What to Say When Accepting a Job Offer: Scripts, Tips, and Professional Strategies
You’ve done it. After applications, interviews, and anxious waiting, you’ve received a job offer. Congratulations! But now comes an important moment that many people underestimate: the acceptance. How you accept a job offer matters—it sets the tone for your relationship with your new employer and ensures everyone is aligned on terms before you start.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through exactly what to say when accepting a job offer, whether over the phone, via email, or in person. You’ll learn how to express enthusiasm while maintaining professionalism, how to confirm important details, and how to handle situations where you need to negotiate or ask for time before accepting.
Before You Accept: Critical First Steps
Before saying yes, take time to ensure you’re making an informed decision. Rushing to accept can lead to regrets.
Review the Complete Offer
Make sure you understand the full offer, not just the headline salary. Examine the complete compensation package including base salary, bonus structure, and equity if applicable. Review benefits such as health insurance, retirement contributions, and paid time off. Understand the job title and reporting structure. Confirm the start date and any flexibility. Note the work location and remote work policies. Review any contingencies like background checks or drug tests.
If any elements are unclear, seek clarification before accepting. It’s much easier to address questions now than after you’ve committed.
Evaluate Against Your Priorities
Compare the offer against what matters to you. Does the compensation meet your needs? Does the role advance your career goals? Are the benefits adequate for your situation? Does the culture seem like a good fit? Is the location or remote arrangement workable?
Take your time with this evaluation. A few days of careful consideration is better than months of regret.
Consider Negotiation
Before accepting, decide whether to negotiate. If the offer falls short in any areas, this is your best opportunity to discuss adjustments. Even if you plan to accept as-is, understanding your leverage and options puts you in a stronger position.
Prepare Your Response
Once you’ve decided to accept, prepare your response carefully. Whether accepting immediately or after consideration, a thoughtful, professional response matters.
Accepting by Phone: What to Say
Phone acceptances are common when an offer was extended verbally or when you want to add a personal touch to your acceptance.
The Initial Response
When accepting by phone, start with clear, enthusiastic acceptance. You might say: “Thank you so much for this offer. I’m very excited to accept and join the team at [Company Name]. I’m looking forward to contributing to [specific aspect of the role or company].”
Confirming Key Details
Use the call to confirm essential details. You can continue: “I want to confirm the key terms we discussed. The base salary is [amount], the start date is [date], and the role is [title] reporting to [manager]. Is that correct?”
This confirmation ensures you and the employer are aligned and creates a verbal record of the terms.
Expressing Enthusiasm Appropriately
Show genuine enthusiasm without being over the top. Consider phrases like: “I’m genuinely excited about this opportunity” or “I’ve been impressed with everyone I’ve met during the interview process” or “I’m looking forward to getting started.”
Authentic enthusiasm is positive; excessive gushing can seem insincere.
Asking About Next Steps
Conclude by clarifying what happens next: “What are the next steps from here? Should I expect to receive a formal offer letter, and is there anything you need from me before my start date?”
Sample Phone Acceptance Script
Here’s a complete example of a phone acceptance:
“Hi [Hiring Manager’s name], thank you so much for reaching out. I’m thrilled to accept the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I’ve really enjoyed getting to know the team during the interview process, and I’m excited to contribute to [specific project, goal, or aspect of the role].
I want to confirm the terms: the base salary of [amount], starting on [date], with [any other key terms discussed]. Does that all sound correct?
Great. I’m really looking forward to getting started. What are the next steps? Should I expect a formal offer letter, and is there anything you need from me in the meantime?
Thank you again for this opportunity. I’m excited to join the team.”
Accepting by Email: Templates and Examples
Email acceptances are often appropriate when you want a written record, when the offer came via email, or when you’ve had time to consider and are ready to respond formally.
Key Elements of an Acceptance Email
An effective acceptance email includes a clear subject line, expression of thanks and acceptance, confirmation of key terms, professional enthusiasm, and indication of next steps.
Formal Acceptance Email Template
Subject: Acceptance of [Job Title] Offer - [Your Name]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
Thank you for offering me the position of [Job Title] at [Company Name]. I am pleased to accept this offer and am excited to join the team.
