The Job Offer Letter
Job offer letters will most likely include:
The job title or positionSalary or wage, as well as benefits and perksAn acceptance deadlineThe desired start dateTraining informationInstructions on how to accept or decline the job offer
Terms and Conditions
Examine the details of the job offer carefully. Employers may add clauses regarding work responsibilities, salary, and benefits including the following:
Signing Bonuses: It’s likely you discussed bonuses as part of your salary negotiations. Make sure the letter mentions any signing bonuses you may have discussed with the recruiter or hiring manager. Additional Bonuses: If bonuses are included in your employment package, check to see if they are guaranteed or discretionary. Salary: If your letter shows a salary increment structure, see if it meets your expectations.Benefits: Make sure the list is accurate and lists standard perks like insurance, vacation time, and contributions to a retirement fund. Make sure any benefits discussed during salary negotiations like stock options or extra vacation time are reflected in your offer letter.Job Responsibilities: Make sure the responsibilities make sense and that the letter states your job title. Work Hours: Look for the official working hours as well as any company policies on overtime and holiday pay.Privacy: Read carefully to see if any of the language in the offer might affect your right to privacy in the workplace.
Extending the Acceptance Deadline
Sometimes, after receiving a job offer, you find you need more time to consider your options. It’s best to tell the employer as soon as possible. Let them know how long you might need and ask if they can wait that long for you to accept the offer. If you are considering other offers, let the hiring manager know.
Accepting a Job
When you accept a job, you’ll want to send a brief acceptance letter. When you send the acceptance letter or email, you’ll want to make sure to include the following:
Your gratitude for the offerA summary of the employment package as you understand itFormal acceptance of the jobConfirmation of your start date
When you send your letter, address it to the person who made the offer when mailing it. If you send an email, use your name in the subject line. Keep your acceptance letter brief and professional. Make sure you’ve signed or attached any required documents when you send your acceptance letter.
Declining a Job
If you think the job isn’t the right fit, you should let the recruiter know as soon as possible so that they can move on to other candidates. During the interview process, you may have developed a relationship with the recruiter. A polite letter is a good way to keep the relationship going, and can allow you to reach out again if you apply to another role at the company in the future. If you’re interested in the company, but you’re planning on declining the offer because the pay is too low or the benefits are insufficient, you can always try negotiating a better deal. If they still don’t offer you a sufficient salary or benefits, you can then politely decline. A letter to decline a job offer should include:
An expression of gratitudeA statement declining the offerYour reason for declining the offer
