Job Offer Letter Template
A job offer letter turns a verbal yes into a clear, professional commitment — and gets the details right so there are no surprises on day one. This template covers the role, compensation, start date, employment type and any contingencies, with an acceptance line. It's a template, not legal advice — have counsel review for your jurisdiction.
Last reviewed 2026-07-08
Template preview
{{date}} · Dear {{candidate_name}},
We're delighted to offer you the position of {{job_title}} at {{company}}, reporting to {{manager}}.
Your starting salary will be {{amount}} per {{year/hour}}, paid {{frequency}}, plus {{bonus/commission if any}}.
You'll be eligible for {{benefits: health, PTO, retirement, etc.}} per company policy.
Your anticipated start date is {{date}}. This is a {{full-time/part-time}}, {{at-will/contract}} position.
This offer is contingent on {{background check / references / work authorization}}.
To accept, please sign and return by {{deadline}}. Signature: ____________ Date: ________
We're excited to have you join the team. {{sender_name}} · {{role}}, {{company}}
How to fill in each field
Role & reporting
State the exact job title and who the role reports to.
Common mistake: Vague titles that don't match the actual role or level.
Compensation
Spell out salary/rate, frequency, and any bonus or commission.
Common mistake: Ambiguous pay that leads to disputes on the first paycheck.
Employment type
State full/part-time and at-will vs contract per local law.
Common mistake: Omitting at-will/contract status, creating legal ambiguity.
Contingencies
List conditions (background check, references, work authorization).
Common mistake: No contingencies, making it hard to rescind if checks fail.
Related templates & variants
This is the employer's offer letter. To agree the scope of a contractor engagement instead, use the statement of work; for meeting records, see meeting agenda / minutes.
A free statement of work template — objectives, scope, deliverables, timeline, milestones and acceptance criteria.
A free meeting agenda template — objective, timed topics, owners and pre-reads — for team, project and board meetings. Download in Word or Excel with a guide.
A free business proposal template that wins deals — problem, solution, scope, pricing and acceptance.
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Frequently asked questions
What should a job offer letter include?+
The date and candidate, the role and reporting line, compensation and pay frequency, benefits, start date, employment type (full/part-time, at-will/contract), any contingencies, and an acceptance/signature line.
Is an offer letter a contract?+
An offer letter is usually not a full employment contract; in at-will jurisdictions it typically states the employment is at-will. Have legal counsel review it for your location — this template is not legal advice.
What contingencies go in an offer letter?+
Common ones are a satisfactory background check, reference checks, and proof of work authorization. State that the offer is contingent on these before the start date.
Sources & further reading
- What is included in a job offer letter (Indeed)— ie.indeed.com
- Formal offer letter template (Workable)— resources.workable.com
We review authoritative guidance when building each template. Links are for reference only.