1. Express Gratitude
Start by expressing your appreciation for the offer. Show enthusiasm and gratitude for the opportunity. This sets a positive tone for the conversation and shows that you value the employer’s decision.
2. Seek Clarification
If the verbal offer wasn’t detailed, ask for specific information about the role, including the job title, duties, work hours, starting date, salary, benefits, and any other pertinent details. This will help you make an informed decision and confirm that you understand the terms correctly.
3. Request a Written Offer
Politely request a written offer to ensure that all the details are formally documented. You might say something like, “Thank you so much for this opportunity. I’m very excited about the offer. Could you please send me a written summary of the terms we discussed? This will help me to review everything thoroughly.”
4. Communicate Your Timeline
Let the employer know when they can expect a response from you. If you need time to consider the offer, it’s perfectly acceptable to ask for a few days or a week. You can say, “I would like a couple of days to review the terms and discuss it with my family. I’ll get back to you by [specific date].”
5. Ask About Next Steps
Inquire about the next steps in the process. This might include submitting references, undergoing a background check, or completing paperwork. Understanding the next stages can help you prepare accordingly and shows your eagerness to move forward.
6. Express Continued Interest
Reiterate your interest in the role and the company. Confirm that you are looking forward to the possibility of joining their team, highlighting a couple of aspects of the job or company that particularly excite you.
7. Negotiate If Necessary
If you have concerns about the offer or wish to negotiate terms, be prepared to discuss these politely and professionally. It’s important to do this after expressing gratitude but before you formally accept the offer. When negotiating, be clear about what you need, whether it’s a higher salary, more vacation time, flexible working conditions, or other benefits. Phrase your requests positively, for example, “I am very excited about this role and was wondering if we could discuss the starting salary? I believe that [specific reason related to market rates, your skills, or experience] justifies a slightly higher starting point.”
8. Confirm Understanding of Offer
When you receive the written offer, confirm that all details are as discussed verbally. Check the specifics against what you understood from the initial conversation. If any discrepancies arise, reach out to clarify and adjust the terms as needed.
9. Formal Acceptance
Once you are satisfied with the offer and have a written agreement, the next step is to formally accept the offer. This typically involves signing the written offer and sending it back to the employer. Ensure you keep copies for your records.
10. Prepare for Onboarding
After accepting the offer, start preparing for the onboarding process. This might involve completing paperwork, undergoing medical checks, or providing documents like identification and qualifications. Ask the employer if there’s anything specific you need to prepare, which shows your initiative and readiness to start.
11. Communicate With Current Employer
If you are currently employed, remember to give your current employer adequate notice and handle your resignation as professionally as possible. This helps maintain good relationships and a positive reputation in the industry.
12. Stay in Touch With Your New Employer
Maintain communication with your new employer as you prepare to join them. This can involve asking about the dress code, work hours, first-day expectations, or anything else relevant to your new role.
Example Response to a Verbal Job Offer
“Thank you so much for the offer! I am thrilled about the possibility of joining your team at [Company Name] and contributing to the exciting projects like [mention any specific project or aspect of the job]. Could you please provide me with a written summary of the offer? I’d love to go over it in detail and confirm my understanding of all the terms. Also, could you outline the next steps for me? I’d like to ensure everything is in place as we move forward.”
