How to Accept a Job Offer (With Templates & Tips)

Getting a job offer is exciting, but the next steps matter just as much as the offer itself. Whether it's your first or fifth role, knowing how to accept a job offer the right way helps you avoid misunderstandings and start strong. In this guide, you’ll learn what to check before you say yes, how to write a solid job offer acceptance email, and what to do after you’ve officially accepted, with templates included.

Before You Accept the Job Offer: What to Do First

Review the Job Offer Carefully

Once you receive a job offer, pause and read everything line by line. Look at the full picture, not just the salary. Check that the job title matches what was discussed. Review the job offer letter for details about the starting salary, benefits, paid time off, and any signing bonuses. Note the start date, working hours, and location expectations, especially if there’s a hybrid or remote setup.

If anything was discussed verbally, like a flexible schedule or a bonus structure, make sure it’s reflected in the written job offer. If it’s not, now’s the time to ask. The goal is to make sure there are no surprises when you start.

Ask for the Job Offer in Writing (If You Haven’t Yet)

Sometimes the initial offer comes by phone or a quick email. That’s fine for excitement but not for clarity. You need a formal written job offer before you can officially accept.

If you haven’t received one, here’s how to ask:“Thank you for the offer. I’m really excited about the opportunity. Could you please send the full offer in writing so I can review all the details?”

Most employers expect this, and a good hiring manager won’t take it as a sign of hesitation. They’ll appreciate that you’re taking it seriously.

Take Time (But Not Too Much)

You don’t need to accept a job offer immediately. Taking a day or two to think it through is normal, especially if you're weighing other options. If you need more time, be transparent and professional. For example:“Thanks again for the offer. I’d love to take a day to review everything and will get back to you by [specific day].”

If you’re waiting on another interview or job offer, it’s okay to say:“I’m currently in the final stages with another role and want to make a fully informed decision. Can I get back to you by [date]?”

Most hiring teams will give you a little space as long as you’re respectful and give them a clear timeline.

Evaluate and Clarify Terms

Salary matters, but it's not the only thing. Look closely at benefits like healthcare, retirement plans, and any bonuses. Ask about PTO, sick days, and whether the schedule is fixed or flexible. Will you be working 40 hours or more? Are nights or weekends expected?

Think about your long-term career goals, too. Is there room for growth at this company? Does the team structure or culture fit your work style? If something feels vague or missing, ask for clarification before you accept. It’s better to have awkward questions now than regrets later.

If you're leaving a current employer, make sure the new role offers more than just a paycheck. You're making a major move—make it count.

How to Formally Accept a Job Offer

Decide on the Right Format: Email vs Verbal

If you get a verbal job offer over the phone, it’s perfectly fine to respond with a verbal “yes,” but don’t stop there. Always follow up in writing. A phone conversation might feel official, but it doesn’t lock in the details. An email gives both you and the employer a clear record of what was agreed upon, which protects you if anything gets miscommunicated.

For most people, email is the best format to formally accept a job offer. It gives you time to get your wording right and helps you confirm the job title, start date, and other details in writing. If you're unsure how to phrase it, don't worry—templates are coming.

What to Include in a Job Offer Acceptance Email

Your job offer acceptance email doesn’t need to be long, but it should cover a few key points. Start with a subject line that makes it easy to find later, something like:

“Job Offer Acceptance – [Your Full Name]”.

Next, express gratitude. Thank the hiring manager for the job offer and the opportunity. Even a simple “I appreciate the chance to join your team” goes a long way.

Then, clearly state your acceptance. Be specific:

“I’m happy to formally accept the offer for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name].”

Reconfirm the key details: your job title, start date, and any negotiated terms like salary, location, or benefits. Even if these were covered in the job offer letter, repeating them here makes sure you’re both aligned.

Finally, wrap up with a short note of excitement about getting started and offer to complete any next steps. Keep it clear, warm, and to the point.

Polish the Tone and Language

Your acceptance email should feel professional but human. Avoid stiff language or overused corporate phrases. Instead of “Dear Sir or Madam,” use the hiring manager’s name. Swap “I am writing to formally...” for “I’m excited to accept...” if the tone fits.

If the company culture feels relaxed, your email can reflect that—just keep it respectful. For more traditional workplaces, aim for a polished and well-constructed note that still sounds like you.

One small but important tip: reread before sending. Catching small mistakes signals attention to detail, and your tone should close on a positive note that leaves the hiring team feeling good about their decision.

Job Offer Acceptance Email Template (and a Few Variations)

General Acceptance Email Template

If you’ve reviewed the job offer, confirmed the details, and are ready to say yes, this is a clean, professional email you can copy and send.

Subject line: Job Offer Acceptance – [Your Full Name]

Email:

Hi [Hiring Manager’s Name], Thank you for offering me the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I’m excited to accept the offer and join the team in this new role.

