You got the offer. After weeks of applications, interviews, and waiting, someone wants you on their team.
Before you fire off an excited “Yes!”, take ten minutes. The acceptance email is the moment your terms become official, and it’s much easier to clarify things now than after you’ve signed.
This guide covers what to confirm before saying yes, the simple structure of a strong acceptance email, and five templates for the most common situations.
Before You Accept: Confirm These Details
Many offers arrive in a phone call first and a formal letter later. Make sure the written version matches what you heard.
| Item | What to Check | Status Before Accepting |
|---|---|---|
| Job title | Matches the role you interviewed for | Must be confirmed |
| Base salary | Amount, currency, and pay frequency | Must be in writing |
| Variable pay and equity | Bonus structure, stock or ESOP vesting | Ask for details if unclear |
| Start date | Works with your notice period | Must be agreed |
| Location and work mode | Office, hybrid, or remote, and any relocation | Confirm explicitly |
| Benefits | Health cover, leave policy, notice period | Review in the letter |
| Conditions | Background checks, references, probation | Know these before resigning |
If something is missing or different from what was discussed, raise it before accepting. If you want to negotiate any of these, now is the time; our guide on negotiating a job offer via email has scripts.
And if you only have a verbal offer so far, don’t resign from your current job yet. Read our guide on following up on a verbal job offer to get the written letter first.
The Structure of a Good Acceptance Email
Keep it short and clear. Five parts are enough:
- Thank them. A sincere line about the opportunity.
- Accept clearly. “I’m delighted to formally accept the offer for [Job Title].”
- Restate the key terms. Salary and start date, so there’s a written record.
- Mention next steps. Paperwork, onboarding, background checks.
- Close warmly. You’ll be working with these people soon.
Send it to whoever made the offer, usually the recruiter, and copy the hiring manager if they were closely involved.
5 Job Offer Acceptance Email Templates
Template 1: Standard Formal Acceptance
Dear [Recruiter / Hiring Manager Name],
Thank you for offering me the position of [Job Title] at [Company Name]. I’m delighted to formally accept.
As discussed, I understand my starting salary will be [Salary and Currency] per [year / month], and my start date will be [Start Date].
Please let me know if there are any documents I should complete before my first day. I’m looking forward to joining the team.
Best regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Phone Number]
Template 2: Accepting After a Phone Offer
Hi [Name],
Thank you again for calling earlier with the offer. As I mentioned on the phone, I’m very happy to accept the [Job Title] role.
To confirm what we discussed: a base salary of [Amount], [any bonus or equity mentioned], and a start date of [Date]. I’ll look out for the formal offer letter and sign it as soon as it arrives.
Thanks for all your help through the process.
Best,
[Your Name]
Template 3: Accepting After Negotiation
Hi [Name],
Thank you for working with me on the offer. I really appreciate the team’s flexibility.
I’m pleased to accept the revised offer for the [Job Title] role, with a base salary of [New Amount] and [any other agreed change], starting on [Date].
I look forward to receiving the updated letter and getting started.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
Template 4: Accepting and Confirming the Start Date Around a Notice Period
Dear [Name],
I’m happy to accept the offer for the [Job Title] position. Thank you for the opportunity.
My current notice period is [Length], so I plan to resign on [Date] and could start on [Proposed Start Date]. Please let me know if that works for the team.
I’ll keep you updated if anything changes, and I’m excited to get started.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Template 5: Short Acceptance Reply to an Offer Email
Hi [Name],
Thank you, I’m thrilled to accept! I’ve signed and attached the offer letter.
Please let me know the next steps for onboarding. See you on [Start Date].
Best,
[Your Name]
Edge Cases to Handle Carefully
You’re waiting on another company. It’s fair to ask the second company whether they can speed up their process. It’s not fair to accept one offer while planning to back out if the other comes through. If you need a few more days, ask the first company for a specific extension.
The written letter differs from the verbal offer. Don’t sign yet. Reply politely: “Thanks for sending this. I noticed the base salary is listed as X, while we discussed Y. Could you help me confirm?” Usually it’s a simple error.
You’re relocating. Confirm relocation support, the timeline, and whether the start date allows time to move. Our guide on emailing a recruiter when relocating covers the conversation.
You’ve decided it’s not the right fit. Then don’t accept. A clear, kind decline protects your reputation; see how to decline a job offer by email.
After You Accept
- Sign the contract and keep copies of everything.
- Resign professionally from your current role, only after you have the signed offer.
- Withdraw from other processes with a short, polite note to each recruiter.
- Thank the people who helped, such as referrers, mentors, and former bosses.
- Update LinkedIn once you’ve started, or when your new employer is happy for you to announce it.
Related reading: How to Decline a Job Offer by Email and Verbal Offer but No Offer Letter? How to Follow Up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I accept a job offer by email or phone?
Often both: say yes on the call if you’re ready, then send an email the same day to put the role, salary, and start date in writing.
Is an acceptance email legally binding?
Generally, the signed offer letter or contract is what counts. Read it carefully, and get advice specific to your country if anything is unclear.
How long do I have to accept a job offer?
Many employers expect a decision within a few business days; check the letter for a deadline. Ask for a specific extension if you need one.
Should I negotiate before accepting?
Yes. Once you accept in writing, there’s little room to change the terms.
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