Once you decide to take a job, you should accept the offer verbally. State exactly what you are accepting, and then ask courteously for a written offer.
The written offer provides a measure of protection if a question arises later about salary, start date, benefits, or other matters. For legal reasons, the employing company usually will ask you to sign and return the offer letter.
"Mr. Smith, I'd like to accept the position of technician at a starting salary of $26,000. I understand that the benefits will include health insurance and a 401K plan. Will you please send me a written offer that lays out my terms of employment and start date?"
If you will be leaving another job to take the position, add the following as your last sentence:
"I will be need to give my present employer two weeks notice before starting the new job."
What about quitting your current job? Quitting is hard for almost everyone, so you should write a nice resignation letter, walk into the boss's office, hand it to her. Then discuss your departure in a calm and pleasant manner, after she has read the letter. Your career will occur over 40-50 years, so you don't want to burn any bridges today that you may cross across again tomorrow.
A bit of caution: Your resignation is not the time to let the boss have it - to air any grievances you have built up. This same person may be checked for a reference down the line, and you want her memories of you to be positive. Keep it simple and positive by saying:
"I've been given a great opportunity here and am thankful for the skills this job gave me."
Adapted from the eBook Knock 'em Dead, The Ultimate Job Search Guide 2012 by New York Times bestselling author Martin Yate, CPC
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