How to Accept or Decline a Job Offer (With Email Templates)

Whether the offer arrives by phone or email, the first reply should be positive, brief and non-committal unless you are certain. A verbal offer is an invitation to a conversation, not a contract. Thank the person, show enthusiasm and ask for the offer in writing with full details.

Do not accept on the spot unless you are completely sure. Equally, do not take an extended time without explaining. Employers often hold the role for a few days to a week, and a polite request for a short extension is normal and rarely offensive.

• Ask for the written offer including salary, benefits, start date, contract type and notice terms.
• Ask for a deadline. If none is given, confirm what the employer expects.
• Confirm the next steps such as references, background checks, right-to-work documents and health screening.
• Do not resign from your current job until the offer is in writing and any conditions are satisfied.

Review the complete package, not just the salary. Use this checklist to avoid surprises later.

Compare it against your current package and your priorities. Money matters, but so do the manager, the development opportunities and the working pattern. If anything is unclear, ask in writing so you have a record.

There is no legal standard for how long you can take. The norm is a few days to a week, depending on the employer and the seniority of the role.

If you need more time, a single clear request works best: "I am very interested and want to make the right decision. Would it be possible to reply by Friday?" Most employers will agree. Delays beyond a week risk the employer moving on.

Once you are satisfied with the terms, accept in writing. A short, warm and clear email is enough, and it confirms the key details so nothing is misunderstood.

• Restate the key terms (title, salary, start date) so there is no ambiguity.
• Ask about next steps and onboarding paperwork.
• Then resign professionally from your current role once the offer is unconditional, give the notice your contract requires, and keep the handover and your relationships positive.
• Withdraw from other processes promptly and politely.

Negotiating is normal and usually respected when done politely and with evidence. Do it before you accept, not after, since acceptance is generally binding.

• Show enthusiasm first. "I am excited about the role" before "I have a question about the package".
• Anchor in facts. Reference market data, your skills and the scope of the role, not personal needs.
• Be specific. Ask for a figure or a range rather than "more".
• Consider the whole package. If salary is fixed, ask about signing bonus, extra holiday, training budget, flexible working or an early salary review.
• Stop when you reach a yes. Once terms are agreed, accept promptly.

Declining well protects your reputation. Hiring managers talk, move between companies and remember candidates who were courteous. Reply promptly, thank them, keep the reason brief and honest, and leave the door open.

• Phone first for senior roles or when you have a strong relationship, then follow with an email.
• Do not over-explain. A brief, truthful reason such as a better fit or a different direction is enough.
• Avoid criticising the company, manager or package.
• Keep in touch through LinkedIn. See LinkedIn for job search.
• If you are rejected elsewhere and reconsidering, handle it with care. Our guide on interview rejection may help.

Having more than one offer is the best position to be in, but it needs careful handling.

Accepting an offer and then withdrawing, known as reneging, should be a last resort. If an exceptional circumstance arises, contact the employer immediately, apologise, and explain briefly. Expect disappointment and potential reputational impact. Once you start, you will still be expected to complete your probation, so keep the commitment you make. For your first weeks, see our interview preparation guide if you are still interviewing elsewhere.