How to accept a job offer (and what to do before accepting)

Source: Freepik

After painful months on the job hunt, you've finally received the ultimate prize: a job offer. Congratulations! While it's tempting to say yes immediately, it's important to take a step back and consider the job offer carefully.

In this article, we’ll walk you through how to navigate the job offer process and how to accept a job offer. From asking for some time to make your decision to negotiating your compensation package, this guide will help you secure an offer you're comfortable with. We will also cover tips and templates for writing a job offer acceptance letter.

What is a job offer?

A job offer is an invitation for you (the applicant) to work with an employer in a specific role.

Beyond the offer itself, your job offer is also a document that spells out all the terms of employment. These terms include:

• The job title
• A clear job description of your tasks and responsibilities
• The compensation package, including salary and benefits
• The work schedule, such as working hours and days
• Your start date
• Your reporting manager
• Company information

What to do before accepting a job offer

Before you accept an official job offer, it's important to review the terms of employment closely. You want to ensure that this new job is a good fit for you and your career goals – and open up negotiations if necessary.

Here are a few steps to take before you accept a job offer:

1. Express gratitude to the company without immediately saying yes

Even though you're not saying yes on the spot, you do need to reply as soon as possible. Craft a quick thank-you email to the hiring manager to acknowledge the job offer, ideally within 24 hours.

In your email, let them know you're excited about the role and grateful for the opportunity. This shows you're courteous and respectful of their time – always a great way to kick off your working relationship.

Here's a sample thank-you that you can use:

"Thank you so much for offering me the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I'm truly excited about the opportunity and everything I've learned about the role and the company."

2. Ask the company for a deadline

Next, politely ask the company for a deadline to respond. This will give you some breathing room to review the offer and conduct further research. If you're juggling multiple offers, this can also help you hit pause and weigh your options.

As a rule of thumb, 24–48 hours is a reasonable timeframe to ask for. If the hiring manager requests that you respond earlier, stand firm and let them know you need more time. After all, you're making a choice that will impact your life, and that's not something to rush.

Here's an example of how you can phrase your request:

"I'd like some time to review the offer before formally accepting it. Would it be possible to get back to you by this Friday noon?"

3. Read through the offer letter and vet it against industry standards

Take a moment to dive into all the details of your offer letter. This letter is the legal record of your terms of employment, so make sure everything aligns with what you've discussed during the interview process. This includes:

• Job title and responsibilities
• Starting date and work schedule
• Starting salary and bonus structure
• Benefits package details (gym membership, annual leave, etc.)
• Notice period requirement
• Signing bonuses or relocation assistance (if applicable)

Depending on your industry, you should also note any non-compete clauses and terms around ownership of intellectual property you create.

Source: Freepik

4. Send any clarifications or questions via email

If you have any concerns after reviewing the offer letter, don't hesitate to clarify them with the hiring manager or recruiter.

It's best to address any uncertainties before you accept a job offer to avoid misunderstandings later. Once you've signed the employment contract, it'll be much harder to negotiate any terms that don't feel fair to you.

For instance, if the offer isn't clear about hybrid work arrangements for the role, you could ask:

"During the interview, you mentioned that work-from-home opportunities were available on Thursdays and Fridays. Can I clarify whether this is still the case?"

5. Evaluate your compensation package and negotiate if needed

Before you sign on the dotted line, make sure your compensation package aligns with your financial goals and needs.

Start by researching the typical salary range for the role and industry in Singapore. For instance, you can use SEEK's salary filter to ​​search for jobs by salary and compare current roles in your field. You can also have a look at your industry's salary benchmarks from Singapore’s latest salary trends.

Beyond base salary, think about the benefits that matter to you. Are you happy with the amount of paid leave offered? Is the health insurance included comprehensive enough for your needs?

If the compensation package doesn’t match industry standards for your skills and experience, don’t be afraid to negotiate.

In your negotiation email, highlight your skills, experience, and what you bring to the company. Use market data and industry benchmarks to back your request for a specific amount or additional benefits. For example:

"Thank you once again for this offer. I’m excited about the prospect of working with [Company Name].

However, I'd like to discuss the proposed remuneration, which is a little below industry standard for someone with my level of experience. Given the skillsets I will bring to the team, I'm hoping we can move forward with a starting salary of [amount]. I would appreciate it if we can reach an agreement that both of us are comfortable with."

How to accept a job offer

Once you've ironed out your concerns and decided to say yes, it's time to make things official.

Here's how to accept a job offer promptly and professionally so that you ​can start your new job on the best note.

