Hiring a developer is exciting. You finally found someone who can bring your product ideas to life, write clean code, and strengthen your tech team. Now it’s time for the part that makes everything official — sending the offer letter.

A clear, friendly, and well-structured offer letter helps you set the right expectations from day one. It tells the developer exactly what they’re signing up for, removes any confusion, and creates a smooth start to your working relationship. So let’s break down how you can write one, along with a ready-to-use template you can send right away.

Example of Developer Job Offer Email Template

Email subject line:
[Company_name] Job Offer / Job Offer from [Company_name]

Dear [Candidate_name],

We’re excited to offer you the position of [Job_title] at [Company_name]. Below is a quick overview of the terms and conditions related to your employment so you know exactly what to expect:

Position:
You will be joining us as a [Job_title], reporting directly to the [e.g., Engineering] department’s supervisor.

Working hours:
Your schedule will be 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, with a 20-minute break each day.

Compensation:
Your annual gross salary will be $X, paid across 12 monthly cycles.

Bonus:
If applicable, you will also receive bonus benefits, such as a $X sign-on bonus or other performance-based rewards.

Benefits:
As a full-time employee of [Company_name], you’ll have access to our full benefits package, which includes:

• Health and dental insurance

• Occasional work-from-home options

• X days of paid vacation leave per year (or unlimited leave, if applicable)

• Educational materials and conference tickets

• Stock option plan

You will also be eligible for any additional employee benefits we may introduce in the future.

Please find your detailed offer letter attached for a complete breakdown of all terms and conditions.

We kindly request your response by [date]. If you choose to accept, your official start date will be [Start_date] or another date we mutually agree upon.

If you have any questions before signing, feel free to reach out to me or [Manager_name] via email or phone at [contact details].

We’re truly looking forward to welcoming you to the team.

Best regards,
[Your name]
[Signature]

Format of Developer Job Offer Letter Template

Position

This offer confirms your role as [Job_title]. You’ll report directly to the Company’s [Manager’s job_title] and work closely with the team on your assigned projects.

This position is [full-time/part-time] and will require around [40] hours each week. Your usual schedule will be [Monday to Friday, 09:00–17:00]. If the company offers remote work or flexible hours, you’ll find those details listed in the Benefits section.

Your employment with the Company is on an “at will” basis. This means either you or the Company can choose to end the employment at any time and for any reason. While your role, responsibilities or compensation may evolve over time, the “at will” employment terms can only be changed through a written agreement signed by you and an authorized Company officer.

Cash Compensation

Your starting salary will be $[Gross annual salary] per year. It will follow the Company’s regular payroll schedule, beginning on [start day], and your first payment will be issued on [date]. This amount may be reviewed and adjusted in the future based on the Company’s compensation policies at that time.

All compensation mentioned in this offer will include the standard payroll deductions and any taxes required by law.

You’re encouraged to seek independent tax advice if you need clarity on how your compensation may affect your personal tax obligations. The Company isn’t responsible for planning or structuring your pay in a way that reduces your tax liabilities, so no claims can be made against the Company or its Board regarding any tax-related outcomes.

Bonus Potential

You may also be considered for an annual incentive bonus, depending on the Company’s bonus program for that fiscal year. The exact amount will be determined using criteria set by the CEO and approved by the Board of Directors. Your target bonus is planned at [%] of your annual base salary.

If you join the Company in the middle of a fiscal year, your bonus for that year will be prorated based on the number of days you were employed. Bonus payments are typically made within [number] months after the fiscal year ends, and you must be actively employed on the payment date to receive it.

All final decisions regarding your bonus rest with the Company’s Board of Directors.

Employee Benefits

As a regular employee of the Company, you’ll have access to a range of benefits designed to support your work-life balance and overall well-being.

You’ll enjoy flexible working hours, along with [number] work-from-home day(s) each [week/month/year], depending on the policy in place. If you ever need to adjust your daily schedule for personal reasons, you can do so with your manager’s approval.

You’ll receive [unlimited/X] paid vacation days every year. This is separate from sick leave, public holidays and any company-wide shutdown days.

You’ll also be covered under the Company’s health and dental insurance plan. These benefits may vary if the insurance provider updates their terms, but you will always be informed of any changes.

For remote work, you’ll have [number] day(s) available each year, subject to your manager’s approval. If there are specific guidelines, such as a minimum employment period before requesting remote days, those will be shared with you.

To support your growth, you’ll receive an annual training budget. You can use it for books, online courses, conference tickets or similar resources, with your manager’s approval. Tuition reimbursement may also be available based on HR policies.

If the Company approves an equity incentive plan, you may be offered stock options. These will follow the terms outlined in the official Stock Plan and related agreements. Typically, 25% of the granted options vest after 12 months, with the remaining shares vesting in equal monthly installments over the following 36 months.

Privacy & Confidentiality Agreements

During your employment, you’ll be expected to follow all Company privacy policies. These guidelines explain how personal information is collected, stored and accessed. They may be updated from time to time, and all practices will follow applicable privacy laws.

You must also avoid any activities that create a conflict of interest. This means you can’t take on outside work, consulting or business commitments that compete with the Company or interfere with your responsibilities. By accepting this offer, you confirm that you have no existing agreements or obligations that prevent you from fulfilling your role here.

As with all employees, you’ll also need to sign the Company’s standard Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement. This document outlines how confidential information and intellectual property must be handled as part of your employment.

Termination Conditions

The Company has the right to end your employment at any time for just cause. In those cases, no notice or payment in place of notice will be provided. If your employment is terminated for reasons other than just cause, the Company will follow the minimum notice requirements set by law.

These conditions apply to all employees and help ensure that both you and the Company follow fair and lawful employment practices throughout the working relationship.

Interpretation, Amendment & Enforcement

This offer letter replaces any earlier discussions or agreements you may have had with the Company. It represents the full understanding between you and the Company regarding the terms outlined here. Any changes to this agreement must be made in writing and signed by you and an authorized Company officer.

To accept this offer, sign and date this agreement by [date the offer expires]. Once we receive your acceptance, [Company_name] will share the remaining paperwork and next steps to help you get started.

Sincerely,
[Sender_name]

Signatures:

Company Representative (Sign)

Company Representative (Print)

Date

Applicant (Sign)

Applicant (Print)

Date

Wrap Up

A well-written offer letter sets the tone for a positive start with your new developer. It brings clarity, outlines expectations and helps both sides begin the working relationship on the same page. Use this structure to keep things simple, professional and easy to understand. And with the template above, you can quickly send out a polished offer letter that feels clear and welcoming.

FAQs

Is a job offer letter a legally binding contract?

Usually, no. An offer letter isn’t considered a legally binding contract, especially when it includes an “at-will” clause. It simply outlines the proposed terms. Still, it’s smart to have your legal team review it to make sure everything follows local labor laws.

Should I mention the salary range or the exact amount?

It’s always better to mention the exact salary. Clear numbers avoid confusion and make the offer more transparent. You can also add that the pay is competitive in the industry.

What if the candidate wants to negotiate?

That’s completely normal. Be open to discussing things like salary or benefits. A little flexibility helps build trust and makes it easier to reach a fair agreement for both sides.