How to Write an Email Accepting a Job Offer

Congratulations! You have been offered a job and you want to accept it, but you aren’t sure how to write an email accepting a job offer. Lord knows this is an issue I’ve had more than once in my life.

The problem is that your response can feel like your final interview in regards to how you present yourself. What you say can set an important first impression and make or break your future with the company.

It’s not a task that many people look forward to but with the right approach, you will be able to set up an official start date and begin working for your new employer.

You may be excited about starting work so soon, but there are numerous details that need to be ironed out before your first day of work.

From negotiating benefits to setting up vacation time, there are several factors that must be addressed.

Even if the job offer was contingent upon accepting the terms of employment, there are some things that can’t be left unsaid until after you sign on the dotted line and take off for home.

Set The Proper Tone For Your Response

Remember when you format your response email accepting the job offer, that it is very important to set a professional tone to the business.

You want to make sure that your tone conveys professionalism and enthusiasm for the new position and your benefit to the company.

The following example is a good way to set the tone for your response;

Your Job Offer Acceptance Email Contents

The first thing you should do is confirm that you received the offer and that you understand the terms of the deal.

We will cover these in more depth in a moment but in your acceptance email, you should confirm the following information:

Your start date: The date that your specific role or orientation is expected to begin. Make certain that you know exactly what the expectation is so you aren’t late on your first day.

Orientation: Any training that might be required before you can assume your role with the employer.

New Employment Details: The specifics of your role including salary, benefits as well as any other requirements that are expected for your role.

Salary: How much you will be paid per month and what your benefits are.

Hours: How many hours a week you will be required to work.

Location: Make sure you have the correct address and that you know where to go for your first day on the job.

Confirm Start Date and Orientation

Note or write down the date you will be starting work and the date of any orientation or training sessions you may need to attend before you begin your new job.

You may also want to ask if there is any flexibility in start time you will be able to use before your official start date if you had any pre-existing plans.

Finding the right balance between work and the rest of your life can be difficult if you don’t have any vacation time to fall back on.

To avoid burning yourself out during the first few months on the job, you’ll want to schedule time off as soon as you can.

Confirming New Employment Details

You should confirm the following details related to your employment:

– Your exact salary: Ensure that your expectation for your salary is met. Let your employer know if you are okay with the offer or if you would like to negotiate for a higher salary. Make certain to ask about the frequency that you will be paid as well.

– Hours worked: Make sure that you are clear about the number of hours you will be expected to work each week. Some jobs require more than 40 hours a week. If you have other commitments, such as a family or school, you may be asked to work overtime.

– Location where you will be working: If you have been offered a job but have not yet been informed where you will be working, you can ask your employer if they have a particular location in mind.

– Medical benefits and eligibility: If you are offered medical benefits, you will need to decide whether or not to accept them. Be sure to mention any preexisting conditions you have so you don’t get declined or charged more for coverage.

– Retirement plan: Ask your employer if they offer a retirement plan. If they do, you may be eligible to contribute to the plan. Be sure to ask if there is any required waiting period before your contributions begin. Also ask if the company does matching contributions for your retirement investment as well!

Negotiate Your New Salary

If you are offered a salary that is less than you were hoping for, you can either accept the offer as is or attempt to negotiate for a higher salary.

The best way to do this is to let the employer know that you are excited about the job, but you would like to be compensated at a higher level.

You can use the following tips to negotiate a higher salary:

– Be appreciative: Let your employer know that you are grateful for the offer and interested in the job. You don’t want to come across as rude or ungrateful, but you also want to let them know that you would like a higher salary.

– Be prepared: Before you respond to your prospective employer about a higher salary, make sure you have some research done on the average salary for the position.

You can even go a step further and research what the industry average is for your position for individuals with your level of experience. This can help you have a better idea of where your skills and experience fit in the job market.

– Ask for more: Let your employer know that you would like a higher salary. Let them know that you are willing to negotiate with them on the amount or to set deadlines for review when you can expect that performance driven increases would take place.

Negotiate a Signing Bonus or Salary Advance

If you would like an additional benefit or a signing bonus, you can request an enhanced employment package.

Depending on your prospective employer and if they offer incentives for new hires, be sure that any additional bonuses are clear in terms of amount and when you can expect to receive them.

Summing It Up

Now that you understand the basics of how to write an email accepting a job offer, you should be able to convey your acceptance in a professional way.

Just be sure to ask any questions you might have before you start your new career. This is the perfect opportunity to make sure you have all the details that you need to prepare yourself for the expectations of your new role.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions and make sure if there is anything that leaves you wondering, ask in your acceptance email and clear any doubts you may have before you start your first day.