Interviewing Skills

Accepting or Declining the Offer

After you have evaluated the offer, it is time to either take the job or turn it down. Both should be done politely and in writing.

To accept the offer:

• Make sure to get all the agreed-upon terms in writing before you formally accept
• The employer will likely ask you to sign a letter or form that lists the job duties, salary, benefits and any other conditions. By signing, you are agreeing to the terms and are expected to honor your commitment.
• Additionally, write a letter of acceptance (like the sample below) that restates the terms of your agreement in your own words indicates your pleasure at joining the company. This may prevent misunderstandings between you and the employer

Review our example to see what a good acceptance letter should look like. To download and print a copy of your own, click the image below.

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If you decide to decline an offer:

Call the person who interviewed you to let them know your decision. Then, follow up with a letter (like the sample seen below) that thanks them for the offer and explains why you have decided to decline. Remember to keep the tone of your correspondence professional and courteous.

Sample: Letter Rejecting Job Offer