Free letter template · Word

Offer Letter Format for Startup

A startup offer letter is a simple, friendly but legally sound offer that early-stage companies send to their first engineers, marketers, operations and founding team hires. It keeps salary and joining terms clear, flags any proposed ESOP grant, allows role flexibility as the company grows, and secures IP and confidentiality from day one.

Editable Word (.docx)
Made for India
20 fill-in fields highlighted
Free, no sign-up

Download Word (.docx) — free

Preview of the letter

[Highlighted] = fill in

[Company Logo][Company Name]

OFFER LETTER

Ref. No.:: [Reference Number]
Date:: [Date]

To,
[Candidate Name]
[Candidate Address]

Subject: Offer to Join [Company Name] as [Designation]

Dear [Candidate Name],

We are excited to invite you to join [Company Name] as [Designation]. As one of our early team members, you will play a key role in building [Product / Business]. You will report to [Reporting Manager] and your proposed start date is [Date of Joining].

1. Your Role

Your initial focus will be [Key Priorities]. As a growing startup, our needs will change quickly; you may be asked to take on related responsibilities beyond your core role, and your title and scope will be reviewed as the company grows.

2. Compensation

Annual CTC: ₹[CTC] (fixed), paid monthly after statutory deductions.
Performance bonus: up to ₹[Amount] based on company and individual goals (delete if not applicable).
ESOP: We propose to grant you [Number] stock options under the [Company Name] ESOP Plan, vesting over [Vesting Period] with a [Cliff Period] cliff, subject to board approval and a separate grant letter.
Benefits: health insurance, PF and other benefits as per company policy and applicable law.

3. Work Arrangement

You will work [From Office / Hybrid / Remote] with base location [Work Location]. The company will provide a laptop and the tools needed for your work.

4. Confidentiality and Ownership

You will sign our Confidentiality and Invention Assignment Agreement on joining. Everything you create for the company, including code, designs, content, brand assets and business ideas, will belong to [Company Name]. Our investor information, financials, product plans and customer data must remain confidential during and after your employment. You confirm you are not bound by any agreement that prevents you from joining.

5. Probation and Notice

Probation will be [Probation Period] months with a [Notice Period] notice period during probation and [Notice Period] after confirmation. This offer is subject to verification of your documents (PAN, Aadhaar – last 4 digits / masked copy, education and experience).

Please sign and return this letter by [Date]. We cannot wait to build with you.

Cheers,

For [Company Name]
[Founder Name]
Founder and CEO

Accepted by
[Candidate Name]
Date: [Date]

Download Word (.docx) — free

What this template includes

Role with an honest note that responsibilities may evolve
Cash CTC and whether a performance bonus exists
Proposed ESOP grant referenced to the ESOP plan and vesting
IP assignment and confidentiality, crucial for a young company's core asset
Work arrangement: remote, hybrid or office
Short, clear probation and notice terms

When to use it

Hiring your first 5 to 50 employees after incorporation
Making an offer that mixes cash salary with ESOPs
Hiring a remote or hybrid employee in another city
Converting a freelancer or intern into a full-time employee

How to customise this template

1Replace the role description with the real first-90-day priorities
2Insert the ESOP number and vesting summary only if the plan is approved
3Edit the work arrangement and equipment terms
4Add PF and ESI lines once you cross the applicable thresholds or register voluntarily
5Keep the tone personal but retain the legal clauses

HR tips

Register under Shops and Establishments and statutory schemes as soon as you hire
Do not oversell ESOP value; explain that options have value only if the company succeeds
Get IP assignment signed before code or brand work begins
Put any salary deferral or revision promise in writing

This template is a starting point. Review ESOP, IP and employment terms against applicable labour and company laws, your ESOP plan and with a legal adviser where needed.

For HR & hiring managers

Experienced and fresher candidates across India — blue, grey and white collar. Post a job in 5 minutes and start receiving applications.

Post a job free See plans

Post in 5 minutesDescribe the role in one line — we write the job description.
Verified applicantsEvery applicant has a verified mobile number.
Resume databaseSearch experienced candidates by skill, city and experience.

Frequently asked questions

Do startups need to give PF to employees?+

PF registration becomes mandatory once you reach the employee threshold under the law, and you can also register voluntarily earlier. Check current applicability with your payroll adviser.

