When you receive a job offer, it’s natural to feel excited and eager to respond. However, it’s important to give yourself some time to think it over, and this may require asking for more time to consider the offer. Knowing when and how to make this request will help you maintain a professional and respectful tone.
As soon as you receive the job offer, show your appreciation to the company for the opportunity.
Acknowledge receipt of the offer, and express gratitude for the chance to join their team: this demonstrates your enthusiasm for the position while also buying you some time to think about the details.
Example 1
Hi [Recipient’s Name],
Thank you for the job offer! I’m thrilled about the opportunity to join [Company Name]. I received the offer letter and would like some time to review the details. I appreciate your understanding and look forward to discussing this further with you.
Set a Reasonable Timeline
When asking for more time, be specific about the date you’ll give your final decision. This shows respect for the employer’s time and prevents any misunderstandings. For example:
Would it be possible for me to provide a decision by [specific date]? I want to take the time to carefully evaluate the offer and ensure I make the best decision for both myself and [Company Name].
Maintain Open Lines of Communication
Throughout the decision-making process, stay in touch with your potential employer, especially if you need clarification on any aspect of the job offer. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the role, benefits, or company culture. Simply be open and honest about your needs, like so:
Hi [Recipient’s Name],
As I continue to review the job offer, I have a few questions about [specific topic]. Would you be able to provide some clarity on this matter? Your assistance in helping me make an informed decision is greatly appreciated.
Example email to request more time
In your email, start by expressing gratitude for the offer and ensure it conveys your genuine interest in the role and company.
Example 2
Subject: Request for Extended Job Offer Consideration Time
Hello [Hiring Manager’s Name],
Thank you very much for offering me the [position] role at [CompanyName]. I’m truly excited about the possibility of being part of your team and contributing to the company’s achievements.
To ensure that I’m making the best decision for my career path, I would appreciate a little extra time to consider the offer. Could we possibly move the decision date to [desired date]?
I’m grateful for your understanding and am looking forward to your reply.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
Example 3
Subject: Request for More Time to Consider Job Offer
Dear [Hiring Manager],
Thank you so much for the job offer for the [Job Title] position. I am excited about the opportunity to join [Company Name] and contribute to [specific project or responsibility]. I appreciate the time you’ve taken during the recruitment process to discuss the role with me.
I am currently considering multiple job offers, and I would like to request additional time to make the best decision for both myself and the company. Given the factors involved in making such an important decision, I hope you understand my desire to ensure that my decision aligns with my long-term career goals.
Would it be possible to extend the decision deadline by [number of days]? This extension would greatly help me in evaluating the opportunities thoroughly and making a well-informed decision.
Once again, thank you for the offer and for considering my request. I look forward to your response.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Phone Call Tips
If you prefer to ask for additional time over the phone, remain polite and professional. Begin the conversation by thanking the hiring manager for the offer and expressing your enthusiasm about the prospect of joining the company. Clearly state your purpose for the call and request the desired extension.
Here are some talking points to guide you:
- Thank the hiring manager for the job offer, mentioning how much you appreciate the opportunity.
- Explain that you want to be sure you’re making the best decision for your career, and you need more time to consider the offer.
- Politely request an extension, providing a specific date by which you will have reached your decision.
- End the call by thanking the hiring manager again for their understanding and expressing your eagerness to potentially join their team.
Remember always to remain calm and collected during the phone call. It’s okay to have a script ready, but try to sound natural and conversational. Don’t forget to smile, because it reflects in your voice, helping to create a friendly tone.
Sample Phrases to Use
When asking for more time to consider a job offer, it’s important to use polite yet assertive language. The aim is to communicate your genuine interest in the position while also showing respect for the employer’s time and decision-making process. Here are some sample phrases that can be adapted to fit your situation:
- Express gratitude: Thank you for extending the job offer to me. I’m excited about the opportunity to join your team and contribute to the success of the company.
- State the reason: I would like to request a bit more time to consider the offer, as I need to discuss it with my family and weigh the potential impact on my career growth.
- Provide a specific deadline: Would it be possible to have until [specific date] to make my decision? I understand the importance of being prompt and want to ensure that I make the best decision for both myself and the company.
- Reiterate your enthusiasm: I appreciate your understanding and flexibility. I am truly excited about the prospect of working with your team and believe that this role aligns well with my skills and experience.
You may also consider adding some personal touches, depending on your relationship with the employer and the circumstances of the job offer. For example:
- Highlight a valued aspect of the company or role: The inclusive company culture and strong commitment to innovation really resonated with me during the interview process.
- Acknowledge any challenges or time-sensitive aspects of the role: I understand that there are pressing deadlines and projects that require immediate attention, which makes me eager to contribute as soon as possible.
