Definition
A job offer is the formal proposal sent to the chosen candidate. Do not confuse it with the job posting (the published ad). It states at least the job title, pay, start date, schedule, work location and any conditions (background check, probation period).
Example by jurisdiction
Ontario: since July 1, 2025, employers with 25 or more employees must give new employees in writing, before their first day where practicable, information including the employer's legal name, contact details, the anticipated work location, the starting wage and a general description of hours of work. A complete offer letter covers these points.
General information, not legal advice.
Best practices
- Call the candidate before sending the written offer to confirm expectations.
- Set a reasonable response deadline.
- Stay consistent with the range shown in the public posting.
Example: a falling offer acceptance rate often signals a pay mismatch or a process that is too long. In RecruitEasy, the pipeline statuses "offer made", "offer accepted" and "offer declined" let you track it.