Accepting a job offer
Well done! You've landed your dream job and passed each stage with flying colours! But before you sit back and relax, there are still a few tasks to complete.
Imagine this scenario
You are invited to a second interview for that job you've been pinning your hopes on. As the meeting draws to a close, your prospective employer offers you the job on the spot. Do you thank him and accept with a smile, or express your happiness, say that you are 99.9% sure your answer is 'yes' but you'd like to think about it overnight?
At this stage, there is no right or wrong answer. Neither of the options is incorrect. You may be absolutely sure you want the job. But be honest. Don't be afraid to ask for time to think it over. Interviewers will understand the need to weigh up the pros and cons one last time. It's how you proceed after you accept the offer that's important.
Verbal or written?
One of the most common questions we are asked at Hays is, 'I've said "yes" to my new employer. Do I still need to write an acceptance letter?'
The answer is an emphatic 'yes'. Apart from anything else, if you've received a verbal offer and accepted, and you then receive a standard offer letter, it's plain courtesy to write back. In addition, to avoid any future misunderstandings, it is always wiser to receive and respond to such documents in writing.
Ask for the offer letter to be forwarded to you by post so that you can formally respond to it (you may not need to ask). If you're transferring from another job, it's likely that you will have to work a notice period. If your new employer is keen for you to start as soon as possible, the offer letter should arrive promptly.
Structuring your letter
- Include all relevant formalities such as names, business addresses, and date
- Thank your new employer for offering you the position
- Tell them you are delighted to accept the offer
- Inform them of your start date (if not confirmed, say you will notify them as soon as possible)
- End on a positive note, saying you are looking forward to joining the team
An example of acceptable wording would be:
Dear ...,
Re: Papillon Consulting (Managing Agent)
Thank you for your letter offering me the position of Managing Agent within Papillon Consulting, following the interview on 10th July. I have verbally accepted the offer and am pleased to send my written confirmation.
I am currently awaiting the contract of employment by post, which I will sign and return immediately. I will contact you on Monday 20th July to confirm my start date.
Thank you again for this excellent career opportunity, and I look forward to joining your organisation and contributing to the future success of the team.
Yours sincerely,
Jan Novák
During your notice period
There is no excuse to not keep in touch with your new employer. Send them an email or give them a call. Your new boss may even invite you for a team drink to meet your future colleagues, and if so, make an effort to put in an appearance. If it's not suggested, why not put the idea into his or her head?
A month is a long time to wait to start, and the more you can learn about who's who in your department during that time, the easier it will be on your first day. Remember: it may not always occur to your new boss to ask you to a "social", but don't be afraid to be proactive. He or she will more than likely be impressed with your initiative and eagerness to fit into your new environment.
As you can see, when accepting your offer and handing in your resignation, there's a degree of etiquette to each stage of landing a new job. Observing these details should instil confidence in your actions and help you to move onwards and upwards in your future career. Good luck!
