Writing a Congratulations You Are Hired Letter (with Samples)
Use these sample congratulations you are hired letters as templates for your formal notification.
Last updated on November 26, 2023
A congratulations you are hired letter is written by an employer to a person they would like to employ. In most cases, the terms and conditions for the job as well as the salary have already been negotiated in person. It is not considered good business practice for a person to first learn of a job offer through the mail.
The employer should either have spoken to them in person or over the phone. Once the candidate is selected, it is important to inform them as soon as possible in case they are considering other job offers. This is another reason why a certified letter may be too slow for the initial offer.
Formal Way of Confirming a Verbal Agreement
The letter is a formal way of confirming a verbal agreement. In most cases, the candidate has already accepted the job offer, but expert human resource personnel recommend considering the acceptance as tentative until the offer letter, confidentiality agreement if applicable and contract or terms and conditions are signed by the candidate.
The employer should either have spoken to them in person or over the phone. Once the candidate is selected, it is important to inform them as soon as possible in case they are considering other job offers. This is another reason why a certified letter may be too slow for the initial offer.
Formal Way of Confirming a Verbal Agreement
The letter is a formal way of confirming a verbal agreement. In most cases, the candidate has already accepted the job offer, but expert human resource personnel recommend considering the acceptance as tentative until the offer letter, confidentiality agreement if applicable and contract or terms and conditions are signed by the candidate.
During an interview for a job, the candidate may be tense and emotional, so, even if the terms and conditions are expressed orally, they could easily be forgotten in the excitement of being offered a new job.
The person conducting the interview may have many candidates and not remember exactly what was offered. A letter that clearly states the conditions of the job including, title, tasks, salary and benefits protects both the employee and employer.
A congratulations you are hired letter can be very simple or very complicated depending on the terms and conditions of the job. If the letter is to be very complicated and include stock offers, travel allowances and other things, it is better to have a lawyer help write the letter.
The person conducting the interview may have many candidates and not remember exactly what was offered. A letter that clearly states the conditions of the job including, title, tasks, salary and benefits protects both the employee and employer.
A congratulations you are hired letter can be very simple or very complicated depending on the terms and conditions of the job. If the letter is to be very complicated and include stock offers, travel allowances and other things, it is better to have a lawyer help write the letter.
No Right or Wrong Approach
There is no right or wrong approach, but a simple letter offering the job and requesting a signature along with the promise of sending the full list of details later is recommended by some if the employer is not sure the candidate will accept the job. More details can be sent in the first letter, if the candidate has already verbally accepted the job.
Different states have different requirements of employment. These should be known by the employer before he or she offers a job to any candidate.
The most common information that is required to be in the letter is:
Here are some simple samples of a congratulations letter. It should be sent by certified mail, so there is proof of the time it was received. This is important if the applicant must respond within a specified period of time upon receiving the job offer.
No Right or Wrong Approach
There is no right or wrong approach, but a simple letter offering the job and requesting a signature along with the promise of sending the full list of details later is recommended by some if the employer is not sure the candidate will accept the job. More details can be sent in the first letter, if the candidate has already verbally accepted the job.
Different states have different requirements of employment. These should be known by the employer before he or she offers a job to any candidate.
The most common information that is required to be in the letter is:
- The employee's job description or duties
- The starting date
- The name of the immediate supervisor
- The salary and how and when it will be paid
- Possible commissions if the job is in sales
- Vacations, sick leave and personal leave
- The pension scheme
- The requirement of a drug or background check
Here are some simple samples of a congratulations letter. It should be sent by certified mail, so there is proof of the time it was received. This is important if the applicant must respond within a specified period of time upon receiving the job offer.
Sample 1 - Congratulations You Are Hired Letter
Name of Employer
Name of Company
Position of Employer
Address of Company
City, State, Zip Code
DATE
Name of Candidate
Address of Candidate
City, State, Zip Code
Dear Name of Candidate:
Congratulations, this letter is to formally offer you the job of Director of Waste Management for Name of Company. Your experience and credentials in the field of environmental sustainability will be an asset to our Department of Waste Management.
As we discussed on the phone yesterday, your starting date is DATE and salary is SALARY per year. It is paid on a monthly basis and we offer direct deposit if you request. You’ll report to Name of Supervisor at 9:00am.
The position includes full family medical coverage that is provided through our benefit plan and will begin one month after your first working day. You may sign-up for dental and optical insurance if you choose. You will become eligible for our retirement plan 90 days after your first working day.
I have enclosed a second copy of this letter for you to sign and return to me if you accept this offer. When I receive the signed copy, I will send you an employee handbook and the forms for enrolling in the employee benefit programs. The vacation and leave policies are in the handbook.
We are happy to welcome you to our team.
