Answer a few questions to accept a job offer, decline one politely or ask for a higher salary before you say yes. When you accept, it confirms the salary, hours and start date in writing and works out the last day to hand in your notice at your current job. Free, with nothing to sign up for.
A short written acceptance confirms what you agreed: the job title, salary, hours, where you'll work and your start date. If anything in it is different from what you understood, the employer can correct it before you start.
Your employer must give you a written statement of your main terms by your first day. Don't resign from your current job until you have the offer in writing and any conditions you can't control, such as references, are clear.
When to resign from your current job
Work backwards from your start date. Your notice needs to end on or before your last working day, so with one month's notice and a start on Monday 7 December, you would hand in your notice by 4 November. The builder works this out for you.
Declining or negotiating
If you decline, keep it short and polite: thank them, say you are declining, and leave the door open. If you want a higher salary, ask before you accept, say what you are asking for and why, and offer to talk it through.
Job offer letter examples
Accepting a job offer
Confirms the terms and the start date.
21 October 2026
Dear Sarah,
Acceptance of job offer: Customer Service Team Leader
Thank you for offering me the position of Customer Service Team Leader at Northgate Energy, as set out in your offer of 19 October 2026. I am delighted to accept.
To confirm the details as I understand them: a salary of £31,500 a year, 37.5 hours a week and based at your Bradford office, starting on 7 December 2026.
I understand the offer depends on references and right-to-work checks. I am happy to provide anything you need for these, and I would be grateful if you could send my written contract when it is ready.
Thank you again. I am looking forward to joining the team.
Yours sincerely,
Aisha Khan
Declining a job offer
After accepting another offer.
21 October 2026
Dear Sarah,
Job offer: Customer Service Team Leader
Thank you for offering me the position of Customer Service Team Leader at Northgate Energy, and for the time you and the team spent with me during the interviews.
After careful thought, I have decided to accept another offer, so I must decline this one.
I enjoyed learning about Northgate Energy and hope our paths cross again. Thank you again for considering me.
Yours sincerely,
Aisha Khan
Asking for a higher salary
Before accepting, with a reason.
21 October 2026
Dear Sarah,
Job offer: Customer Service Team Leader
Thank you for offering me the position of Customer Service Team Leader at Northgate Energy. I am excited about the role and keen to join the team.
Before I accept, I would like to discuss the salary. Based on my five years' experience leading a team, I would like to ask whether you could offer a starting salary of £34,000.
I am confident I can bring a great deal to the role, and I would welcome a conversation about this, by phone or in person, whichever suits you.
Thank you again for the offer. I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,
Aisha Khan
Questions people ask
Should I accept a job offer by email or letter?
Either is fine. Email is quickest; the builder gives you the text to paste into an email, or a Word or PDF letter.
When should I hand in my notice?
Only once you have the offer in writing. Work back from your start date so your notice ends before you start; the builder gives you the date.
Can I ask for more money after an offer?
Yes, before you accept. Say what you are asking for and why, politely. Most employers expect some negotiation.
How do I decline a job offer politely?
Thank them for the offer and their time, say clearly that you are declining, and say you hope your paths cross again. You don't have to give a reason.
More letters for work
Resignation letter: Notice to leave, with your last working day worked out.
Retirement letter: Formal notice that you're retiring, with your last day worked out.
Character reference: For a job, a tenancy or court, written from real examples.
Reference letters: Ask someone to be your referee, or write a reference.