Free template · Offers & Onboarding

Offer Letter Template

An offer letter template is a reusable document that confirms a job offer in writing, covering the role, compensation, start date and key terms so a candidate can accept with confidence. Use it to move fast after a verbal offer, keep every hire consistent, and reduce back-and-forth before onboarding begins.

Use this offer letter template once a candidate has verbally accepted, to confirm the role and terms in writing before onboarding begins. A clear, prompt written offer keeps the candidate engaged, prevents misunderstandings about pay and start date, and gives both sides a record to sign. Adapt it to your company and always have it reviewed for your local employment law.

Copy & adapt — replace every [placeholder]

Header & Date

[Company Name]

[Company Street Address, City, State/Region, Postcode]

[Today's Date]

Private & Confidential

Dear [Candidate First Name],

Position & Start Date

We are delighted to offer you the position of [Job Title], reporting to [Manager Name, Job Title], at [Company Name].

This is a [full-time / part-time / fixed-term] role based at [Location / Remote / Hybrid: X days on-site].

Your proposed start date is [Start Date], subject to the conditions below.

Your standard working hours are [e.g. 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday].

Compensation & Benefits

Base salary: [Amount] per [year / month], paid [monthly / bi-weekly] by [bank transfer].

Variable pay: [bonus / commission structure, or 'Not applicable'].

Benefits: [health cover, retirement/PF contribution, paid time off of X days, other perks].

Equity: [number of options / shares and vesting schedule, or 'Not applicable'].

Any salary review or bonus is at the company's discretion unless stated in your contract.

Conditions of Offer

This offer is contingent on: [satisfactory reference checks], [proof of right to work in Location], [background verification, if applicable], and [any required qualifications].

Your employment is subject to a probationary period of [e.g. 3 months].

Full terms will be set out in your formal employment contract, which will govern the relationship.

How to Accept

To accept, please sign and return this letter by [Acceptance Deadline], or reply to this email confirming your acceptance.

If you have any questions, contact [Recruiter / HR Name] at [Email] or [Phone].

We look forward to welcoming you to the team.

Sincerely,

[Signatory Name], [Signatory Title], [Company Name]

Accepted by: ______________________ Date: ____________

Note

Note: This is a generic template, not legal advice. Employment law and required clauses vary by country and region, so have a qualified professional review it for your location before you send it.

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How to use this template

  1. 1 Replace every [PLACEHOLDER] with the real details from your approved offer and the candidate's file.
  2. 2 Confirm the numbers — base salary, bonus, benefits and start date — match what the hiring manager and finance approved.
  3. 3 List only the contingencies you actually verify (references, right to work, background check) so the offer stays honest.
  4. 4 Have HR or a local legal advisor review the terms for your country before sending.
  5. 5 Send it promptly after the verbal offer, set a clear acceptance deadline, and store the signed copy in the candidate's record.

Tips

  • Send the written offer within a day or two of the verbal yes — momentum fades fast and competing offers appear.
  • Keep the tone warm and personal; a purely legal letter can cool an excited candidate.
  • State clearly which items are contingencies versus firm commitments to avoid disputes later.
  • Never promise benefits, bonuses or review dates you can't guarantee in writing.

Turn templates into a real hiring workflow

FAQ

Offer Letter Template — FAQs

Is an offer letter legally binding? +
It depends on your jurisdiction and wording. An offer letter usually confirms the key terms, but the formal employment contract typically governs the relationship. Because rules vary by country, have a local professional review your template before using it.
What should always be in an offer letter? +
At minimum: the job title, reporting line, work location and type, start date, base salary and pay schedule, benefits summary, any conditions such as references or right to work, and how and by when to accept.
How long should I give a candidate to accept? +
Commonly three to seven business days. Give enough time for genuine consideration, but set a clear deadline so the role isn't left open indefinitely. You can extend it if the candidate asks for a reasonable reason.
Should the offer letter mention contingencies? +
Yes. If the offer depends on reference checks, a background check or proof of right to work, state it plainly so the candidate understands the offer is conditional until those steps are cleared.
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