# Offer letter

Concept · [Talent and hiring](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/talent)

Also called: offer letters, job offer, employment offer, written offer

A written job offer to the chosen candidate. It usually states the role, the start date, the pay, any [stock options](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/stock-options) and, in the US, whether employment is at will. The candidate signs it to accept. Companies often pair it with an agreement that assigns the person's work to the company.

**For example:** After the final interview, a [founder](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/founder) sends an offer letter with the [salary](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/equity-vs-cash), a [stock](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/equity) option [grant](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/grant) that [the board](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/board-of-directors) still has to approve and a start date two weeks out.

## Connects to (5)

- [Equity vs cash compensation](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/equity-vs-cash): The two main ways a startup pays people.
- [Stock options](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/stock-options): The right to buy shares in the company later at a price that is set today.
- [Contractor vs employee](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/contractor-vs-employee): A contractor is an outside person or firm you pay for a defined piece of work, and they decide how to do it.
- [Intellectual property](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/intellectual-property): Things you create that can be owned, such as code, designs, brand names and inventions.
- [Job description](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/job-description): A short written summary of a role: what the person will do, the skills it needs, who they report to and how it is paid.

> This glossary is plain-language orientation, not legal or financial advice. Before you decide on a company structure, a contract, taxes or a fundraising deal, talk with a lawyer or an accountant.

Map view: https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/offer-letter