How do I mention ESOPs in a startup offer letter?+

State the proposed number of options, that they vest per the ESOP plan, and that the formal grant letter will follow after board approval.

Can a startup offer letter have a shorter notice period?+

Yes. Many startups use 30 days. Choose a period both sides can manage and apply it consistently.

All 55 industry editions →

[Company Logo][Company Name]
OFFER LETTER
Ref. No.:
[Reference Number]
Date:
[Date]
To,
[Candidate Name]
[Candidate Address]
Subject: Offer of Employment – [Designation], [Department]
Dear [Candidate Name],

With reference to your application and the interviews held, we are pleased to offer you the position of [Designation] in the [Department] department of [Company Name], based at [Work Location]. You will report to [Reporting Manager]. We request you to join on or before [Date of Joining].
1. Compensation
Your annual Cost to Company (CTC) will be ₹[CTC], as detailed below. Statutory deductions such as PF, ESI (if applicable), professional tax and income tax will be made as per law.
Letter · Word
Offer Letter Format for Pharma Company
Download .docx
[Company Logo][Company Name]
OFFER LETTER
Ref. No.:
[Reference Number]
Date:
[Date]
Candidate ID:
[Candidate ID]
To,
[Candidate Name]
[Candidate Address]
[Email Address]
Subject: Offer of Employment – [Designation] ([Grade])
Dear [Candidate Name],

Congratulations! Following our discussions, [Company Name] is pleased to offer you the position of [Designation] at grade [Grade] in our [Department] practice. Your base location will be [Work Location] and you will report to [Reporting Manager]. Your expected date of joining is [Date of Joining].
Compensation
Component Annual (₹)
Fixed Pay (Basic, HRA, allowances) [Amount]
Employer PF Contribution [Amount]
Gratuity [Amount]
Target Variable Pay [Amount]
Total CTC [CTC]
Letter · Word
Offer Letter Format for IT Company
Download .docx
[Company Logo][Company Name]
LETTER OF OFFER
Ref. No.:
[Reference Number]
Date:
[Date]
To,
[Candidate Name]
[Candidate Address]
Subject: Offer for the Role of [Designation] – [Team Name]
Dear [Candidate Name],

It was great speaking with you. We are happy to offer you the role of [Designation] in the [Team Name] team at [Company Name]. You will primarily work on [Product / Client Project] using [Tech Stack], reporting to [Reporting Manager]. Your work arrangement will be [Onsite / Hybrid / Remote] with base location [Work Location], and your proposed date of joining is [Date of Joining].
1. Compensation and Benefits
- Annual CTC: ₹[CTC], including fixed pay, employer PF contribution and gratuity.
- Performance bonus: up to ₹[Amount] per year, based on the bonus plan.
- ESOP: a proposed grant of [Number] options, subject to the company's ESOP plan, board approval and the vesting schedule in your grant letter.
- Equipment: a company laptop with licensed tools / a monthly device allowance of ₹[Amount].
- Health insurance for you and dependants as per policy.
Letter · Word
Offer Letter Format for Software Development Company
Download .docx

Component	Annual (₹)
Fixed Pay (Basic, HRA, allowances)	[Amount]
Employer PF Contribution	[Amount]
Gratuity	[Amount]
Target Variable Pay	[Amount]
Total CTC	[CTC]

[Company Logo][Company Name]

OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT

Ref. No.:: [Reference Number]
Date:: [Date]
Plant:: [Plant Name]

To,
[Candidate Name]
S/o / D/o [Parent Name]
[Candidate Address]

Subject: Offer of Employment as [Designation] – [Department], [Plant Name]

Dear [Candidate Name],

We are pleased to offer you employment as [Designation] in the [Department] department of our plant at [Work Location]. You will report to [Reporting Manager]. Please report to the plant HR office at 9:00 a.m. on [Date of Joining].

