What‌ ‌Is‌ ‌A Job Offer? (With Examples)

Negotiation

What Is a Job Offer? (With Examples)

You’re on the hunt for a new job and have received a job offer from a company. But what does that actually mean? Are you officially hired, or are there more steps to consider?

The term “job offer” suggests that you’ve secured a position, which can indeed be the case. However, the reality can be more nuanced, depending on the specifics of the job, the offer, and related details. Let’s delve deeper to clarify the various aspects of a job offer.

Key Takeaways:

Job offers are formal invitations to employment, typically communicated through a letter or email.
When you receive a job offer, ensure you obtain it in writing to clarify the terms and conditions for all parties involved.
You are under no obligation to accept a job offer immediately; you can request time to consider it.
Job offers mark the initial step towards formal employment with an organization.

What Is A Job Offer? (With Examples)

In This Article

Skip to section

What Is a Job Offer?
How a Job Offer Works
What’s Included in a Job Offer Letter
Job Offer Letter Templates
How to Accept a Job Offer
How to Decline a Job Offer
Sign Up For More Advice and Jobs

What Is a Job Offer?

A job offer is an invitation to work for an employer extended to a candidate. This offer can range from an informal “handshake” agreement to a formalized letter or email. Generally, legitimate employers will provide a written offer, so if one is not presented, be sure to request it to maintain a record of what is being offered.

Job offers typically include details about the scope of your employment, such as:

Job title and position
Start date of employment
Salary
Benefits
Reporting structure
Location of employment
Other terms and conditions

Having this information in writing is crucial, as you may need to refer back to it later. If an employer doesn’t provide a formal job offer, consider it a red flag and question why they haven’t done so. Ensure you are accepting a position from a legitimate employer.

How a Job Offer Works

So, how does a job offer function?

Once the offer is made, you have the options to accept, reject, or negotiate. The beauty of a job offer is that it is not immediately binding.

You still have the opportunity to negotiate your salary, discuss vacation time, work hours, and more. While you can bring up various points, keep in mind that you may not receive everything you request; it opens the door for a discussion that can lead to a mutually agreeable plan.

What’s Included in a Job Offer Letter

As previously mentioned, securing a written job offer is crucial, especially if it’s the final offer you wish to accept. You should have already discussed details such as your salary expectations, vacation days, and benefits, which should all be included in the job offer. Some companies provide brief statements, while others include extensive documents or welcome packages detailing all aspects.

Alongside the specifics, the offer letter should outline the position, working hours, expectations, and possibly some future goals for your role.

Check for any contingencies in your offer letter; sometimes a job offer comes with conditions such as passing a drug test, undergoing a background check, or providing the necessary documentation. If contingencies are included, they must be specified in the offer letter, as non-compliance can lead to the rescinding of the offer.

Many job offers are open-ended, meaning there is no fixed time limit and you will continue working until you decide to leave or the company terminates your employment. Conversely, some jobs are contract-based with defined durations or tied to project completion, and these should have both start and end dates in the letter, or the project scope outlined.

Job Offer Letter Templates

Let’s examine two different job offer examples: one informal and one more detailed.

Job Offer Template #1

01/01/2026

Candidate Name
Candidate Address
City, State, Zip

Dear Candidate,

We were impressed with your resume and our interview and would like to offer you the position of Janitorial Assistant at ABC School during February while our regular Janitorial Assistant is on medical leave.

As discussed, this is a contract position for one month only. You will report directly to the Head Janitor, Bill Smith, and earn $30/hour. Your work hours will be from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM with a one-hour unpaid lunch break.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me directly. We’re excited to welcome you aboard and look forward to seeing you on February 1st.

Sincerely,

Jane Doe
Human Resources
ABC School

Job Offer Template #2

01/01/2026

Candidate Name
Candidate Address
City, State, Zip

Dear Candidate,

We were impressed with your resume and our interview and would like to offer you the full-time position of Janitorial Assistant at ABC School, starting February 1, 2026. This offer is contingent upon passing a drug test, which you can schedule at your convenience with XYZ Labs before January 20, 2026.

You will report directly to Bill Smith, your supervisor, who will meet you at the front doors of the school at 8:00 AM.

In this role, your responsibilities will include sweeping, dusting, mopping, and vacuuming as needed. You will also be responsible for removing trash from classrooms and cleaning bathrooms. As discussed, Bill will provide a walkthrough of the procedures we use, and there will be two weeks of training.

The starting pay for this position is $30/hour, paid weekly on Fridays. After three months of employment, you will have the opportunity to discuss joining our benefits package with our human resources office.

Your employment with ABC School will be on an at-will basis, meaning either you or the school may terminate employment at any time for any reason. This letter does not constitute a contract or guarantee of a specific work timeframe.

Please confirm your acceptance of this offer by signing and returning this letter by January 15, 2026.

We are excited to have you join our team, and I am here to answer any questions you may have.

Sincerely,

Josh Waltz
Hiring Recruiter for ABC Schools

Candidate Name
Janitorial Assistant

Signature: ______________________________________
Printed Name: ________________________________
Date: ___________________________________________

How to Accept a Job Offer

Accepting a job offer may seem as simple as saying “yes,” but there are nuances involved. Notice that the second template is more formal and requires you to arrange your drug test and return the signed offer letter before you can officially accept the position.

In the more casual offer, while it doesn’t explicitly ask for acceptance, it’s still a good idea to formally acknowledge your acceptance. If the contract position was emailed to you, replying with a confirmation of your acceptance is beneficial. Be sure to retain that email for your records.

If you’ve been offered a position but need time to think, that’s perfectly acceptable. If you have questions or wish to negotiate further, inform them that you appreciate the offer and will provide an answer by a specific date. It’s courteous to respond within a few days to avoid leaving them in limbo.

How to Decline a Job Offer

Perhaps after meeting with the team and learning more about the compensation package, you realize this job isn’t the right fit for you. Now, how do you politely decline a job offer after investing so much time in the process?

Declining an offer is never easy; you might feel guilty for wasting their time. However, remember that finding a job is as much about ensuring the right fit for you as it is for the employer. It would be more detrimental to accept the position only to leave shortly after due to dissatisfaction.

The best approach to declining a job offer is to be straightforward and honest. Notify them promptly once you’ve made your decision. Thank them for their time and express your appreciation for the offer, but clarify that it isn’t the right fit for you at this moment. No need to elaborate on your reasons.

Additionally, maintaining a connection can be beneficial; this may be a job you want to reconsider in the future or someone you might collaborate with later on.

Negotiation

Never miss an opportunity that’s right for you.

Author

Kristin Kizer

Kristin Kizer is an award-winning writer, television and documentary producer, and content specialist who has worked on a wide variety of written, broadcast, and electronic publications. A former writer/producer for The Discovery Channel, she is now a freelance writer and delighted to be sharing her talents and time with the wonderful Zippia audience.

Create Resume