Resources/Glossary/Recruiting
An offer letter is the written job offer that confirms the job title, pay, start date and key terms of employment. Agree the numbers with the candidate verbally first so the letter holds no surprises.
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The written job offer with title, pay, start date and key terms. Agree the numbers verbally first so the letter holds no surprises.
Most offer letters include the job title, manager, start date, base pay and how often it is paid, bonus or commission terms, benefits summary, work location or remote terms, exempt or non exempt status, and any conditions such as a background check, drug test or proof of right to work. Each item should match exactly what was agreed in conversation.
In the US, many offer letters state that employment is at will, meaning either side can end it at any time. Avoid wording that sounds like a promise of job security, such as “permanent position”, unless you mean it. An offer letter is usually shorter and less formal than an employment contract, but both can carry legal weight. Send the letter fast after the verbal yes, set a reasonable response date, and stay in touch until the person starts.
The offer letter is where deals close or fall apart. A letter that differs from what was discussed, arrives days late or buries the pay in legal text can lose a candidate who was ready to accept. A clean, quick letter protects the offer, reduces counteroffer risk and gives both sides a clear record of what was agreed.
On Thursday, an agency recruiter closes a candidate verbally at a base of $118,000 with a sign on bonus. The client’s HR team sends the letter on Monday with the bonus missing. The candidate wavers. Next time, the recruiter sends the client a one paragraph summary of agreed terms within an hour of the verbal yes and asks HR to match it before sending.
It can be, depending on its wording and the state. Many US offer letters say employment is at will to avoid creating a contract for a fixed term. Have counsel review your template. This is not legal advice.
An offer letter is usually a short summary of key terms. An employment contract is longer and sets binding terms such as length of employment, notice periods and restrictions. Senior or overseas roles more often use full contracts.
Two to five business days is common. Too short feels like pressure; too long gives counteroffers and other employers time to step in.
Written by recruiters at Work Insiders. Part of the recruiting and HR tech glossary. Updated October 2026.