Job Offer Letters – By Type
Job offer letters come in a few different formats, and each one fits a specific hiring need. Some work best for full-time roles. Others suit contractors, interns, or seasonal staff. The sections below break down each type so you can pick the version that matches your hire.
To extend an offer to a contractor operating under a 1099 arrangement
Independent Contractor
To extend an internship opportunity to an intern
Internship
What Is a Job Offer Letter?
A job offer letter is a written document that tells a candidate the key terms of the job they’re being offered. It gives both sides a clear reference point before employment begins. Employers usually send it after a verbal offer.
An offer letter lists the job title, pay, schedule, start date, and any steps the candidate needs to complete before starting. It also explains what the employer will provide, such as the pay structure and basic benefits. Many U.S. employers include an at-will employment statement to clarify the employment relationship from the start.
Benefits of a Job Offer Letter
- Keeps pay and start date clear
- Confirms what was promised verbally
- Gives both sides a simple written record
- Makes early steps easier for both sides
Job Offer Letter vs Contract
A job offer letter covers the basic terms of the role, while an employment contract lays out the full obligations for both sides. The offer letter confirms the job title, pay, start date, and any initial requirements. The contract then expands on those points by adding detailed rights, responsibilities, and protections. Employers often start with an offer letter and follow with an employment contract once the candidate accepts.
Is a Job Offer Letter Legally Binding?
A job offer letter is typically not legally binding, especially in at-will employment situations, where terms can be modified even after signing. Employers use disclaimers to make it clear the letter isn’t a contract. An offer letter can become binding if it includes specific promises that sound like contractual terms. Courts have enforced offer letters when the wording reads more like a full agreement.
How to Write a Job Offer Letter
A clear job offer letter depends on structure. Each part gives the candidate the details they need before saying yes. Putting the information in the right order also helps set up the next steps after they accept. Here’s how to put those pieces together.
- Add company and sender details by listing the company’s address and your name, title, email, and phone. This tells the candidate exactly who the offer is coming from.
- Record the candidate’s information by adding their name, home address, the letter date, the planned start date, and the response deadline. These details give the offer a clear timeline.
- Define the role by stating the job title and noting whether the duties are in the letter or attached. Add the supervisor’s name and title so the reporting line is clear.
- Outline compensation and benefits, including pay. Note the pay structure, the benefits offered, the reimbursement rules, and the vacation and sick or personal leave available.
- Confirm the legal terms by adding any background check requirements and stating the at-will status. Note whether the candidate must sign a full employment agreement after accepting.
Once these details are set out, the offer becomes easy for the candidate to review and respond to. It also gives both sides a reference point before moving on to the full employment agreement. If you want a head start, Legal Templates makes it easy to create a job offer letter that fits your hire. Just adjust the sections to match your needs.
Once the candidate accepts, employers usually follow with a full agreement or onboarding documents. Here are a few supporting forms to finish the hiring process:
- Employment contract includes full rights, responsibilities, and protections
- I-9 Form to confirm identity and work authorization
- Employee information form to collect basic details
- Employee onboarding checklist to organize onboarding tasks
Job Offer Letter Example
Here’s a filled-in example using the template’s exact wording. It shows how the letter looks once all details are added.
1428 Willow Bend Drive
Suite 3B
Nashville, TN 37212
USA
November 27, 2025
Alex Johnson
908 Lantern Ridge Court
Franklin, TN 37067
RE: OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT
Dear Alex Johnson:
We are pleased to extend an offer of employment as a Marketing Coordinator reporting to Jordan Ellis, Marketing Manager.
Your official start date will be January 13, 2026. Feel free to contact me via email [email protected]. We expect to receive your response by December 10, 2025, regarding whether or not you will accept this offer of employment.
We are looking forward to having you on our team in the near future.
Sincerely,
Jordan Ellis
Marketing Manager
Job Offer Letter Sample
Use this job offer letter sample to see a fully filled-out version of the form. Customize our job offer letter template for your next hire and then download it in Word or PDF.
