2020-2021 Purdue University Career Success Handbook

The Job Offer Job offer correspondence helps to effectively and professionally communicate your career actions and choices.

HELPFUL HINTS • Address your letterhead to a specific person within the company, if possible • Follow-up to your correspondence if you do not get a response after 2 weeks • Use email to maintain contact and keep track of correspondence both sent and received

HEADING FORMAT Your Street Address City, State, Zip code Today’s Date Recipient’s Name / Title

CLOSING FORMAT

Company Name Street Address City, State, Zip code Dear Mr./Mrs./Ms./Dr. ______

THANK-YOU LETTER

LETTER OF ACKNOWLEDGEMENT • Send within 24 hours after the interview • Reiterate your interview date and time, as well as your interest in the employer and your strongest selling points. Opening sentence: Express your appreciation to the employer for meeting with you. Recall something specific that you dis- cussed such as what you learned about them, the opportunity you are applying for, or a common interest you share with the interviewer. Middle sentence: Add any information you failed to mention in the interview. Tell the interviewer about a skill that might fur- ther convince him/her/they of your value to the organization Closing sentence: Reiterate your interest and enthusiasm in the position. State something you are looking forward to in the position. Let the interviewer know how he/she/they can contact you. • Do not delay your acknowledgement of a received invitation or offer – procrastination makes a bad impression. • Restate the title of the position and salary. Express your appreciation for the offer. Indicate the date that you will let the company know your decision. LETTER OF ACCEPTANCE • Indicate your acceptance of the offer of employment – restate the position, compensation, classification and starting date (if previously established). • Express your appreciation, excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to work for the employer. • Inform employer of any travel plans if relocation is necessary. Opening sentence: Express your appreciation to the employer for meeting with you. Express your enthusiasm for receiving the job offer. Reveal 1-2 aspects of the position or organization you are looking forward to experiencing. Identify skills you are looking forward to developing or utilizing. Closing sentence: Reiterate your continued interest for your upcoming career opportunity. Let the interviewer know how he/she/they can contact you.

CAREER DECISION MAKING

LETTER OF DECLINE • Provide a brief explanation of why you chose to decline the employment offer. • Express your appreciation for the offer and for the time that the company has invested in you.

Opening sentence: Express your appreciation to the employer for meeting with you. Express your regret that you will not be accepting the offer. Closing sentence: Extend your sincere best wishes to the organization and those with whom you met. If you are open to being contacted, let the interviewer how he/she/they can contact you.

OFFER, NEGOTIATION, ETHICS!

www.cco.purdue.edu 49