Question

How did your response affect the job offer ( or lack of an offer that you recieved?

Answer 1

A job offer is a formal invitation from an employer for someone to become an employee. An employer can offer a job informally through in-person conversation or a phone call, but the formal offer is documented by email or letter and contains details of the proposed employment. The terms and conditions outlined in a job offer often include:

Salary

Benefits

Vacation time

Bonus potential

Hours or schedule

Job responsibilities or description

The name of the reporting manager or the organizational structure

The start date or length of employment

You can use the following steps to respond to a job offer professionally:

Consider your response.

Negotiate (optional).

Accept or decline the offer.

Use a professional format.

1. Consider your response

After receiving a job offer, you must decide how you want to respond. The three typical ways to respond to a job offer are to accept, negotiate the terms of employment or decline the offer. You should respond as quickly as possible, but you can ask the employer for 24 hours or a few days to consider the offer if you need time to think about your options.

Before choosing how to respond, consider your financial needs, the duties you will have to perform, your interest in the position and whether the company culture will be a good fit for you.

2. Negotiate (optional)

You may choose to negotiate the terms of employment before accepting or declining the job offer. You can research the market average salary for the position and consider your location, experience, education and skills to determine what your salary should be. If you are going to negotiate in person, prepare your talking points in advance and consider practicing with a friend. In a written reply, state your interest in the position as well as your desire for a higher salary. Use your research and personal information to clearly and politely explain why you deserve different terms.

3. Accept or decline the offer

After you have concluded negotiations and made your decision, you need to respond to the job offer by formally accepting or declining. You can send a letter, but if you were offered the job in an email, you should respond by email also.

If you choose to accept the job offer, your response should include some core elements. This email or letter lets you convey your appreciation, verify the details of your employment and find out the next steps before your first day of work. An official job offer acceptance also allows you to demonstrate professionalism and commitment when you start your new job. Follow these guidelines to accept an offer:

Formally accept the job

Directly state that you agree to the terms of the position at the beginning of your email. Include the title of the role and the name of the company in your statement. For example, you could write, “I am pleased to accept the project manager role at Bold Solutions.”

Express your thanks

Include your appreciation of the offer as well as your acceptance. Showing your gratitude for this opportunity demonstrates courtesy and professionalism. You can also express enthusiasm by mentioning your eagerness to begin or explaining how you hope to contribute positively to the team.

Confirm employment details

After the opening paragraph, verify important employment information. Stating these details will ensure that there are no misunderstandings about the terms of your job offer. Try to confirm your start date, salary amount, work schedule, benefits package and other details discussed with the employer or included in the job offer.

Ask about final steps

In the closing paragraph of your response, consider asking if there is anything else you should know or do before your first day of work. You can ask for any necessary materials, such as an employee handbook, or offer to come into the office before your start date to complete any paperwork. You could also ask for orientation details. After mentioning any additional steps, end your letter with a polite closing phrase, your name and your contact information.

Notify other employers

After you formally accept the job offer, you should inform any other employers who might be interested in you. If you interviewed for other positions or scheduled interviews with alternative companies, let them know that you accepted a position and are no longer available. If you are currently employed elsewhere, submit a formal resignation letter. These notifications are a professional courtesy that may help you maintain positive relationships with business contacts.

If you choose to decline the job offer, you can use these steps to respond professionally:

Formally decline the job

First, clearly state that you are declining the offer at the beginning of your email. You can be direct and polite, such as “I regret to inform you that I will not be accepting your job offer at this time.”

Consider providing a reason

While you don’t have to tell the employer why you are declining, it is a professional gesture and may help you maintain a positive relationship. You should be brief and positive, such as simply stating that you have accepted a job elsewhere or that the position isn’t the right fit for you.

Thank the employer

You should extend your appreciation for the offer even though you are declining. You can thank the hiring manager or recruiter for their time and effort.

4. Use a professional format

You should format your job offer response as professionally as you would any other document involved in the hiring process. If sending an email, use a subject line with your name and a clear phrase such as “Job Offer Acceptance.” Type the email in a commonly used business font in size 11 or 12, and begin with a formal greeting to the person who offered you the job. End with a closing phrase such as “Sincerely” before your signature and contact information.

Before sending your response, make sure to edit thoroughly and proofread it for any errors. Double-check any specific items for accuracy, such as names, dates and figures. Consider taking a break before proofreading or asking a friend to check the email for you