- Provide information on competing offers (if applicable): I have received another job offer, but I am genuinely more interested in this position and would like the opportunity to fully evaluate both offers before making a decision.
Evaluating Your Decision
Reflect on the Offer
Take some time to carefully review the details of the job offer. Consider the salary, benefits, and overall responsibilities of the role. Think about whether the position aligns with your career goals and interests. Ask yourself:
- Does this job move me closer to my long-term career goals?
- Is the salary and benefits package reasonable, or should I negotiate for more?
- Will I enjoy the day-to-day tasks and challenges of the role?
Assess Personal Circumstances
Before accepting a job offer, it’s important to evaluate your personal circumstances and needs. Consider factors such as your current financial situation, living arrangements, and any other personal commitments. Here are a few questions to guide you in this assessment:
- Can I easily relocate for this job, if necessary?
- Does the position offer a good work-life balance?
- What is the impact of the new job on my family and personal life?
Research the Company
Another crucial step when considering a job offer is to conduct research on the company. You’ll want to have a clear understanding of the company’s values, mission, and work culture. Also, it would help if you familiarize yourself with the industry and any potential competitors. Some key areas to research are:
- Company culture: Learn about the work environment and the company’s values. This information can be found on the company website or by reading online reviews from current and former employees.
- Growth opportunities: Look for information about career advancement within the company. Are there options for personal and professional growth?
- Industry performance: Investigate the industry’s growth potential and the company’s position in the market. Keep an eye out for any relevant news or recent developments in the sector.
Negotiating Terms
Discussing Salary
When negotiating salary, do your research beforehand and determine your worth based on your skills and experience. Find out the average salary for similar roles in your industry and location. This information will help you feel more confident when discussing your desired salary with your potential employer.
Start the conversation by expressing your enthusiasm for the job, but mention that you would like to discuss the salary to ensure it’s fair and competitive. For example, you could say: “I’m really excited about the opportunity to work with your team, but I was hoping we could talk about the salary a bit more.”
Talking Benefits and Perks
Apart from salary, benefits and perks are essential aspects of a job offer. To begin negotiating benefits, make a list of what matters most to you, such as extra vacation days, healthcare coverage, or a flexible work schedule.
Start the conversation by stating your interest in the opportunity and how much you value certain benefits: “I appreciate the job offer, and I’m excited about joining the team. I wanted to discuss the current benefits package, because it’s important for me to maintain a healthy work-life balance.”
Use your list as a guide to either accept, discuss, or request better benefits and perks.
Once you’ve expressed your thoughts and concerns, listen carefully to the employer’s response and consider any counteroffers they may provide. If needed, be prepared to negotiate a compromise and stay open to finding a resolution that benefits both parties.
Learn more: How to Negotiate Salary [Examples]
Tips and Best Practices
1. Avoid using the word “but” when discussing your request for more time. Instead, state that you want to thoroughly evaluate this significant career decision.
Example: “Thank you for the job offer! I’m thrilled at the opportunity to work with your team. To make an informed decision, I would appreciate a bit more time to consider the offer.”
2. When asking for more time, provide a specific deadline. Being vague can ultimately be frustrating for both parties. Make sure to give a realistic timeline to ensure that you stay within the employer’s expectations.
Example: “Would it be possible to have until next Monday, December 12th, to make my decision? I believe this timeframe would allow me to thoroughly examine the offer and make an informed choice.”
3. Your potential employer may want to know why you require additional time. Be honest with them, whether it’s to discuss the offer with your family or to finish up interviews with other potential employers.
Examples:
“I would like to discuss the specifics of this role and how it fits into my family’s plans before making a decision. I want to ensure that I’m making the best choice for both my professional and personal life.”
or
“I am wrapping up interviews with a couple of other organizations and want to ensure I make the ideal decision for my long-term career goals”.
Your thorough approach will help you make the best decision for your career while maintaining a positive relationship with your potential employer.
Handling Multiple Offers
When you find yourself in the fortunate position of receiving multiple job offers, it’s important to take a methodical approach to evaluate and compare them. Here are a few tips and examples on how to approach this situation and ask for more time to consider your options.
1. Take time to reflect on your priorities: Before getting into the details of each offer, take a moment to identify your priorities in this new job. What aspects matter the most to you? Is it the salary, work-life balance, company culture, growth opportunities, or something else? Once you’ve figured that out, it will be easier to compare the offers.
2. Create a comparison table: To make an informed decision, you can create a table to compare the various aspects of each offer side by side, such as salary, benefits, location, and company culture. This will give you a clear and organized overview, helping you weigh the pros and cons of each offer.
