Printer-friendly versionCongratulations!
You have reached the point in your job search process in which you have received an offer, perhaps even several. It is important to remember that the job search is not yet over. To see this process to completion, it is recommended that you correspond with every employer who has made you an offer or still considers you a candidate to let them know of your decision.

Accepting a Job Offer

The following are steps to follow when accepting a job offer:

• Once you have decided to accept a job offer, immediately confirm your acceptance in writing.
• In your letter, state the agreed upon salary, and outline the terms of your employment.
• Confirm the date you will be reporting to work, and address any questions you may have.
• Close the letter with an expression of your appreciation at joining the organization.
• Notify all other organizations with which you have been interviewing that you have accepted another offer and will be withdrawing from their consideration.

Declining a Job Offer

The following are steps to follow when declining a job offer:

• Once you have accepted and/or signed a formal contract with an employer accepting a job offer, write all other organizations/companies that have made offers, and inform them of your decision.
• Be sure not to burn any bridges – at a future date you may have to work with the organizations professionally, or you may want to contact them again about employment.
• Be positive when declining an offer.
• If appropriate, advise the employer where you will be going to work or where you have enrolled if you are continuing your education.
• You need not indicate why you have accepted the other position or what the starting salary is.
• Always express your appreciation for any offers extended and for the interest and confidence the employer has shown.

Additional Resources

• Careerplanning.About.com
• Moster.com   CHANGE TO "MONSTER"
  

There are also online tools through CCE’s website. Please reference Wetfeet or Vault’s site on
“Your Job Offer.” If you need assistance negotiating an offer, please refer to the Negotiating Offers tip sheet.

Sample Letters

These letters are only guides to give you an idea of what to include in your letter. Do not copy them directly!

Acceptance Letter

000 Lerner Hall New York, NY 10027 212-853-0000 jf@columbia.edu January 1, 2007 Edward J. Zander President and Chief Operating Officer ABC Corporation 000 Main Street Boston, MA 02139 Dear Mr. Zander: This letter will serve as my formal acceptance of your offer to join ABC Corporation as a Microprocessor/Circuit Designer.  I understand the conditions of employment that you explained in your recent letter and accept this position at a starting salary of $50,000 per year. As we discussed over the phone, my starting date will be Monday, starting July 3, 2007. I understand that I will based at the main office in Boston, Massachusetts with the possibility of relocation in the future. If there is any additional information you require, you can contact me at 212-853-0000, and I will be glad to assist you. You and your department have been most professional and helpful throughout this hiring process. I anxiously anticipate joining your team at ABC Corporation and look forward to the many new challenges that await me. Thank you for your confidence and support. Sincerely, James Fu

Declining Letter

000 Lerner Hall New York, NY 10027 212-853-0000 jf@columbia.edu January 1, 2007 Suzanne C. Steere Chairperson and Chief Executive XYZ Corporation 000 Broad Street Washington, DC 20016 Dear Ms. Steere: I regret to inform you that I will not be able to accept your offer of employment as Project Manager in the Developmental Research IM Department at XYZ Corporation. At this time, I have accepted a position with another organization. After careful consideration, I feel I have made the most appropriate decision for my professional development. I was very impressed with the personnel and plant facilities in Washington, DC, and look forward to keeping in touch. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, James Fu