Receiving a job offer can be equal parts exciting and daunting. You've finally received an offer after lots of hard work, but now you have to decide and respond. Understanding job offer best practices can make the process easier and help you remain professional throughout. You may end up with a higher salary, too.
Read on to discover what to do and how to respond to a job offer, whether you're accepting or declining it.
1. Take your time
The first thing to do after receiving a job offer is to think it through. Most companies include a deadline for making a final decision in the offer letter. Some may offer a few days or even a week, and it's common for job candidates to use the full time frame. Accepting a job is a decision that can greatly impact your life, so it's best not to rush it.
If your potential employer hasn't provided a deadline, you can ask them directly. Simply reply to their offer with a short message thanking them and asking about the response deadline. Ensure it's polite and highlights your enthusiasm for the job.
You could say: “Thank you for this opportunity and your time. I'm excited about the possibility of joining your team, but I'd like some time to review the details. Would you mind if I gave my final decision in [number of days]?”
2. Consider the offer
Most companies will email you a written job offer to review. If you got the good news over a phone call, reach out to ask for the offer in writing. Offer letters contain essential information, and it's important to read through and understand all of it. This way, you know exactly what you're signing up for.
You can also spend time considering whether the job aligns with your career goals and expectations. Look at base pay, benefits, working hours, and responsibilities. You may also want to consider the company itself, such as its reputation, internal culture, and career advancement opportunities.
3. Ask questions
As you come across points in the offer or contract you're unsure about, write them down. When you're done, compile all the points in a reply to the hiring manager asking for clarification. They're usually happy to answer any questions you have to ensure their expectations are clear. Seeking additional clarity may help you feel more confident about making a decision.
4. Negotiate terms
If there's any part of the job offer you'd like to negotiate, now's your chance. Negotiation is part of the hiring process, and most employers expect it. It might feel awkward, but negotiating can significantly increase your lifelong earning potential and result in more favorable working conditions.
Here are some job offer negotiation tips that may help:
- Do your research: The chances of an employer accepting your requests are higher if they're realistic, especially regarding compensation. Look online to see what the industry average is for your position, and then factor in your location, education, and experience. Using the data you've found, you can come up with a salary range to give instead of a specific amount.
- Outline your reasons: To negotiate better terms, you must prove you're worth the extra investment. Prepare a list of reasons highlighting the value you can offer their company, such as skills, experience, accomplishments, and qualifications. The market average for your position is also a reasonable justification for asking for a higher salary.
- Request a meeting: If you can, it's best to negotiate in person, on the phone, or via a video call. Ask for a meeting to discuss the offer's details and have your requests and reasoning ready. They may not make any immediate guarantees or be willing to negotiate, but it's worth asking.
Accepting the offer
Accepting an offer is exciting, but it's important to do it correctly. Here's how to accept a job offer professionally:
- Express your gratitude: In your acceptance letter, make it clear you're grateful for the opportunity. A job offer means the employer sees value in you, and they'll appreciate knowing you're excited about working with them.
- Formally accept in writing: Clearly state at the beginning of your letter that you're accepting the offer of employment, and outline which role it is for. You can also add “job offer acceptance” to the email's subject line.
- Confirm the details: A best practice for professional job offer acceptance is to restate the final offer details you're agreeing to. Confirming these in your letter is even more crucial if the details changed during negotiation.
- Ask about the next steps: Thank the employer again for the opportunity at the end of your acceptance letter. You can also include questions about what happens next, like any documents you may need to sign or how to prepare for your first day.
Job offer acceptance email template
Subject: Job Offer Acceptance - [Your Name]
Dear [Recipient's Name],
Thank you for offering me the position of [Job Title] at [Company Name]. I am thrilled to accept and look forward to starting on [Start Date].
Please let me know if there is anything else I need to do before my first day.
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
Declining the offer
After considering the offer details, you may decide that the job isn't right for you. That's OK—you'll likely find something else in the future that better aligns with your goals. However, it's best practice to let the company know as soon as possible and remain courteous.
To decline a job offer politely, you can send a short email thanking the hiring manager for considering you for the position. Next, state that you'd like to decline the offer. You can also offer a concise reason for your choice. For example, you could say it's not the right fit for your career goals or that you've accepted a position at another company.
End on a positive note by thanking them for their time and wishing them the best. You never know—maybe your paths will cross again someday.
Start a career in medical technology at Intuitive
If you're looking for a new job and want to make a difference, consider applying for a position at Intuitive. We're looking for problem solvers who share our passion for helping doctors save lives. As part of our team, you'll have a hand in shaping the future of healthcare through innovative robotic systems and minimally invasive surgery.
We have multiple open positions across various roles, allowing you to apply whether you're a qualified admin, engineer, accountant, marketer, or lawyer. If you're a student, we also have a challenging and rewarding internship program to help you launch your career. Our leaders and team members love working at Intuitive. Don't just take our word for it—see what they have to say for yourself.
Ready to build your career and the future of healthcare? Review our transparent hiring process and submit an application today. If you're not ready just yet, join our Talent Community to receive job alerts, company updates, and employee stories.
