Writing a Simple Job Offer Letter (with Sample)
Use these sample job offer letters as templates for your formal offer letter.
Last updated on January 18th, 2019
A job offer 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.
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.
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.
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 job offer 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:
- 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 is a simple job offer letter sample. 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 Job Offer 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:
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
Sending an Email Job Offer Message
If the letter is being sent via email the subject line should have your full name followed by job offer. End the email with your digital signature.
By Andre Bradley
Related Articles