Acknowledging a job offer

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Courtesy dictates that you acknowledge a written job offer, even if you are not ready to accept or decline it. Take note of the details of the offer, as specified in your offer letter, and respond appropriately.

You may respond verbally and in writing; whether via e-mail or hard-copy depending on the pattern and mode of communication you have had with the employer, and instructions from the employer.

Items to remember:

• Thank the employer for the opportunity presented.

• If you understand the terms of the offer, indicate that. If you don’t, ask for clarification.

• A smart employer will know that you may be considering various employment options and need to make a deliberative decision; you may need to compare the offer to another pending offer.

• However, you might need to make a decision before you know if you will receive another offer. See: what to do when you have one offer, but are hoping to have another that would be your first choice.

We encourage you to seek Career Services advising if you need assistance handling offers or making a decision.

Sample letter: Acknowledging a job offer, neither accepting nor declining:

Hard copy format shown.

If this were sent as e-mail, your signature block (address, contact info) would appear below your name at the end, and of course there is no handwritten signature on e-mail; no date necessary since e-mail sending creates a date/time record.