Job offer
How to accept a job offer
Get the offer in writing first, and check the title, pay, benefits and start date. Then reply within the time they gave you: thank them, say clearly that you accept, restate the key terms and your start date, and ask what to complete before day one.
What should you do before you accept?
- 1
Get it in writing
If the offer comes by phone, ask for a written version. Indeed says you need every detail in writing, both to make the offer official and to know the role, pay, start date and benefits.
- 2
Ask when they need your answer
Something like: “Thank you for the offer. I'm looking forward to reviewing the terms. When do you need a response?”
- 3
Ask your questions now
Who you'll report to, whether you'll work alone or on a team, the schedule, remote work, the dress code. Indeed suggests asking before you accept.
- 4
Negotiate before you sign
If you want changes, ask for a time to talk rather than sending a counteroffer letter, Indeed suggests. If they say no, thank them and decide whether the offer works as it is.
How do you accept a job offer over the phone?
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Thank them, and sound glad
Say“Thank you for the offer! I'm excited about the chance to work here.”
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Ask for it in writing
If nothing arrives within two business days, or the time they gave you, Indeed suggests a short email reminder.
Say“Could you send me the offer in writing, so I can review all the details?”
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Ask about next steps
Some jobs have steps before day one, such as skills tests, certifications, medical screenings or drug testing. If not, you need the date, time and place for your first day.
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Thank them again
Say“Thank you again. I appreciate your time, and I'm eager to get started.”
How do you write a job offer acceptance email?
Indeed's checklist: a clear subject line, thanks, a plain statement that you accept, the final terms, your start date, any questions about paperwork, and thanks again. Match the employer's tone, and proofread it before you send.
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Acceptance email
WriteSubject: Job offer acceptance, [your name]. “Dear [name], thank you for offering me the [job title] role at [company]. I'm happy to accept. As we discussed, my salary will be [amount], with [benefits you agreed on], and I'll start on [date]. Is there any paperwork I should complete or anything I should bring on my first day? Thank you again. I look forward to working with you. Best regards, [your name]”
What should you do after you accept?
- 1
Finish the paperwork first
Before you give notice at your current job, Indeed's list: accept the written offer with a confirmed start date, sign the new employer's documents, and clear final steps such as reference checks or background checks.
- 2
Then resign
Give the notice your current employer's policy asks for, often two weeks.
- 3
Get ready for day one
Watch for onboarding paperwork, orientation details and anything you should bring on the first day.
Turning it down instead? How to decline a job offer politely →
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More in job search
- How to negotiate salary What to say on the offer call, a counteroffer email, and what to ask for when base pay won't move.
- What are your salary expectations? How to answer the money question on the first call.
- How to decline a job offer A phone script, an email, the reason to give, and what to do if you already said yes.
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