“Starting a new job can be nerve-racking, but it's also exciting. You're embarking on a new future, positioning yourself to write a fresh story on a clean slate.” — Adena Friedman

First things first, congratulations! Your job hunt is over, and a big event like that calls for a big celebration.

However, a simple “I’ll take it” isn’t a professional way to accept a job offer. There are some steps you should go through first to make sure everything will go smoothly.

In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about how to accept a job offer professionally.

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After the recruiting team has chosen you for the position, you'll probably receive a phone call from the human resources department, extending the offer verbally.

It’s a no-brainer that you should thank them for the offer. However, don’t get too excited! You can’t accept the offer without going through all the terms and making sure you and the HR department are on the same page.

After the phone call, you should receive an email with a written version of the offer, including all relevant details.

It’s crucial to go through the terms of the offer and review them carefully. If you still have any questions or concerns about certain points, ask the recruiters to elaborate on them.

Negotiation is an expected part of the hiring process. It won’t give the recruiter a bad impression about you.

As long as you’re reasonable, finding a middle ground that works for both parties won’t be a problem.

Prepare the points you want to discuss and set up a meeting call with your recruiter. You can also send a counteroffer through email.

Start by expressing your appreciation for the offer. You can also show your willingness to accept an offer if you reach a middle ground.

Finally, proceed to elaborate on the points you want to negotiate. It’s best to be direct and reasonable.

For example, you can say something like, “I’d like to thank you for extending this offer to me. I’ve reviewed the offer and there are some points that I’d like to discuss with you first”

You can discuss those points verbally first, as back and forth emails can take a long time. However, it’s important to document all the agreed terms in written form later.

The general rule of thumb is to reply within 48 hours of being offered the job. If you’re going to need more time to think, you should ask for it. It’s totally fine!

However, the recruiters probably have other candidates on hold, and they’re waiting for your response.

Take your time but don’t procrastinate. Replying to the email as soon as you’ve made up your mind is crucial.

What Are the Points You Need to Go Through Before Accepting the Offer?

Usually, the most critical point is the salary and working hours, which are probably stated in the offer.

However, there are other points you need to discuss, including:

What are the benefits included in the offer?

Will you be required to work extra hours?

Are there any documents you’re required to submit?

Receiving a Job Offer

In order to keep everything documented, accepting the job verbally isn’t enough. Everything should be in written form.

After addressing any concerns or questions you have, it’s time to officially accept the offer.

How to Write an Email Accepting the Offer

A job offer acceptance email should express gratitude for the opportunity and excitement to start the job. Most importantly, it should state all the terms agreed upon!

A simple subject line like “Job acceptance for (X) position” is crucial to the email. As with any formal email, we proceed by greeting the recipient, followed by the email's body.

Firstly, you should express your gratitude for being offered this job. Remember, they’ve chosen you over other candidates!

Secondly, clearly announce your acceptance of the offer as well as the terms and conditions you agreed upon, such as the salary, vacation days, and medical insurance.

Lastly, end your email with a positive note on how excited you are to start that job. An additional thank you to the recruiting team is also a good idea.

I extend my gratitude to you for offering the position of (position title) in (company’s name). It’s an honor to consider me.

It’s my pleasure to announce that I accept the offer you extended. I agree to the terms and conditions mentioned.

As discussed, my starting salary will be (salary agreed upon), with four weeks of paid vacation per year, in addition to health and life insurance to be provided after (X days).

I’m eager to start my employment on (starting date). Kindly let me know if there are any documents required to submit by my side.

Once again, I’d like to thank you and the recruiting team for extending this offer to me.

Tips on How to Write a Professional Acceptance Email

Discussing any points in the offer should be done before accepting it. It’s important to ensure that you’re on the same page.

Keeping it short and to the point is the key to writing a professional email. 

Additionally, no one likes typos! It’ll make your email look sloppy and unprofessional. Make sure to proofread your email for any mistakes before sending it.

How to Accept a Job Offer: Email vs Phone Call

When you’re offered a job, don’t get overly excited. It’s important to review all the terms in the offer first.

Negotiating is totally fine! Be reasonable and discuss everything with the recruiter before accepting the offer.

Job acceptance can be done verbally and in written form, but it’s best to keep everything documented.

Replying within 48 hours is the rule of thumb. However, you can ask for more time if you need it.

When writing your acceptance email, expressing your gratitude for the opportunity and thanking the recruiters is a good way to start your email.

It’s important to clearly state your acceptance and mention the terms you’ve agreed upon, and hooray! You’re now hired.

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How to Accept a Job Offer Professionally

Receiving a Job Offer

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