Job Offer Letter Template — Free & Legally-Aware

What Is an Offer Letter?

An offer letter is the formal document a company sends when hiring an employee, covering the position, start date, compensation, and classification. Unlike a freelance contract, this is specifically for employees, not contractors — and it needs an explicit at-will employment disclaimer, or it risks being read as an implied promise of continued employment.

What's Included

• Position, start date & reporting structure
• Employment classification (FLSA exempt/non-exempt)
• Compensation & pay schedule
• Benefits summary
• Contingencies
• At-will employment disclaimer
• Montana's good-cause exception (if applicable)

Glossary

At-Will Employment

The default rule in almost every US state that either the employer or employee can end the job at any time, for any lawful reason, with no advance notice required — the offer letter has to state this explicitly or risk being read as promising otherwise.

FLSA Exempt / Non-Exempt

Classification under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Non-exempt employees must be paid overtime for hours beyond 40/week; exempt employees (typically salaried, in qualifying roles) are not.

Contingency

A condition that must be satisfied before the offer becomes final — e.g. a background check, reference check, or proof of eligibility to work in the US (Form I-9).

Implied Contract

A promise a court infers from the employer's own words or conduct — even without a signed contract — that can override at-will status. Phrases like "permanent position" in an offer letter have triggered this in real cases.

Wrongful Discharge from Employment Act

Montana's unique state law requiring "good cause" to fire an employee after a probationary period — the one exception to at-will employment in the US.

Frequently asked questions