How to Calculate Offer Acceptance Rate
The Offer Acceptance Rate (OAR) is a crucial Key Performance Indicator (KPI) for Human Resources and Talent Acquisition teams. It measures the percentage of candidates who accept a job offer after it has been extended by the organization. A high acceptance rate generally indicates a competitive compensation strategy, a strong employer brand, and an effective interview process.
The Formula
Calculating your offer acceptance rate is a straightforward mathematical process involving two primary metrics: the total number of offers extended and the number of offers accepted by candidates.
Step-by-Step Calculation Guide
- Determine the Time Period: Select the timeframe you want to analyze (e.g., Monthly, Quarterly, or Annually).
- Count Offers Extended: Tally the total number of formal job offers sent to candidates during this period.
- Count Offers Accepted: Tally the number of those specific offers that resulted in a signed acceptance.
- Divide and Multiply: Divide the accepted count by the extended count, then multiply by 100 to get the percentage.
Example Calculation
Imagine a company is analyzing its recruiting performance for Q1. During this period:
- The recruiting team extended formal offers to 40 different candidates.
- Out of those, 34 candidates signed and accepted the offer.
- 6 candidates declined the offer.
Calculation: (34 ÷ 40) = 0.85
Result: 0.85 × 100 = 85% Offer Acceptance Rate.
What is a Good Acceptance Rate?
While benchmarks vary by industry and economic conditions, a general rule of thumb for internal recruiting teams is:
- 90% or higher: Excellent. Your offer process is highly effective.
- 80% – 90%: Good, but there is room for optimization.
- Below 80%: Indicates potential issues with compensation, company reputation, or the speed of the hiring process.
Why Candidates Decline Offers
If your calculation shows a low rate, consider investigating these common factors:
- Compensation: Salary or benefits are below market value.
- Competing Offers: Candidates are receiving better offers from competitors.
- Speed: The hiring process took too long, and the candidate moved on.
- Culture Fit: The interview process revealed red flags about the company culture.