Once you have made your decision, accept the job verbally. Restate the terms of the offer to spell out exactly what you are accepting. Inform them that you will resign after receiving a written offer.

Get the offer in writing. Be sure it includes your start date, salary, pay schedule, title, benefits and any other items promised, such as a sign-on bonus or a guaranteed year-end bonus. A verbal offer can be rescinded. While an offer letter is not legally binding to either party and can also be rescinded, it is a good faith effort on the employer's part. Most firms will write them.

Give a start date which allows sufficient time to depart from your current firm in a professional manner. Two weeks notice is standard. You should call each of the people you interviewed with to thank them for their role in the process and express your desire to join the firm as soon as possible. While you are on the phone with them, ask them if there is anything you can do, in advance, to help speed your integration into the new environment.

Write your resignation letter.

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