Getting a job offer is great news, but take a few minutes before you say yes. Check the written offer, settle anything you want to negotiate, and then accept clearly and in writing. Below is what to check, how to accept by phone and email, templates you can copy, and the steps that follow.
Before you accept: what to check
| Item | Check |
|---|---|
| Job title | Matches what you discussed |
| Salary | Amount, pay frequency, and when reviews happen |
| Bonus or commission | How it's calculated and when it's paid |
| Start date | Works with your notice period |
| Location and hours | Office, hybrid or remote; expected schedule |
| Benefits | Health insurance, retirement plan, paid leave, when they start |
| Probation period | Length and conditions |
| Conditions | Background checks, references, right-to-work documents |
| Equity | Number, vesting schedule, and type, if offered |
| Restrictions | Non-compete or confidentiality clauses |
If anything is missing or different from what you discussed, ask before accepting.
Step by step
- Thank them and ask for the offer in writing. "Thank you, I'm really pleased. Could you send me the written offer so I can review it?"
- Ask for time if you need it. One to two working days is normal: "Could I come back to you by Thursday?"
- Negotiate before accepting. Salary, start date, remote days. Once you've accepted, it's much harder.
- Accept clearly. By phone if they called you, then confirm by email.
- Sign the written offer and return any documents.
- Resign from your current job only after the offer is signed and conditions have cleared. See our guide on resigning vs quitting.
- Stay in touch until your start date.
How to accept by phone
"Thank you so much for the offer. I'm happy to accept the [Job title] position at [salary] with a start date of [date]. I'm looking forward to joining the team. Could you let me know what paperwork you'll need from me?"
Then send a short email confirming what you agreed.
Email templates
1. Simple acceptance
Subject: Job offer acceptance - [Your name]
Hi [Name],
Thank you for offering me the position of [Job title] at [Company]. I'm delighted to accept.
As discussed, my starting salary will be [amount] and my start date will be [date]. Please let me know if you need anything else from me before then.
I'm looking forward to joining the team.
Best regards, [Your name]
2. Acceptance after negotiating
Subject: Acceptance of revised offer - [Job title]
Hi [Name],
Thank you for revising the offer. I'm happy to accept the [Job title] position at the updated salary of [amount], with [any other agreed change, e.g. two remote days per week], and a start date of [date].
I appreciate your help throughout the process and look forward to starting.
Kind regards, [Your name]
3. Asking for time before accepting
Subject: Re: Job offer - [Job title]
Hi [Name],
Thank you for the offer. I'm very excited about the role. Could I take until [day] to review the details? I'll get back to you by then.
Best, [Your name]
4. Acceptance with a question about details
Subject: Job offer acceptance and a quick question
Hi [Name],
Thank you for the offer. I'm pleased to accept the [Job title] role starting [date].
Before I sign, could you confirm when health benefits begin and whether the first bonus would be prorated?
Thank you, [Your name]
5. Thanking the hiring manager
Subject: Thank you
Hi [Name],
I've just accepted the offer and wanted to say thank you personally. I enjoyed our conversations and I'm looking forward to working with you and the team on [project or goal mentioned].
See you on [date], [Your name]
What to do after accepting
- Withdraw from other processes politely. Email any companies still interviewing you. If you're turning down another offer, thank them, say you've accepted another role, and keep it short and friendly.
- Resign professionally with the notice your contract requires.
- Complete paperwork promptly: tax forms, ID, bank details, background checks.
- Ask about the first day: time, place, who to ask for, dress code, what to bring.
- Prepare. Read anything they send, and update your professional profiles when you're ready.
Mistakes to avoid
- Accepting before seeing the written offer.
- Accepting and then trying to negotiate.
- Resigning before the offer is signed and conditions are cleared.
- Accepting an offer while planning to keep interviewing elsewhere.
- Forgetting to confirm the start date in writing.
If you still have questions about the team or the role before deciding, our list of questions to ask a recruiter can help.
Preparing for your next interview?
Rehearse answers out loud with YesToTheOffer, using your own resume and the job description, and review your transcript afterward. 30 free minutes, no subscription.