1. Send a timely and concise email

If you've previously agreed on a deadline to send your response, do reply on time. Sending a timely response showcases that you respect your employer's time and make an effort to communicate promptly.

In your job offer acceptance email, keep it short and to the point. Thank the employer for the job offer and express your enthusiasm for the role. Keep your writing professional, and avoid using slang or overly casual language.

2. Confirm offer details and express excitement for the role

Next, state your acceptance of the role and express your excitement about joining the team.

You can reiterate what particularly interests you about the role. Maybe the company's values resonate with you, or you're excited about the opportunity for career development. A heartfelt, genuine response will put your best foot forward for your future employer.

3. Officially accept the offer and prepare for the next steps

Finally, clearly state your formal acceptance of the offer terms outlined in the offer letter.

You can also mention additional details that you have previously agreed upon, such as your starting date, starting salary, and probation period.

In addition, double-check any instructions on the acceptance process in the letter. This includes sending over the signed letter and completing any necessary paperwork.

Source: Freepik

Email templates for accepting a job offer

Getting stuck as you craft your email? Here are some job offer acceptance email templates to help you seal the deal concisely and courteously.

Offer acceptance letter templates – if you didn't negotiate the offer

Example 1:

Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],

I am thrilled to formally accept your job offer for the [Position Title] at [Company Name], per the terms and conditions outlined in the offer letter.

Thank you for this incredible opportunity. I'm eager to contribute to the team and am excited to start on [Starting Date].

Throughout the hiring process, I've learnt a lot about [Company Name], and I'm looking forward to working with everyone. Please let me know if there are any documents or further information you need from me before then.

Thank you once again for this opportunity.

Warm regards,

[Your Name]

Example 2:

Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],

I am delighted to accept your offer for the position of [Position Title] with [Company Name]. I appreciate this opportunity​,​ and ​am​​​ excited to be​ part of such a dynamic company.

As previously mentioned, I'm looking forward to starting on [Start Date]. Please let me know if there's anything specific you need from me before then.

Once again, thank you for this opportunity, and I can't wait to get started!

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Offer acceptance letter templates – if you negotiated the offer

Example 1:

Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],

Thank you for your revised offer to join [Company Name] as a [Position Title]. I truly appreciate your willingness to accommodate my salary request, and I'm happy to formally accept your updated offer of [salary amount].

Your consideration throughout this process has reinforced my decision to join your team. I'm looking forward to contributing my skills and energy toward driving growth at [Company Name].

I'm excited to start my first day on [Start Date], and I'm looking forward to hitting the ground running.

Thank you once again for this great opportunity.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Example 2:

Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],

Thank you for the opportunity to join [Company Name] as a [Position Title]! I am thrilled to accept your revised offer.

As previously discussed, I'm happy to move forward with [negotiated benefits] that we have agreed upon. I truly appreciate your flexibility and understanding in working with me to include these benefits. This has only confirmed my excitement to join your team.

I am eager to contribute to the company, and I look forward to starting on [Start Date]. Cheers to a fruitful collaboration ahead!

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

By accepting a job offer promptly and professionally, you'll be well-placed to start your new role on the right foot. Review the job offer, negotiate more favourable terms if necessary, and craft an email to confirm your acceptance and express your appreciation. Now, the only thing left to do is to look forward to your first day!

FAQs

1. Should you accept a job offer immediately?
   ⁠While it may be tempting to make a quick decision, taking the time to consider the offer is crucial. Review the offer letter thoroughly to ensure the terms align with your career aspirations and comply with Singapore's employment standards.
2. What do you say when you get a job offer?
   ⁠When you get a job offer, thank the hiring manager for the opportunity and let them know you're excited about the role. Politely ask for around 24–48 hours to make the right decision and respond.
3. How do you politely accept a job offer?
   ⁠Thank the employer for the job offer and express your excitement about joining the team. Clearly state your acceptance of the offer terms as outlined in the offer letter.
   ⁠You can also confirm additional details that you have agreed upon, such as your start date, salary, and probation period.
4. How do I verify that a job offer in Singapore is legitimate?
   ⁠Check the company’s credibility through the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) website, ensure the offer includes standard employment details like job title, salary, and benefits, and look for reviews on platforms like Glassdoor.
5. Should I send a thank you after I accept a job offer?
   ⁠Absolutely. A thank-you email shows your new employer that you’re grateful for the opportunity and excited to get started.
6. What do I do once I've accepted a job offer?
   ⁠Once you accept a job offer, it's time to prepare for your first day. That means submitting your resignation and ticking off any paperwork the new role requires. It's also a good idea to keep lines of communication open with your new employer in case anything unexpected happens.