Your hard work has paid off you have landed that new position after multiple interview rounds. The call has come, the salary and benefits are negotiated, and you have enthusiastically accepted. Congratulations! Before you sign, however, there are a few crucial steps to ensure a smooth and successful transition.
As a leading global recruitment firm with deep expertise in the Canadian job market, Robert Half has compiled this comprehensive guide on how to confidently accept a job offer in Canada. Our insights, drawn from years of successful placements, will help you navigate these essential seven steps before your first day with a new employer.
How to accept a job offer in Canada
1. Write your job offer acceptance letter
After verbally accepting a job offer, it's crucial to put it in writing. Whether you send a job acceptance email or a formal letter accepting a job offer, it’s important to restate the final offer details and express excitement and gratitude for the opportunity.
This job offer acceptance letter or email serves as a written confirmation of your decision to accept the offer. Be sure to reiterate key terms such as your confirmed job title, salary, benefits package, and official start date to ensure mutual understanding. You should also inquire if there’s anything further needed from you prior to the start date, such as completing a background check or other pre-employment procedures.
2. Notify your current employer that you’re accepting a job offer
If you’re currently employed, it's professional courtesy to inform your manager that you have accepted a job offer. Then, agree on a termination date – two weeks' notice is standard practice in many Canadian workplaces.
It's important to understand that while two weeks' notice is a common professional courtesy, the legal requirements for resignation notice in Canada can vary by province, territory, and your specific employment contract. Always consult your employment agreement or relevant provincial labour laws for precise obligations. Submit a formal resignation letter, making sure to give one copy to your manager and another to human resources.
You may receive a counteroffer from your current employer that includes a higher salary or additional perks. Resist the temptation to accept. Remember all the reasons you looked for a new job in the first place, such as career growth opportunities or a better work-life balance.
Want to know more? Read our expert tips for a career in Canada
3. Inform other prospective opportunities
If you’ve been interviewing for positions with other employers, promptly email them that you’ve accepted a job offer with another company. Don’t be that candidate who ghosts an employer during the hiring process, maintaining professionalism is key. As you withdraw yourself from consideration, keep your sentiments positive and express appreciation, you never know when your paths will cross again, and you never want to burn any bridges for future opportunities.
4. Cultivate your professional network
You’re headed for a new adventure, but you should keep nurturing the relationships you’ve built over the years. Your soon-to-be former manager and coworkers are important parts of your professional network in Canada. Add them as LinkedIn connections. Get their personal email addresses. Go out to lunch one last time. Who knows? Maintaining these valuable connections can open doors to future Canadian opportunities or provide valuable local insights into team dynamics at your new workplace.
5. Facilitate smooth handovers
It’s professional courtesy to help during the transition period as you prepare to leave your current role. This might involve training your replacement or writing detailed instructions for a future new hire. Leave your electronic and paper files in good order. Now is also a good time to give your desk a thorough decluttering and cleaning, making sure you don't leave behind anything personal. Facilitating a smooth handover ensures you leave on a high note and maintain a positive professional reputation.
6. Stay in touch with your new manager (Post-Acceptance)
Your formal job offer acceptance email should not be the last time your new manager hears from you before your first day on the job. If there’s silence during the weeks after you’ve accepted a job offer, don’t be shy about communicating first. Ask about the onboarding process, if there's any paperwork you need to fill out, where and when to report on your start date, and if there will be an orientation. Showing you aren’t afraid to reach out reinforces to the hiring manager that they made a good decision with you.
This is also a good time to inquire about the company culture and any hybrid or remote work policies if they weren't discussed during the negotiation process.
Learn how to send a thank you email after your interview
7. Leave your current role on a high note
There’s much to do after accepting a job offer, so don’t coast during your final two weeks at your workplace. Finish strong and display a positive attitude. Thank any colleagues who helped you learn and grow professionally in the job. Make the most of this time to create a smooth transition as you prepare for the next exciting chapter of your career.
About Robert Half: As a global leader in recruitment, Robert Half brings a world of expertise to Canadian job seekers and employers. Our dedicated team of talent specialists understand the unique nuances of the Canadian employment landscape, providing guidance on everything from market trends to career transitions. We are passionate about connecting top talent with rewarding opportunities, helping individuals build successful careers and businesses thrive across the country.
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