1. Wages and Statutory Benefits

Component	Monthly (₹)
Basic Salary	[Basic Salary]
Dearness Allowance (DA)	[Amount]
HRA	[HRA]
Conveyance / Shift Allowance	[Amount]
Gross Monthly Wages	[Amount]
Employer PF (12% of basic + DA, as per rules)	[Amount]
Employer ESI (if eligible)	[Amount]

Letter · Word

Offer Letter Format for Manufacturing Company

Download .docx

[Company Logo][Company Name]

OFFER LETTER

Ref. No.:: [Reference Number]
Date:: [Date]
Process:: [Process Name]

To,
[Candidate Name]
[Candidate Address]
Mobile: [Mobile Number]

Subject: Offer of Employment – [Designation], [Process Name]

Dear [Candidate Name],

We are pleased to offer you the position of [Designation] for the [Process Name] ([Voice / Non-Voice]) process at our [Work Location] centre, reporting to [Reporting Manager]. Your date of joining will be [Date of Joining].

1. Salary Structure

Component	Monthly (₹)
Basic Salary	[Basic Salary]
HRA	[HRA]
Other Allowances	[Amount]
Night Shift Allowance (eligible shifts)	[Amount]
Attendance Incentive (on meeting criteria)	[Amount]
Employer PF / ESI	[Amount]
Monthly CTC	[Amount]

Letter · Word

Offer Letter Format for BPO Company

Download .docx

[Company Logo][Company Name]
OFFER LETTER
Ref. No.:
[Reference Number]
Date:
[Date]
To,
[Candidate Name]
[Candidate Address]
Subject: Offer of Appointment as [Designation] – [Department / Unit]
Dear [Candidate Name],

We are pleased to offer you the position of [Designation] in the [Department / Unit] of [Hospital Name], [Work Location], reporting to [Reporting Manager]. Kindly report to the HR department on [Date of Joining].
1. Remuneration
Component Monthly (₹)
Basic Salary [Basic Salary]
HRA [HRA]
Special Unit Allowance (ICU/ER/OT) [Amount]
Night Duty Allowance [Amount]
Employer PF / ESI [Amount]
Monthly CTC [Amount]
Letter · Word
Offer Letter Format for Hospital
Download .docx
[Company Logo][Company Name]
LETTER OF OFFER
Ref. No.:
[Reference Number]
Date:
[Date]
Academic Session:
[Session Year]
To,
[Candidate Name]
[Candidate Address]
Subject: Offer of Appointment as [Designation] ([Subject])
Dear [Candidate Name],

We are happy to offer you the position of [Designation] for [Subject] for classes [Classes] at [School Name], [Work Location], affiliated to [Board]. You will report to the Principal / [Reporting Manager]. Please join on [Date of Joining].
1. Salary and Benefits
Your consolidated monthly salary will be ₹[Amount] (Basic ₹[Basic Salary], allowances ₹[Amount]), amounting to an annual CTC of ₹[CTC]. You will be covered under PF and ESI as applicable. Salary during summer and winter vacations will be paid as per school policy.
Letter · Word
Offer Letter Format for School
Download .docx
[Company Logo][Company Name]
OFFER LETTER
Ref. No.:
[Reference Number]
Date:
[Date]
To,
[Candidate Name]
[Candidate Address]
Subject: Offer of Employment – [Designation], [Product / Vertical]
Dear [Candidate Name],

We are pleased to offer you the position of [Designation] in the [Product / Vertical] business of [Company Name], posted at our [Branch Name] branch, [Work Location]. You will report to [Reporting Manager]. Your date of joining will be [Date of Joining].
1. Compensation
Component Annual (₹)
Fixed Pay (Basic, HRA, allowances) [Amount]
Employer PF and Gratuity [Amount]
Total Fixed CTC [CTC]
Target Incentive / Variable Pay [Amount]
Letter · Word
Offer Letter Format for Bank and NBFC
Download .docx

Component	Annual (₹)
Fixed Pay (Basic, HRA, allowances)	[Amount]
Employer PF and Gratuity	[Amount]
Total Fixed CTC	[CTC]
Target Incentive / Variable Pay	[Amount]

Offer Letter Format for Startup

Preview of the letter

Subject: Offer to Join [Company Name] as [Designation]

1. Your Role

2. Compensation

3. Work Arrangement

4. Confidentiality and Ownership

5. Probation and Notice

What this template includes

When to use it

How to customise this template

HR tips

Hire top talent from BetterJobs

Frequently asked questions

Related HR templates