3. Seek advice from trusted sources: It’s always helpful to get a fresh perspective from people you trust, such as friends, family, or mentors. Share the details of your offers and ask for their insights. They may point out aspects you haven’t considered or offer valuable advice based on their own experiences.
Preparing for a Possible ‘No’
So you’ve asked for more time to consider a job offer, but there’s a chance the employer might not grant your request. It’s important to be prepared for this possibility and have a plan in place. Here are some tips to help you navigate this situation.
First, stay positive. Don’t assume that a rejection of your request for more time equals a lost opportunity. Employers typically understand that applicants may need some time to make the best decision for themselves. If they say ‘no’ to your request, stay calm and ask for clarification on the reason. Sometimes, they may have legitimate reasons, such as needing someone to start immediately due to business demands.
Next, weigh your options. In case you don’t get extra time to decide, take a step back and assess the situation. Make a list of the pros and cons of the job offer, taking into account factors like the salary, benefits, company culture, and growth opportunities. This will give you a clear picture of the advantages and drawbacks and help you make an informed decision. Remember, it’s your career, so make sure you do what’s best for you.
Set a personal deadline. If the employer doesn’t grant your request, consider setting your own deadline to decide. This can be as short as a few hours or as long as a few days. Use this time to evaluate the job offer and seek advice from friends, family, and mentors. Having a personal deadline will help you stay focused and reduce the stress of making a hasty decision.
Finally, always be professional. Regardless of the outcome, maintain a courteous and professional demeanor throughout your communication with the employer. If you decide to decline the job offer, be polite and provide a brief explanation for your decision. Showing gratitude for the opportunity and expressing your interest in future openings with the company can leave a positive impression and help maintain a good relationship with the employer.
While it’s perfectly reasonable to ask for more time to consider a job offer, it’s important to be prepared for the possibility that your request might not be granted. Stay positive, weigh your options, set a personal deadline, and always be professional in your communications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I say to request more time to think about a job proposal I received?
When asking for more time to consider a job proposal, try to maintain a balance between expressing gratitude and requesting an extension. Start by thanking the employer sincerely for the opportunity and showing enthusiasm for the position. Then, politely ask for more time to make a decision and provide a reasonable explanation for your request. You can mention your need to discuss the offer with your family or consider other pending offers. Finally, suggest a specific date to provide your decision, showing your commitment to the process.
Could you give me sample phrases to use when asking for an extension to make a decision on a job offer?
Here are some sample phrases to help you craft your message:
- “Thank you for extending the job offer. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity. I would appreciate a few more days to carefully evaluate the proposal and make an informed decision. Can I provide my response by [specific date]?”
- “I am excited about the opportunity to work with your team. However, I would like to request a brief extension to discuss the offer with my family and ensure that I make the best decision for my career. Would it be possible to give you my answer by [specific date]?”
- “I appreciate the offer and am honored to be considered for the position. Since I have received multiple offers, I need some extra time to make the best decision for my career. May I provide my response on [specific date]?”
What’s a good strategy for responding to a job offer via email without immediately accepting it?
When responding to a job offer via email, consider these steps:
- Begin your email by sincerely thanking the employer for the offer and expressing enthusiasm about the position.
- Politely explain your reason for asking for an extension and mention a specific timeframe for making your decision.
- Close the email by thanking the employer again and stating your eagerness to remain in contact throughout the decision-making process.
When discussing a job offer on the phone, how can I professionally convey that I need some time to decide?
When discussing a job offer over the phone:
- Thank the employer for the offer and convey your excitement about the possibility of joining the team.
- Let the employer know that you need more time to make a decision, providing a brief explanation for the extension request (e.g., discussing with family, considering other pending offers).
- Suggest a specific date by which you’ll provide your decision and ask if it’s acceptable to the employer.
- Reiterate your gratitude and reinforce your interest in the position.
What are the time limits usually like for accepting or declining a job opportunity, and how can I negotiate them?
Typically, employers provide a decision window of 3 to 5 business days, although some may have shorter or longer timelines. When asking for an extension, be realistic about the amount of time you need and consider suggesting a specific date within a week to provide your decision. Remember that employers may be more flexible if you explain your reasoning for the extension request.
Are there any red flags that might prompt me to turn down a job offer during my consideration time?
While evaluating a job offer, keep an eye out for potential red flags. Some of these include:
- Lack of clarity about job responsibilities and expectations.
- Questionable company culture or negative reviews from current or past employees.
- Discrepancies between the offer and what was initially discussed.
- An employer’s unwillingness to negotiate on key aspects of the offer, such as salary or benefits.
- A high level of pressure to make a decision quickly and without sufficient time for evaluation.