Exactly How to Respond to a Job Offer via Email (With Examples)

Exactly How to Respond to a Job Offer via Email (With Examples)

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What the job offer process looks like

Typically, you’ll get the initial offer over the phone—sometimes referred to as a “verbal.” But you’re not generally expected to give your answer at that point—so don’t feel pressured to. Give yourself time to think the decision through. So say something along the lines of, “Thank you so much! I’ll get back to you soon,” and give your “real” response via email.

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What the job offer process looks like

Whether you want to accept, decline, ask for more time or information, or negotiate, we’ve got a rundown of what to include in your email. Oh, and we also have samples—ones you could definitely copy. No need to reinvent the wheel here. (Just make sure you’re swapping in your own information!)

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...when you want to accept the offer

If you’ve gotten all your questions about the job answered and you’re ready to accept, the next step is writing to the recruiter or hiring manager—whoever sent you the offer. Don’t get too nervous—you’re sharing good news here and that’s always exciting! Here’s what an acceptance email could look like:

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...when you want to accept the offer

Hello Sade, Thanks again for sharing the details of the offer with me yesterday. After reviewing the terms, I’m thrilled to accept the position of associate product manager. I’m excited about this opportunity and can’t wait to join the team on September 3rd! Please let me know what the next steps are and if there’s anything I need to do or sign prior to onboarding. Best, Elliot Feng

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...when you want to decline the offer

Rejection is hard, no matter which side you’re on. But even if you feel like an employer invested a lot of time and effort pitching the job to you, “no” is part of the job search process on both sides. So keep your email short and sweet. You want to sound appreciative, but don’t draw it out too much. You might write:

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...when you want to decline the offer

Hello Dan, Thank you again for the opportunity to meet the team last week. It was great learning more about the communications manager position from everyone, and I was excited to receive the job offer. However, after careful consideration, I’ve decided this role isn’t the right fit for my career goals at this time.

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...when you want to decline the offer

It’s been a pleasure getting to know you, and I hope I’ll have the chance to work with you in the future. Please keep in touch! Sincerely, Sofia Cabral

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...when you need more time or information to decide

Some organizations will send you every last detail you could possibly need to make a decision right off the bat. But many don’t—and you’ll need to ask for more information before making your final decision. Sometimes you just need a bit more time to digest it all or you want to pore over the details of the bonus structure, for example. Here’s an example:

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...when you need more time or information to decide

Hello Mateo, I was very excited to get your call and receive the job offer for the sales trainer position. I’d like to make a well-informed and thoughtful decision about this and would appreciate the opportunity to chat with a couple more team members to get a better sense of the culture of the company. Would this be possible to arrange?

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...when you need more time or information to decide

To give me time to learn more about the role, could I get back to you on the offer by the 15th? Thank you in advance for your help with this. Best, Naomi Acker

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...when you want to negotiate

Most of the negotiating should happen over the phone with details confirmed via email, but to initiate this whole process you’ll need to send a note to set up the call. Start by saying thank you and expressing your excitement and fit for the role. You might write:

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...when you want to negotiate

Hello Nabi, Thank you so much for offering me the people operations role. I had a great time meeting everyone and am excited about the prospect of joining the team!

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...when you want to negotiate

After reviewing the offer, I had a few questions I wanted to run by you—particularly about the base salary and relocation process. Would you have time this week to discuss? I’m free most afternoons around 1pm. Sincerely, Lisa Brown

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