EMPLOYMENT OFFER LETTER TEMPLATE

For Key Startup Employees

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[COMPANY LETTERHEAD]
[Company Name]
[Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Date]

[Candidate Full Name]
[Candidate Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]

Subject: Employment Offer – [Position Title]

Dear [Candidate Name],

We are delighted to extend this offer of employment for the position of [Position Title] at [Company Name]. After our comprehensive interview process, we are confident that your expertise, vision, and cultural alignment make you the ideal candidate to help drive our mission forward.

POSITION DETAILS

Position Title: [Position Title]
Department: [Department Name]
Reports To: [Manager Title]
Start Date: [Proposed Start Date]
Employment Type: Full-time, At-will
Location: [Primary Work Location] with [Remote Work Policy Details]

COMPENSATION PACKAGE

Base Salary

Annual Base Salary: $[Amount] USD, payable in [bi-weekly/monthly] installments according to company payroll schedule.

Equity Compensation

Stock Option Grant: [Number] stock options representing [Percentage]% of the company on a fully diluted basis as of [Grant Date].

Key Equity Terms:

• Exercise Price: $[Price] per share (fair market value as of grant date)
• Vesting Schedule: 25% after 12 months, then 1/36th monthly thereafter (4-year total vesting)
• Cliff Period: 12 months
• Exercise Period: 10 years from grant date
• Acceleration: [Details on single/double trigger acceleration if applicable]
• Early Exercise: Available (subject to 83(b) election)

Performance Bonus

Target Annual Bonus: [Percentage]% of base salary, based on achievement of individual and company performance metrics established quarterly.

Benefits Package

Health & Wellness:

• Premium health insurance (medical, dental, vision) with [Coverage %] company contribution
• $[Amount] annual wellness stipend
• Mental health support through [Provider/Program]

Time Off & Flexibility:

• [Number] days PTO annually (accrual starts immediately)
• [Number] company holidays plus floating holidays
• Parental leave: [Duration] paid leave
• Sabbatical eligibility after [Years] years of service

Professional Development:

• $[Amount] annual learning & development budget
• Conference attendance support
• Internal mentorship program participation

Additional Perks:

• [Equipment stipend/Laptop provision]
• [Commuter benefits/Parking allowance]
• [Gym membership/Fitness stipend]
• [Meal allowances/Catered meals]
• [Other company-specific benefits]

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

As [Position Title], you will be responsible for:

1. Strategic Leadership: [Specific strategic responsibilities]
2. Team Management: [Team size and management scope]
3. Product/Service Delivery: [Core deliverable responsibilities]
4. Cross-functional Collaboration: [Key partnership requirements]
5. Performance Metrics: [Specific KPIs and success measures]

Detailed job description and success metrics will be provided during onboarding.

PERFORMANCE & GROWTH

Performance Reviews: Conducted quarterly for the first year, then bi-annually
Career Progression: Clear advancement pathways with defined competency frameworks
360 Feedback: Regular feedback cycles including peer, direct report, and leadership input
Professional Development Plan: Personalized growth planning with dedicated budget allocation

EMPLOYMENT TERMS & CONDITIONS

Confidentiality & Non-Disclosure

You will be required to sign our standard Confidentiality and Invention Assignment Agreement protecting company proprietary information and intellectual property.

Non-Competition & Non-Solicitation

[Include specific terms based on state laws and company policy – note that many states have restrictions on non-compete clauses]

Background Check & References

This offer is contingent upon successful completion of background verification and reference checks.

Work Authorization

Employment is contingent upon verification of your legal right to work in the United States.

COMPANY CULTURE & VALUES

At [Company Name], we believe in:

• [Core Value 1]: [Brief description]
• [Core Value 2]: [Brief description]
• [Core Value 3]: [Brief description]

We are committed to fostering an inclusive, innovative environment where every team member can thrive and contribute to our shared success.

NEXT STEPS

Offer Acceptance: Please respond by [Date – typically 5-7 business days] to accept this offer.

Required Documentation:

• Signed offer letter
• Completed I-9 form with appropriate documentation
• Direct deposit authorization
• Emergency contact information
• Benefits enrollment forms

Onboarding Process:

• Week 1: Orientation, systems setup, and team introductions
• Month 1: Role-specific training and initial project assignments
• 90 Days: Comprehensive review and goal setting for upcoming quarter

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

Relocation: [If applicable, include relocation assistance details]

Flexible Work Arrangements: We support work-life integration through flexible scheduling and hybrid work options, subject to role requirements and team collaboration needs.

Growth Trajectory: Based on performance and company growth, this role has clear advancement opportunities including [Specific advancement paths].

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We are excited about the possibility of you joining our team and contributing to [Company Name]’s continued growth and success. Your expertise in [Relevant Expertise Area] and passion for [Relevant Industry/Mission] align perfectly with our strategic objectives.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about this offer or need clarification on any terms. We look forward to your positive response and to welcoming you to the [Company Name] family.

Sincerely,

[Hiring Manager Name]
[Title]
[Company Name]
[Direct Phone]
[Email]

[HR Representative Name]
[Title]
[Company Name]
[Direct Phone]
[Email]

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ACCEPTANCE

I, [Candidate Name], accept the terms and conditions of employment as outlined in this offer letter.

Candidate Signature: _________________________ Date: _____________

Print Name: [Candidate Full Name]

Proposed Start Date: [Date] (Please confirm or propose alternative)

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This offer letter supersedes any previous verbal or written communications regarding the terms of your employment. This is an at-will employment arrangement, and either party may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, subject to applicable law.

Document Version: [Version Number]
Date Prepared: [Date]
Prepared By: [HR Representative Name]
Legal Review: [Date] by [Legal Representative]