Job Offer Letter Template & Sample Library
Hiring Success GlossaryWhat is a formal job offer letter?
After you have found the perfect candidate and presented a verbal job offer, it is time to send out the official job offer letter. This is normally sent out through email before the background check and signing the legitimate employee contract. The offer letter allows the candidate to know the majority of the contingencies of the position and the company to decide if they will accept the offer or not. If the candidate agrees to your offer, they will sign the letter and return it back to the company. It is important to understand that this offer letter is separate from the employee contract and it is not always a legally binding employment agreement. However, It is still a good idea to have a legal professional look over the offer letter before sending it out to a candidate to avoid any legal mishaps.What does an offer letter comprise of?
An offer letter is comprised of the most important details of the role and company that a candidate considers when accepting a job offer. These include:- Company address and hiring manager info
- Job title
- Start date and work Schedule
- Compensation and benefits
- Company and employee Policies.
- MM/DD/YYYY
- Candidate First and Last Name
- Candidate Address
- City, State, Zip
Letter Introduction- You will want to address the potential employee with the formal greeting of “Dear,” followed by their first and last name. Next you should applaud them for reaching this stage in the hiring process and offer the job with a positive and eye catching line such as “We are excited to offer you a position at [Company Name]!” You can make this opening line as formal or casual as you like, depending on your company’s culture.
Job Description- The next step is to briefly describe the role that you are offering at you company and the specifics of the position. This should include the formal title of the position, the anticipated start date, full- or part-time status, the office location, their manager/supervisor, and a brief description of the role and its responsibilities. (Source: Indeed)
Job Offer Contingencies- It is important to note any contingencies that may depend on the potential employee formally receiving the job such as filling out important documentation or passing a drug test.
Compensation Offer- The most important part for most employees will be the section focused on compensation. It is here where the compensation package must be clearly and accurately explained. Include specific details about how much the candidate will be making on an annual or hourly basis, how often they will get paid, and the available payment methods. You can also touch on equity, bonuses, commission structures if applicable to the role. (Source: Indeed)
At-will Statement- To prevent any contractual obligations make sure to include an at-will statement that will allow the employee or the company to terminate the employment at any point or any time for any reason. This would be the best time to get legal consultation so that the wording is accurate.
Job Benefits - Here is your chance to attract the employee to signing the offer letter by listing the benefits they will receive by working at your company. Be brief because these can be expanded more upon during their on-boarding cycle. Examples include 401K options, insurance plans, and company culture.
Offer Expiration Date- When finishing the letter, decide if your company wants to put a deadline on receiving a response. This will put a sense of urgency and importance on the letter. It could also save your company time if the candidate does not decide to sign and give you the opportunity to find other qualified candidates.
Offer Letter Closing - End your offer letter by expressing excitement about welcoming the candidate to the team. Provide contact information in case they have questions, and include a line for the candidate to sign and date the offer if they choose to accept. (Source: Indeed)
Disclaimer - To reduce any confusion, consider including a brief disclaimer to explain that the letter is informational and not a legally binding contract or agreement. Consult a lawyer to avoid using language that carries contractual implications. (Source: Indeed)