You can contact me at Phone Number or at Email Address if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Signature of Employer
Printed Name of Employer
Position of Employer
Sample 2 - Congratulations You Are Hired Letter
Name of HR person
Name of Company
Address of Company
City, State, Zip Code
DATE
Name of Candidate
Address of Candidate
City, State, Zip Code
Dear Name of Candidate,
Congratulations, I am happy to inform you that NAME of COMPANY would like to offer you the position of personal assistant to NAME, who is the sales director. The starting annual salary is $32,000 that is payable twice each month. We consider you the best candidate for the position after interviewing a large selection of excellent candidates.
According to the United States government, we are required to verify your employment eligibility. I have enclosed an I-9 form, which you should bring on your first day along with any identification that proves you are a U.S. citizen or shows that you have permission to work in this country. You can report directly to the human resources department at 9:00am on DATE.
At this time, someone in the HR department will help you select the dental and health insurance program that you want. They will also explain how you will participate in our profit sharing plan, the pension scheme and leave policies.
I have enclosed two copies of this letter as well as two copies of the terms and conditions of the job. If you accept this offer, please sign both copies of the letter and send one to me along with a signed copy of the terms and conditions. You can keep the other copies for your files. When I receive your acceptance letter, I will inform you of the next steps in the hiring process.
I would be happy to answer any questions you have about this offer. I can be reached at 555-123-4567. Please feel free to call me. The NAME of COMPANY looks forward to your acceptance of this offer and to a mutually beneficial relationship.
Sincerely,
HR Person’s signature
HR Person’s name printed
List of enclosures such as copy of terms and conditions and forms
By Andre Bradley
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What should be included in a "Congratulations, you are hired" letter?
Answer: A "Congratulations, you are hired" letter should include the following key elements:
Q: How formal should the language in the letter be?
Answer: The language in a "Congratulations, you are hired" letter should be professional yet welcoming. It should strike a balance between formal business communication and a warm, inviting tone. Avoid overly casual language, but also steer clear of excessively formal or technical jargon.
Q: Is it appropriate to include information about the company culture in the letter?
Answer: Yes, it's often a good idea to include a brief mention of the company culture in the letter. This helps set the tone for the new employee and gives them an idea of what to expect. It could be a statement about the company's values, work environment, or team dynamics.
Q: Should the letter mention the next steps after accepting the offer?
Answer: Absolutely. The letter should outline the immediate next steps, such as signing the offer letter, completing any required pre-employment screenings, and providing documentation. This helps the new hire understand what is expected of them before their first day.
Q: Can the letter include a brief introduction to the team or department?
Answer: While not mandatory, including a brief introduction to the team or department can be a nice touch. It can help the new employee feel more connected and excited about joining the team. However, keep this section concise and focused.
Q: Is it necessary to include a deadline for accepting the offer?
Answer: Yes, it's important to include a deadline for accepting the offer. This ensures clarity and helps with planning and filling the role efficiently. The deadline should give the candidate a reasonable amount of time to consider the offer and make a decision.
Q: How should the letter end?
Answer: The letter should end on a positive note, expressing excitement about the prospect of the candidate joining the team. It's also helpful to include a line encouraging them to reach out with any questions or concerns they might have.
Answer: A "Congratulations, you are hired" letter should include the following key elements:
- A clear statement of congratulations and confirmation of the job offer.
- The job title and a brief description of the role.
- Start date and work schedule.
- Details about salary, benefits, and any other compensation.
- Information on any required documentation or pre-employment processes.
- A point of contact for any further questions or concerns.
- An expression of enthusiasm about the new hire joining the team.
Q: How formal should the language in the letter be?
Answer: The language in a "Congratulations, you are hired" letter should be professional yet welcoming. It should strike a balance between formal business communication and a warm, inviting tone. Avoid overly casual language, but also steer clear of excessively formal or technical jargon.
Q: Is it appropriate to include information about the company culture in the letter?
Answer: Yes, it's often a good idea to include a brief mention of the company culture in the letter. This helps set the tone for the new employee and gives them an idea of what to expect. It could be a statement about the company's values, work environment, or team dynamics.
Q: Should the letter mention the next steps after accepting the offer?
Answer: Absolutely. The letter should outline the immediate next steps, such as signing the offer letter, completing any required pre-employment screenings, and providing documentation. This helps the new hire understand what is expected of them before their first day.
Q: Can the letter include a brief introduction to the team or department?
Answer: While not mandatory, including a brief introduction to the team or department can be a nice touch. It can help the new employee feel more connected and excited about joining the team. However, keep this section concise and focused.
Q: Is it necessary to include a deadline for accepting the offer?
Answer: Yes, it's important to include a deadline for accepting the offer. This ensures clarity and helps with planning and filling the role efficiently. The deadline should give the candidate a reasonable amount of time to consider the offer and make a decision.
Q: How should the letter end?
Answer: The letter should end on a positive note, expressing excitement about the prospect of the candidate joining the team. It's also helpful to include a line encouraging them to reach out with any questions or concerns they might have.