Examples
Accepting An Offer
In a phone call to your contact, express your appreciation for and excitement to accept an offer and ask what steps you should take next to move forward. Follow-up with an email to confirm.
Dear XXX (get from cover letter),
As we discussed, I am happy to accept your offer for the Account Manager position with XXX Organization with a start date of May 20, 20XX. I understand the annual salary will be $38,000 and will include the benefits listed in your email of April 16, 20XX. In the meantime, if there are any additional steps I need to take to move forward, please just let me know. I look forward to being a part of the XXX Organization team!
Sincerely,
Herbie Husker
Second Choice Offer Came Before Your First Choice
When you have the offer in writing and know the date by which they need your decision, reach out to contact with the other opportunity you are being considered for:
Dear XXX (from cover letter),
I am following-up on the Account Manager position with XXX Organization. As I said in my interview, I am excited about the opportunity and feel it is a great fit for my skills and experience. I want to let you know I have received an offer from another company. The position with XXX Organization is my top choice but their offer is of interest to me. They would like an answer by the end of this week. Do you anticipate making a decision on the Account Manager position soon? I want to have as much information you can offer.
Sincerely,
Herbie Husker
You may need to decide about your first offer before knowing if you will receive an offer for your preferred position. Make and communicate your decision on the offer given by the date required. If you accept, maintain goodwill with the other organization by withdrawing yourself from consideration for their position immediately, thanking them and briefly explaining you have accepted a position elsewhere.
Declining An Offer
Express again your appreciation for the offer and their confidence in your qualifications. Tell them you are declining the position with a brief explanation such as,
“While I appreciate the offer, I am declining as I have accepted a position elsewhere which at this time is a better fit for me. Again, thank you for the offer and your generosity throughout the interview process.”
Follow up by sending an email to confirm:
Dear XXX (from cover letter),
As I mentioned in our recent conversation, I regret to inform you that I am declining your offer for the Account Manager position with XXX Organization as I have accepted another position which is a better fit for me at this time. Thank you for your help through the interview process. Please extend my appreciation also to your entire team for the exceptional courtesy and kindness they showed me.
Sincerely,
Herbie Husker