As we discussed, I understand that my starting salary will be [amount], with [brief mention of other key terms like bonus, benefits, or start date]. I am prepared to begin on [start date].
I appreciate the confidence you’ve shown in extending this offer and am looking forward to contributing to [specific team, project, or company goal]. Please let me know if there are any documents you need from me prior to my start date or any other steps I should complete.
Thank you again for this opportunity. I look forward to working with you and the team.
Sincerely, [Your Full Name] [Phone Number] [Email Address]
Less Formal Acceptance Email Template
For companies with casual cultures or when you’ve developed a friendly rapport:
Subject: Excited to Accept - [Job Title] Position
Hi [Hiring Manager’s First Name],
I’m thrilled to officially accept the [Job Title] position! Thank you so much for this opportunity—I’ve really enjoyed getting to know the team, and I’m excited to jump in.
Just to confirm: I’ll be starting on [date] with a salary of [amount]. Let me know if there’s anything you need from me before then.
Thanks again, and I’m looking forward to getting started!
Best, [Your Name]
What to Include in Confirmation
Your acceptance email should confirm salary and compensation terms, start date, job title, any negotiated terms or special arrangements, and your understanding of any contingencies.
This written confirmation protects both you and the employer by ensuring alignment.
Accepting in Person: Professional Approaches
Occasionally, you may accept an offer in person, particularly if you’re offered a position during a final interview or if you’ve been brought in to discuss the offer.
In-Person Acceptance Tips
Maintain professional composure while expressing genuine enthusiasm. Make eye contact and use confident body language. Thank them specifically for the opportunity. Ask clarifying questions about next steps. Confirm key terms verbally and follow up in writing.
Sample In-Person Response
“Thank you so much for this offer. I’m genuinely excited to accept the position and join [Company Name]. I’ve been impressed with the team and the work you’re doing in [specific area], and I’m looking forward to contributing.
To make sure I have everything right, the role is [Job Title] with a starting salary of [amount], beginning on [date]. Is there anything else I should know about next steps?”
Follow Up in Writing
After an in-person acceptance, send a follow-up email confirming the terms. This creates a written record and demonstrates professionalism.
Handling Special Situations
Not all acceptances are straightforward. Here’s how to handle common variations.
When You Need More Time
If you’re not ready to accept immediately, it’s appropriate to ask for time. Be honest about needing time to consider, request a specific timeframe (typically a few days to a week), and express genuine interest while you deliberate.
You might say: “Thank you so much for this offer—I’m very interested and excited about the opportunity. I want to give it the careful consideration it deserves. Would it be possible to have until [specific date] to give you my final answer?”
Most employers expect candidates to take some time. Avoid excessive delays, but a few days is reasonable.
When You Want to Negotiate
If you plan to negotiate before accepting, do so professionally and clearly. Express appreciation for the offer, be specific about what you’d like to discuss, present your case concisely, and show flexibility and collaborative spirit.
For example: “Thank you for this offer—I’m very excited about the opportunity. Before I formally accept, I’d like to discuss the compensation. Based on my research and experience, I was hoping for a salary closer to [amount]. Is there flexibility to discuss this?”
Negotiation is normal and expected. Present your case professionally, and be prepared to either reach agreement or accept the original terms.
When You Have Competing Offers
If you have other offers, handle the situation with professionalism and transparency. You don’t need to reveal the other company, but you can indicate you’re considering multiple opportunities.
You might say: “Thank you for this offer. I’m very interested in [Company Name], and I want to be transparent that I’m also considering another opportunity. I’d like to make a decision by [date]. Is that timeline workable for you?”
This approach is honest without being manipulative. Most employers appreciate directness.
When Accepting After Initial Hesitation
If you initially asked for time but are now ready to accept, acknowledge the process positively: “Thank you again for your patience while I considered this offer. I’m pleased to accept the [Job Title] position. I’ve given it careful thought, and I’m confident this is the right move for my career.”
