to extend an offer, they may do so first by verbally discussing an informal offer with you over the phone or in person. At this stage, you’ll likely be asked questions about salary requirements, benefits, etc. For help answering a recruiter’s “what is your salary expectation?” question, click here. If your offer is delivered verbally, the first step is to ask for a written offer. Ask for the offer to be sent over to you via email in a written document so you can review all of the details. This is a crucial step to ensure the offer is official. 

Step 2: Respond to the offer quickly.

Once you receive an official, written offer, the best practice is to respond to the offer quickly. Don’t let the offer sit in your inbox without a response. Send a reply to the email, letting the recruiter or hiring manager know that you’ve received the offer. If possible, respond within a few hours, but don’t let more than 24 hours go by without replying.

Step 3: Express gratitude for the offer.

When you respond to the initial offer, always express gratitude—thank the hiring manager/recruiter for their time and the offer. You may feel uncomfortable not accepting the job offer right away, but it’s important that you follow the next few steps and start by thanking your contact for the job offer. 

Step 4: Ask for time to consider the offer. 

This step is critical if you plan to negotiate your offer (read here to learn if you should always negotiate salary). Ask for time to review the written offer and to think about your decision. Be clear about your timeline and don’t take more than 24 - 48 hours. Let your contact know that you will get back to them with an answer by a specific time and date. 

Step 5: Review the offer. 

Next, it’s time to read and review the offer. Make sure you have a clear view of what the offer includes—salary information, bonuses, equity, PTO, retirement benefits, health benefits, etc. Look at every detail in the offer–ensure that you read every line and every word. If you’ve discussed a specific benefit verbally, confirm that the details are outlined in writing. If something is missing or you aren’t sure about a specific section of the offer, write your questions down for your follow-up conversation. 

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Pro tip 1: Your written offer should detail your start date. This date is typically flexible, so make sure it works with your schedule (especially if you are quitting another job to take this job). 

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Pro tip 2: Look for any details about a probationary period. Your new employer may outline a specific timeline (30, 60, or 90 days) where they can fire you without a specific reason. Get clear on whether or not you’re agreeing to that timeframe. 

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Pro tip 3: Some written offers will be contingent on you passing a background check. In this case, you may want to build in some time on your start date to give you enough time to give two weeks notice to your current employer. 

Step 6: Negotiate the offer.

If you haven’t had any compensation conversations prior to receiving the written offer, this is an appropriate time to prepare to negotiate the offer’s details. However, most written offers will come after a verbal offer and negotiation. For more information about negotiating salary, check these two articles: 9 Tips on How to Counteroffer in a Salary Negotiation and 18 Expert Tips on Salary Negotiation. 

Step 7: Officially accept the offer. 

Once you’ve reviewed the offer and negotiated any additional compensation, probationary periods, or your start date, it’s time to accept the offer. This typically looks like signing the offer letter electronically and responding to your contact verbally or via email. When you accept the offer, be sure to reiterate how grateful you are for the opportunity, restate any offer details, confirm your start date, and express how excited you are to start.

Step 8: Get clear on next steps.

In your acceptance email or verbal conversation, confirm your next steps. While you may know your start date from the written offer, you may need more information about where to meet on the first day, what time you need to show up, what attire is appropriate, and what to expect on the first day and in the first week. The recruiter or hiring manager should walk you through any onboarding information or pre-onboarding that you will need to do before you start. 

Accepting a job offer examples (for verbal conversations or emailed messages): 

Accepting a job offer example 1: 

I’m so excited to accept the offer to join (company name) as your (role title). I enjoyed the interview process and I’m looking forward to joining the team and getting started. I’ll plan to be at the office on (start date). Is there anything I need to prepare for the first day?

Accepting a job offer example 2: 

Thank you so much for the additional time to review the offer. I’m excited to accept the offer and join the team at (company name)! I can’t wait to get started! Let me know if I need to do anything for onboarding before my start date—I’m happy to fill out any paperwork or prep anything else ahead of time. Thank you!

Need more resources? Check out these links: 

What to do before you accept a new job offer

Can you lose a job offer for negotiating?

How long does it take to hear back after an interview

10 tips to write a salary negotiation email

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