How to Respond to a Job Offer After Months

Receiving a job offer requires taking time to acknowledge the offer in some way, either by declining or accepting. In general, job offers have a set time period, such as two weeks or a month, in which the potential employee can accept the job before employers start looking for someone else to fill the position. If a job offer was made months previously, but you failed to respond it is still possible to respond after months, though you should note that the company might have already hired someone else for the position.

Instructions

1. Read through the offer before making any response. Decide whether the offer is one you want to accept or reject. Even after a few months, it is important to make a decision about the job. If you decide that you do not want the job, write a short note expressing thanks and regret in taking another position. If you decide to try getting the position, further inquiry is necessary.

2. Contact the potential employer. Ask if the position is still available. Never assume after months of waiting that a company will still have the position. If a response is too late, the company might hire someone else.

3. Express interest in the position. If the job is still available, show interest in obtaining the job. If necessary, send a new and updated copy of your resume to the employer. They might require going through the interview process a second time. Allow the company to send a new written offer agreement.

4. Agree to the new written offer by writing an acceptance letter. Express thanks for the opportunity and agree to work from the time dictated in the offer letter.

References

• Virginia Teach Career Services: Acknowledging a Job Offer
• Virginia Tech: Responding to Job Offers