When you accept a job offer and hand in your resignation, there is a degree of etiquette that is usually met – from the way you respond to your job offer to keeping in touch with your new employer during your notice period.
Receiving a tangible, written job offer is better than simply accepting a job role over the phone, as sometimes a job sounds ideal on the surface, but there can be cracks that begin to show and surprises in a written job offer to look out for.
It is wise to review the role before accepting, and respond to a job offer in writing. Here is how we advise communication from the phone offer, and how to structure a professional acceptance letter:
The phone call offer:
No matter how much you may need or want a job, it is important to thoroughly check your offer letter and contractual agreement before you give the hiring manger the green light.
It is common for a recruiter or hiring manager to call you before sending out their offer. It not only keeps you in the loop but it sets expectations, and is the perfect time for any contractual negotiations before an official offer is made.
You can talk about expectations and salary in this conversation, and this conversation is what makes the employer’s job easier, as they can send you an offer they feel is suitable for you, and one which they believe you are likely to sign right away.
If everything is sounding perfect at this stage, the best way to respond is to say something along the lines of, “This sounds great, I will look forward to receiving my offer letter”, instead of, “Yes please, I’ll take the job right now – when can I start?”
How to structure your letter:
It is common courtesy to write back to an offer letter, and this can be done via hard copy or email. It avoids any misunderstandings, and is written proof for both parties of acceptance.
Keeping it brief yet relevant:
- Thank them and let them know you appreciate the opportunity
- Accept the job offer – express your excitement and delight in doing so
- Any terms of employment applicable such as your proposed start date, job title
- Date and signature
An example email acceptance letter:
Dear Mr Brown,
Thank you for the recent job offer, I appreciate you giving me this fantastic opportunity.
Having read the letter, I am pleased to accept the offer of at [company name].
As discussed in our earlier phone call, I will be available to begin employment from [date].
I look forward to working with you,
All the best,
Jennifer Clark
[Date and Signature]
The main thing about accepting a job offer, is to come across as eager and grateful, without sounding desperate and as though you were waiting for the first offer to come through, regardless of the job spec.
Though it may be tempting when you have been waiting for an acceptance (and maybe you really do think this is the role of your dreams), you should not accept a job on the spot, and it is good, professional practice to take some time and effort to formally accept a job offer in writing.
For a confidential chat with one of our friendly consultants at Integra People, please call 01925 838 600 today.
