Free job offer letter template
Use this template to structure a written offer before HR sends the final version — or to compare what you received against a balanced baseline. Every bracket is a negotiation lever NegotiQ flags in real offers.
Free download
Download template (.txt)Plain text — open in Word, Google Docs, or any editor. Not legal advice.
What's in this template
- Role, start date, and location
- Base salary and variable pay structure
- Benefits and holiday
- Probation and notice periods
- Optional non-compete / non-solicit clause
- Confidentiality, IP, and acceptance block
Why a written offer matters
Verbal promises rarely bind. A clear letter sets salary, bonus mechanics, probation, and restrictive covenants in one place — so you can negotiate before you sign the employment contract.
Candidates who review offers line-by-line routinely improve base pay, bonus clarity, and non-compete scope. A template gives you the checklist; NegotiQ gives you the leverage map on the document you actually receive.
Clauses to negotiate first
Variable pay described as discretionary without metrics. Non-compete duration or geography broader than industry norm. Probation notice shorter for the employer than for you. IP clauses that capture side projects unrelated to the role.
After you download
Fill brackets with your facts, have counsel review for your jurisdiction, then send or compare. When the employer's PDF arrives, run a free NegotiQ analysis to see red flags, strong points, and a ready counter-offer script.
Before you sign any job offer
- Base salary and currency match what was discussed
- Bonus or commission has measurable criteria and timing
- Probation length and notice are mutual and fair
- Non-compete is narrow, compensated if required by law, and time-limited
- IP clause excludes personal projects outside company scope
- Governing law and dispute forum are acceptable
These templates are starting points for information only. They do not constitute legal advice. Always have a qualified lawyer review before signing.
Received a real offer or contract? Paste it into NegotiQ for red flags and a counter-offer script.
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