After sending in your application and acing your interview hopefully comes back the triumphant news that you've landed your next employment opportunity. That job acceptance email or verbal offer could change your career trajectory, help you earn more, or bring you closer to the position of your dreams. But even if you're ready to fire off a formal acceptance letter right away, it's important to be thoughtful and deliberate about how you respond to the offer. We've reached out to the pros to find out what you need to know and which mistakes to avoid in order to start your new job off on the right food. Read on to learn about how to accept a job offer, according to career experts.
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Things to Consider Before Accepting a Job Offer
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The rush of excitement you get when you finally hear back from a hiring manager that they want you for a role is a special experience. But for as joyous an occasion as it is, experts say it's still crucial to take a beat ahead of any potentially major decision.
"Before you accept a job offer, take a moment to consider all the details—even including assumed basics like job title and job description," says Caitlin Wehniainen, staffing and recruitment expert at On Cue Hire. "It's super important to understand what you're getting into. This way, you can temper the initial excitement and make sure it's the right fit for you."
So, what should be on your checklist when accepting a job offer? Here's what experts have to say.
Confirming a Start Date
Whether your new gig will involve driving into an office or is a remote position, Wehniainen says it's important to clarify exactly when you'll begin working once you accept a job.
Will you need time to give your current employer notice that you'll be leaving your job? Is there a tight deadline or pressing project that might require you to jump right in? Do you need time to relocate, prepare, or even just relax between jobs? This basic detail should be one you consider off the bat.
Going Over Your Benefits Package
Salary negotiations are typically part of the hiring process, with the final number showing up along with your employment offer. But you should confirm the details of everything else the company will be providing you in addition to your paycheck.
"You'll want to review the benefits package and understand what is provided by the employer, the costs of benefits for yourself and any dependents, and any probationary periods," says Kyle Elliott, EdD, tech career coach and job search expert at CaffeinatedKyle.com.
Wehniainen adds that it's important to hammer out what your health insurance will look like and whether it will include things like dental and vision coverage. However, it can be most beneficial to speak up from the get-go.
"Definitely ask for a full list of benefits, but do it early in the interview process," she suggests. "This helps you negotiate your salary properly and avoid surprises later on."
Otherwise, remember to nail down the remaining non-salary aspects of employment. "This includes things like PTO, education, childcare, 401k vesting, and more," says Mel Plett, human resources consultant and coach at Cordelia Consulting.
Determine Any Other Compensation
Benefits can round out any salary you've negotiated. But depending on where you're working, you should also hammer out any other pay perks before you formally accept.
"In industries like tech, it's important to clearly understand your total compensation package, including any stocks, equity, and bonuses, as this can equate to tens of thousands of dollars, if not more, in compensation annually," suggests Elliott.
Getting an Idea of Company Culture
If you're considering sending in an acceptance letter, there's a good chance there's something about the job or company that attracted you to apply. But the short time between the hiring process and starting a new gig is the last moment where you can determine if you'll really mesh with your new employer.
"One of the biggest things to consider before accepting a job offer is the company culture," says Elliott. "Is this somewhere you can see yourself not just working but thriving? If you're unsure, you may need to conduct additional research and self-reflection before accepting the offer."
This could also mean considering what your role with the company could look like years down the line.
"Ample growth opportunities are important for many professionals, so you'll want to consider if and how this role aligns with your long-term goals and career trajectory," Elliott says. "That said, some roles are merely stepping stones to something bigger, while others are your dream job, you just want to be clear as to what's in store for you in your next position."
Consider Why You Want the Job
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Beyond the monetary considerations, you shouldn't fail to address some of the deeper questions that could determine whether or not you should send in that job offer acceptance letter. According to Justin Marcus, co-founder & CEO at Big 4 Talent, that includes asking yourself why you chose to begin interviewing in the first place and whether your current employer might fight to keep you onboard.
"Also, who have you met from the new potential employer? Is it just human resources and the hiring manager so far? It should also include other teammates," he suggests.
Other questions to ask yourself include not just what the timeline within the company looks like, but also where the industry at large is heading.
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How to Accept a Job Offer (Via Email, In-person, Or Over the Phone)
Once you've taken the time to consider the details, how you proceed will differ based on how you're communicating with your new employer. Read on for tips on how to confirm your acceptance in different formats.
Via Email
Even if you started and finished your hiring process with a video conference or in-person interview, a hiring manager could still decide to let you know about their final decision digitally. Fortunately, experts say a job offer acceptance email is the most concise ways to get those few remaining details confirmed in writing.
"When accepting a job offer via email, reference the job title, and date of the offer letter—especially if there have been revisions," says Sharon Rose Hayward, women's career coach and founder of Winning at Work. "Include your anticipated start date, and let them know you’re excited about the job! Add a few reasons reminding them why you are the perfect fit."