As confirmed, my start date will be [Start Date], and the salary will be [Starting Salary], with [any benefits or bonus terms if discussed].

Please let me know if there’s any paperwork or prep needed before my first day. I’m looking forward to getting started.

Best,[Your Name][Your Phone Number]

This format works well for most roles and company types. It shows enthusiasm and professionalism without overdoing it.

Acceptance Email After Negotiation

If you've just wrapped up a negotiation and reached new terms, this version helps confirm the agreement clearly in writing.

Subject line: Acceptance of Negotiated Offer – [Your Name]

Email:

Hi [Hiring Manager’s Name], Thank you again for working with me on the offer. I’m happy to formally accept the [Job Title] position at [Company Name].

As discussed, the starting salary will be [Negotiated Salary], with [additional agreed terms such as bonuses, remote flexibility, or PTO]. My start date will be [Start Date].

I appreciate the opportunity and look forward to joining the team. Please let me know if there’s anything you need from me in the meantime.

Best, [Your Name]

This email keeps the tone gracious while locking in the final job offer details so everyone’s aligned.

Short & Simple Acceptance for Informal Offers

If your job offer came through a casual email or quick call, especially in a small company or startup, this more relaxed version still does the job.

Subject line: Excited to Accept the Offer – [Your Name]

Email:

Hi [Hiring Manager’s First Name], Thanks again for the offer. I’m excited to accept the [Job Title] role at [Company Name] and can’t wait to get started.

Let me know what’s next or if you need anything from me before [Start Date].

Talk soon, [Your Name]

This version is brief but still confirms your acceptance and interest. Just make sure you’ve got all the job offer details in writing elsewhere, even if not included here.

What Happens After You Accept the Job Offer

Confirm Any Next Steps

Once you've accepted the job offer, follow up with your new employer to clarify what comes next. A quick message like, “Let me know if there's anything I should complete before my start date,” shows initiative and keeps communication clear. This is your chance to ask about the onboarding process, paperwork, or system access you might need ahead of time. Some companies send everything in a welcome packet; others move fast and assume you'll ask. Don't wait. Reaching out early helps avoid surprises and shows you're ready to hit the ground running.

Notify Other Prospects or Employers (If Relevant)

If you were interviewing elsewhere or waiting on responses, now’s the time to close the loop. A short, respectful note to other potential employers can preserve those relationships for the future. You don’t need to explain your decision in detail; just thank them for the opportunity and let them know you've accepted another role. If you were far along in a process, especially with a recruiter or hiring manager you clicked with, this is a professional courtesy that reflects well on you.

Prepare to Resign from Your Current Role

Once you’ve accepted the new position and confirmed your start date, it’s time to plan your exit. Double-check your current employer’s notice period policy—two weeks is standard, but some contracts require more. Aim to give notice at the start of the week so you can coordinate a smooth transition. Keep your resignation brief, clear, and professional. Thank your employer, outline your notice period, and offer to support the handoff. Whether this job was great or not-so-great, how you leave shapes your professional reputation and keeps your career journey moving forward on good terms.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Accepting a Job Offer

Accepting Too Quickly Without Reviewing Details

It’s easy to get excited when a job offer lands, especially after a long interview process, but don’t rush your final decision. Even if this feels like your dream job, take time to carefully review the offer. Double-check the salary, benefits, job title, and any timelines they’ve shared. Saying yes to a job offer immediately might feel polite, but employers expect you to take a day or two to ensure everything checks out. That pause protects you and shows professionalism, not hesitation.

Failing to Get Written Confirmation

A verbal job offer isn’t enough. If you don’t have the terms in a written job offer, email, or document, ask for one. It’s not awkward; this is standard. A written formal offer gives you clarity and prevents future misunderstandings. Even if the hiring manager has walked through everything over the phone, get those details confirmed in writing before you sign or start planning your exit. Without that official job offer, you’re basing a big life decision on a conversation.

Not Clarifying Unspoken Assumptions

Don’t assume anything that hasn’t been spelled out in the job offer. If you're expecting to work remotely, get that confirmed. If you plan to take time off soon, ask how that fits into your benefits. Make sure working hours, team structure, and company culture are clear to you before accepting. It’s better to ask upfront than realize later that your definition of “flexible schedule” doesn't match theirs. If something feels vague or missing from the job offer details, bring it up. That conversation now avoids confusion later.

Conclusion

Accepting a job offer isn’t just about saying yes—it’s your first chance to show up with clarity and professionalism. When you take the time to review the offer, communicate well, and confirm the details so you start your new role on good footing. Your acceptance email is more than a formality; it’s the first impression your new employer will remember. Make it count. And if you want help staying organized as you navigate your job search and next steps, consider signing up for Huntr today to keep everything in one place so nothing slips through the cracks.