What is an offer letter? What it usually includes, and what to check before you sign.
An offer letter turns a verbal 'we'd like to hire you' into written terms. It is the moment to check every detail, because changing things is easiest before you sign.
An offer letter is the employer's written job offer. It usually states the job title, start date, pay, whether the role is full- or part-time and exempt or non-exempt, the manager or team, benefits eligibility and any conditions such as a background check. Read it against what you discussed, ask about anything missing or different, and accept in writing only when it's right.
What an offer letter usually includes
Role and start
Title, department, manager, location or remote arrangement, and start date.
Pay
Base salary or hourly rate, pay frequency, and any bonus, commission or equity, with how each is decided.
Status
Full- or part-time, and often exempt or non-exempt for overtime purposes. See exempt vs non-exempt.
Conditions
Contingencies such as a background check, references or proof of work authorisation. See conditional job offers.
Other documents
Some offers refer to separate agreements, such as confidentiality, non-compete or arbitration terms. Ask for copies before you sign, and consider legal advice for anything you don't understand.
Before you sign
- Compare every figure with what was discussed.
- Check title, start date, location and manager.
- Ask for copies of any referenced agreements.
- Ask about anything missing (bonus terms, benefits start date).
- Negotiate if needed, then accept in writing.
3 copy-ready tools
Illustrative: names, companies, dates and numbers in these templates and examples are fictional. Replace every bracket with your own true details before you use anything.
Offer letter checklist
When to use: Tick each item against the letter.
Title: [ ] Manager: [ ] Start date: [ ] Location / remote: [ ] Base pay: [ ] Pay frequency: [ ] Bonus / commission terms: [ ] Exempt / non-exempt: [ ] Benefits and start date: [ ] PTO: [ ] Conditions (background check etc.): [ ] Other agreements referenced: [ ] Response deadline: [ ]
Ask about a missing detail
When to use: When something discussed isn't in the letter.
Hi [Name], thank you for the offer letter; I'm excited about the role. We'd discussed [the signing bonus / a remote arrangement / the start date], and I don't see it in the letter. Could you confirm how that will be reflected in writing? Best, [Your name]
Request the referenced agreements
When to use: When the letter mentions documents you haven't seen.
Hi [Name], the offer letter refers to the [confidentiality / non-compete] agreement. Could you send a copy so I can review it before I sign? Thank you, [Your name]
Disclosure: TryHired makes HIRED, a paid job-search program, so we have a conflict of interest when we mention it. Everything on this page is free to use without buying anything.
What to do
| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| Matches what you discussed | Accept in writing. See how to accept. |
| Something is missing | Ask for it in writing before signing. |
| You want better terms | Counter once, politely. See negotiation email. |
| Agreements you don't understand | Ask questions; consider legal advice. |
The same move, done two ways
Illustrative example with fictional details.
| Version | Example |
|---|---|
| Weak | Signed the offer letter on the phone within minutes, without noticing the bonus wasn't mentioned. |
| Strong | Read the letter that evening, asked for the bonus terms in writing, then signed once they were added. |
Why it matters: The offer letter is what you can point to later. A missing detail is easiest to fix before you sign.
Mistakes to avoid
- Signing without reading.
- Relying on verbal promises.
- Not asking for referenced agreements.
- Missing the response deadline.
Keep going
Questions people ask
Is an offer letter a contract?
What should an offer letter include?
Can I negotiate after receiving an offer letter?
How long do I have to respond?
How this page is built
Written by Maid Dizdarevic, a career coach and 8x LinkedIn Top Voice. The steps, scripts and timing guides are practical advice, labelled as advice. We do not publish response rates, success rates or shares of employers, and every example uses fictional details.
- How a specific employer, recruiter or manager will act: practices vary by company, industry and person.
- Legal advice: for contracts, background-check disputes, pay classification or a termination, talk to an employment attorney, the U.S. Department of Labor or your state agency.
- Outcomes: no message, plan or program can promise an interview, a raise or a job.
- TryHired editorial guidance by Maid Dizdarevic, career coach, Nov 4, 2026.