How to reply to a job offer: three short emails

• Thank them first. Then do one thing: say yes, ask for a date to answer, or ask about one point you want changed.
• A job offer and the acceptance can be spoken or written. Once you accept an unconditional offer it is legally binding (UK, GOV.UK), so only say yes when you mean it.
• Ask for the offer in writing, with pay, start date and hours, before you accept or hand in notice.

Subject: Job offer: [job title]

Hi [name],

Thank you for offering me the position of [job title]. I'm happy to accept.

I understand the start date is [date], the pay is [amount, per year / hour] and the hours are [hours]. Please send the written offer or contract so I can read it, and tell me if you need anything from me before then, such as [references / right to work documents].

I'm looking forward to joining.

[Your name]

Subject: Job offer: [job title]

Hi [name],

Thank you for the offer of [job title]. I'm very interested and want to give it proper thought. Could I have until [date] to give you my answer?

If it would help to talk anything through before then, I'm happy to [call / meet].

[Your name]

Subject: Job offer: [job title]

Hi [name],

Thank you for the offer. I'm pleased to receive it and keen to join.

The offer is [amount]. I was hoping for [amount]. [Only if true: I'm asking because of my experience in X / what I would be taking on in this role.] Is there any room to look at this?

I can give you my answer by [date].

[Your name]

Brackets are for your own facts. Delete anything that is not true for you.

UKOnce someone has accepted an 'unconditional' job offer, they're in a legally binding contract of employment. However, a 'conditional' job offer can be withdrawn if the person does not meet the employer's conditions (for example, satisfactory references and health record).GOV.UK, "Job offers: your rights". Open the page. Read 4 October 2026.

UKA job offer, and acceptance of that offer, can be verbal or in writing.GOV.UK, "Job offers: your rights". Open the page. Read 4 October 2026.

UKEmployees should wait until they get an unconditional offer before handing in their notice as a conditional offer could fall through.GOV.UK, "Job offers: your rights". Open the page. Read 4 October 2026.

UKIf someone accepts an unconditional offer and then changes their mind, the employer can: make them work out any contractual element of their notice; sue them for breach of contract.GOV.UK, "Job offers: your rights". Open the page. Read 4 October 2026.

GOV.UK also says the written contract should come from the new employer and that you should check the terms before you agree to it.

US readers: we did not find an official US page to quote on accepting an offer, so we state no US rule. Ask for the offer in writing and read it before you accept.

Nothing official we read says how long you can take to answer, so ask for a date, as in reply 2. The person may say no to extra time.

The free "Reply to a job offer" download has these three replies as fill-in files, with a short checklist of what to confirm before you say yes. It is free.

Can I accept a job offer by phone?

GOV.UK says an offer and its acceptance can be verbal or in writing. It is wise to follow a phone call with an email that repeats the pay, start date and hours.

How long can I take to answer?

We found no official rule, so we can't give one. Ask for a specific date, politely, as in the second reply. They can say no, and a very long delay may put the offer at risk.

Can I ask for more money?

Nothing stops you asking, and the third reply is a calm way to do it. They can say no. We can't promise any result.

What if I accepted and I have changed my mind?

GOV.UK says that after accepting an unconditional offer the employer can make you work out any contractual notice or sue for breach of contract. Tell them as soon as you can, and get free advice from Acas if you are unsure.

Should I hand in my notice now?

GOV.UK says to wait until you have an unconditional offer, because a conditional offer could fall through.

What if I panic-accepted and I am not ready?

Tell them quickly and honestly, and read the GOV.UK page above. What happens next depends on whether the offer was unconditional. We can't advise on your case; the Acas helpline can.

• GOV.UK: Job offers, your rights, read 4 October 2026
• GOV.UK: Handing in your notice, read 4 October 2026

Not legal advice. This is general information. Rules depend on your contract, your country and, in the US, your state. For advice on your own case, ask the free Acas helpline (UK) or a qualified adviser. Page written and checked on 4 October 2026; official pages can change.

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