Still, don't feel like you need to go overboard. "Your email accepting the job offer doesn't need to be complex, as you want to conduct any negotiating before you formally accept the position," Elliott suggests. "You simply need to confirm that you have accepted the offer and clarify any next steps to facilitate the onboarding process."
In-person
Some employers may know they want to hire you right after an interview, while others could arrange for a meeting or video conference to tell you the good news face-to-face. But while this may feel more informal than an offer in writing, it comes with another set of issues.
"If you are green-lit for a position on the spot, please don't feel pressured to accept the job offer immediately," says Elliott. "Remember: You want to give yourself to collect your thoughts, conduct your due diligence, and review the offer in detail. And, if a company rushes you to accept a job offer in less than 24 hours, ask yourself if this is the type of employer you want to work for."
However you choose to progress, just make sure you don't forget the next crucial step.
"If you verbally accept a job, make sure to get the offer in writing, too," suggests Wehniainen. "Whether it's a job offer letter or an employment agreement, having a signed document makes it formal. A verbal acceptance is nice, but a written one is what truly seals the deal."
Over the Phone
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Getting a phone call with news about the hiring process typically involves similar steps.
"Sending a follow-up email after accepting a job offer over the phone is always a good move," says Brandon Dock, managing director at TGC Search. "It confirms your acceptance, gives you a chance to ask any additional questions, and thank the employer again for the opportunity."
And like with an in-person offer, you don't need to feel pressured respond immediately. "It’s perfectly okay to take some time before accepting a job offer," says Dock. "Let the employer know you’re excited about the opportunity but need a little time to review the details. If you need more time, just ask politely and reasonably."
No matter how you're contacted, you should start your reply on a positive note.
"The core elements of your acceptance should always include thanking them for the offer; expressing your excitement for the opportunity to join the team and the organization; and discussing next steps for determining the official start date," says Plett.
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FAQ
Do you need to send a follow-up after accepting a job offer?
Accepting a job offer is the first step toward beginning new work. However, experts say you should still reach out between sending in your formal acceptance letter and your first day on the job.
"Following up after accepting a job offer is a great way to show appreciation and enthusiasm," says Wehniainen.
She suggests asking questions such as, "How can I best start preparing for my new position before my start date?" to show you're eager to hit the ground running. "Also, check in the week before your start date to confirm details like arrival time, who to ask for, and what to bring for day one," she adds.
Plett says that you should stay in touch with the human resources team at minimum to formally follow processes for getting set up for your start date. "You may find that members of the team reach out to you and welcome you to the organization, and you absolutely should respond and engage—after all, it’s the early start of forming relationships," she says.
Should you accept a job offer immediately?
Even though hiring processes can drag on for weeks or months, you may feel a sudden acceleration in pace once there's an official offer on the table. However, experts stress the importance of taking the necessary time to weigh your options rather than choosing to sign on right away.
"It can be tempting to immediately accept a job offer, particularly if it's with your dream company and meets or exceeds your salary expectations. But remember: You want to give yourself time to process the decision, read through the written offer letter, and review the company's benefits package," says Elliott.
Wehniainen agrees, saying that while you might be tempted to say yes on the spot, it's wise to take at least 30 minutes to review all the details before accepting.
"It's totally fine to take some time," she tells Best Life. "However, if the offer matches all your expectations and you're feeling confident, a verbal acceptance right away is great too. It's a good feeling when the job is a mutual fit and it's expressed by both parties in the form of a fast job offer from the employer and fast job acceptance from the candidate."
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How long do you have to accept a job offer?
While taking some time to go over all the details is in your best interest, you'll still be on the clock to get back to your potential employer. The amount of time allotted to you for deliberation will vary.
"Most companies will give you a specific time frame, such as 48 or 72 hours, to accept an employment offer," says Elliott. "You might be able to extend this slightly if you are waiting for other offers, but it will depend on the specific company's hiring process."
But even if you haven't been given a firm deadline, Wehniainen stresses that it's best not to wait too long.
"Aim to accept a job offer within 24 hours," she suggests. "If you take much longer, the company might think you're getting cold feet and start considering other candidates."
She adds that while waiting to reply may seem like a power move, it can really just be a way to muddy the waters.
"If your inclination is to accept the job, you want to communicate that so you provide the employer with confidence," says Wehniainen. "Remember that employers do not formally close the position until a candidate accepts it, so new resumes are likely still coming in by the hour. So, a candidate's urgency to respond to a job offer is important."
Conclusion
Knowing how to accept a job offer will come down to your individual situation. In addition to confirming salary, job title, and job description, experts agree the final time to nail down other details, including your start date, benefits packages, and other compensation, comes before sending in your formal acceptance letter.
If you do decide to sign on, remember to send your reply in no more than a couple of days and keep communication channels open so you can start off on a positive note. And for more career advice, visit Best Life again soon.