When the Offer Is Below Expectations
If you’re accepting an offer that’s less than you hoped for, maintain full professionalism. If you’ve already negotiated and this is their best offer, accept graciously without lingering disappointment.
Avoid accepting while expressing disappointment or accepting while implying you’ll continue looking. This undermines the relationship from the start.
What Not to Say When Accepting
Certain responses, while tempting, can damage your new relationship before it begins.
Avoid Excessive Comparison
Don’t say things like “Well, your offer isn’t as good as Company X’s, but I’ll take it.” Even if true, this starts the relationship on a negative note.
Avoid Immediate Demands
Acceptance isn’t the time to add new requests you didn’t negotiate earlier. Asking about raises or promotions before you’ve started seems presumptuous.
Avoid Conditional Language
Phrases like “I guess I’ll accept” or “I suppose this will work” convey reluctance. If you’re accepting, accept with enthusiasm.
Avoid Oversharing
You don’t need to explain every detail of your decision-making process. A simple, professional acceptance is sufficient.
Avoid Burning Bridges
If you’re accepting one offer and declining another, remain professional with the company you’re declining. Your paths may cross again.
After Acceptance: Next Steps
Your acceptance is just the beginning. Here’s what to handle after you’ve said yes.
Get It in Writing
Ensure you receive a formal offer letter or employment agreement confirming all terms. Review this document carefully and sign promptly. If anything differs from your verbal agreement, address it immediately.
Give Proper Notice
If you’re currently employed, give your current employer proper notice (typically two weeks, unless your contract specifies otherwise). Provide written resignation and maintain professionalism through your departure.
Prepare for Onboarding
Ask your new employer what you need to do before starting. This might include completing paperwork and background checks, getting set up for benefits enrollment, preparing for first-day logistics, and reading any pre-start materials.
Announce Appropriately
Update your LinkedIn profile after your start date, not before. Notify relevant professional contacts of your transition. Be thoughtful about how and when you share the news.
Express Gratitude
Send thank-you notes to anyone who helped in your job search, including references who may have been contacted and anyone who provided referrals or advice.
Resources like 0portfolio.com can help you maintain professional materials throughout your career transitions, ensuring you’re always prepared whether accepting offers or exploring new opportunities.
Sample Acceptance for Different Scenarios
Here are additional examples tailored to specific situations.
Entry-Level Position Acceptance
“Thank you so much for offering me the Marketing Coordinator position. I’m excited to accept and begin my career at [Company Name]. I’ve been impressed with the team’s work on [specific campaign or project], and I’m eager to learn and contribute.
I confirm my start date of [date] and the salary of [amount]. Please let me know if there’s anything you need from me before I start. Thank you again for this opportunity!”
Senior-Level Position Acceptance
“Thank you for the opportunity to join [Company Name] as [Senior Title]. I’m pleased to accept this offer and am looking forward to leading [specific initiative or team].
To confirm, my compensation package includes a base salary of [amount], bonus target of [percentage], and [equity/other terms]. My start date will be [date].
I’m excited about the challenges ahead and the opportunity to drive results for the organization. Please let me know the next steps for completing any pre-employment requirements.”
Accepting After Negotiation
“Thank you for working with me on the terms of this offer. I’m pleased to accept the [Job Title] position with the agreed salary of [negotiated amount] and start date of [date].
I appreciate your flexibility during our discussions, and I’m confident we’ve reached an arrangement that works well for both of us. I’m looking forward to joining the team and contributing to [Company Name]‘s continued success.”
Conclusion: Starting Strong
How you accept a job offer sets the tone for your relationship with your new employer. A professional, enthusiastic, and clear acceptance demonstrates the same qualities you’ll bring to the job itself.
Take time to understand the complete offer before accepting. Confirm key terms in your acceptance. Express genuine enthusiasm while maintaining professionalism. Follow up appropriately to ensure a smooth transition.
Your acceptance is the final step in your job search and the first step in your new role. Make it count. With a thoughtful, professional response, you’ll start your new position with confidence and momentum—ready to deliver on the promise that earned you the offer in the first place.
Congratulations on your new opportunity, and best wishes for success in your new role!
