Getting a job offer is exciting, but rushing to accept without careful consideration might cause you to overlook critical details. Evaluating a job offer thoroughly helps you ensure that the position aligns with your career goals, salary expectations, and work-life balance. It's equally important to know how to ask for time to consider a job offer without sounding ungrateful or unenthusiastic.
Let’s go through the essential steps to evaluate a job offer and provide practical tips on how to respond to a job offer and ask for time to think about it if needed. We’ll also explore how to negotiate for better terms and explain what to do once you’ve made your decision—whether it's to accept or decline.
Receive an offer for your dream job! Maybe is one of these 400,000+ open jobs on The Muse »
You got the offer…now what?
Congrats! Once you receive a job offer, you're typically expected to respond within a reasonable time frame. But what is too long to think about a job offer?
Most employers anticipate that candidates will need a few days to a week to make a decision. Requesting more than a week could risk frustrating the employer or making them question your interest.
“Most times, 24-48 hours is a good amount of time to carefully evaluate a job offer,” says Julia Yurchak, senior recruitment consultant at Keller Executive Search. “This will help you dig into the details, figure out how well you’ll mesh with the company culture, and reevaluate any counteroffers you’ve had.
“However, if the offer is for a move or a difficult contract has to be reviewed, a polite request for an extra 24-48 hours is typically understood by reasonable employers,” Yurchak says.
If you're unsure, here are some general guidelines:
- One to two days: Acceptable if you already have all the information you need
- Three to five days: Standard time to reflect, especially if you have competing offers or need to compare factors
- A week or more: This might be pushing it, unless you’re waiting for another job offer to come through or need to consider relocation or family impacts
How to ask for time to consider a job offer
When you're not excited about a job offer or not ready to make an immediate decision, it’s OK to ask for time to think about that job offer. The key is to communicate professionally, show appreciation for the offer, and express enthusiasm about the opportunity. Not sure how to phrase it? See the example below.
Example: How to reply to a job offer email—-and request for more time
“Thank you so much for the job offer and the confidence you’ve shown in my abilities. I’m very excited about the opportunity to join your team.
I’d like to take some time to carefully evaluate the offer and consider all aspects to make an informed decision. Could I have [insert time frame—three to five days is ideal] to get back to you?
I look forward to discussing this further.”
This approach shows gratitude and professionalism while clearly asking for what you need. Take this time, it’s a big decision!
If you are offered a job, what should you consider before deciding?
It’s not just about the salary—many factors go into evaluating a job offer and determining whether it’s the right fit for you. Here are some key elements to evaluate:
Salary and benefits
Start with the obvious—how does the salary stack up? Consider the full benefits package, too. Perks like health insurance, retirement contributions, bonuses, and stock options can significantly affect your financial well-being.
Work-life balance
Will the role demand excessive overtime? Does the company offer flexible hours or remote work options? Evaluate how the job will affect your personal life and whether it aligns with your desired work-life balance.
Career growth opportunities
Think about the long-term potential. Does the job offer opportunities for advancement? Will you gain new skills or experience that will further your career?
Company culture
Research the company’s culture. Are they known for a positive work environment, diversity and inclusion efforts, and employee satisfaction? If possible, reach out to current employees to get a sense of what it’s like to work there.
Job stability and security
Does the company have a solid financial standing? Is the industry growing or shrinking? Consider whether the job offers long-term security.
Location and commute
If the job requires relocating, is the new location one where you’d like to live? For local positions, consider the daily commute and whether it’s feasible in the long run.
Could it be better? Here's how to bargain a job offer
After carefully considering all aspects of the offer, and you're not satisfied, don’t hesitate to negotiate. The employer expects it, and it’s a chance to ensure the offer meets your expectations. Here’s how to go about it:
1. Know your worth
Research market rates for your role and experience level. Websites like CareerOneStop and Payscale are great tools for benchmarking salaries in your field. Come prepared with data to back up your request.
When plotting how to negotiate a salary job offer, focus on your value to the company rather than just what you want. Be prepared to demonstrate why you deserve a higher salary based on your experience, skills, and the results you’ve achieved in past roles.
2. Identify negotiable aspects
When negotiating a job offer, keep in mind that other elements can be negotiated beyond salary, including:
- Signing bonus
- Relocation assistance
- Vacation days or paid time off (PTO)
- Professional development opportunities (conferences, training, etc.)
- Flexible hours or remote work options
3. Be respectful and professional
Approach the negotiation from a collaborative standpoint rather than demanding changes. Express enthusiasm for the job but explain that you'd like to revisit certain aspects of the offer.
“Focus on specific elements of the deal, like salary, benefits package, or vacation days,” Yurchak says. “If possible, back up your requests with statistics or industry standards. Always remember, a negotiation is an exchange of ideas, not a confrontation.”
4. Be prepared for a counteroffer or rejection
Employers might push back on some of your requests or offer alternatives. Stay open to negotiation but be clear about your priorities.
Bonus tips: Use this example negotiation script as a guide
“Thank you again for the offer. I’m excited about the opportunity to join the team.
After evaluating the offer, I’d like to discuss the base salary. Based on my research and market data for similar positions, a salary closer to [insert amount] would align with my experience and the responsibilities of the role.
Would there be flexibility in this area?”
What to do after making your choice—accepting or declining
Once you’ve evaluated the offer and made a decision, it’s time to respond. Whether you’re accepting or declining, do so promptly and professionally—in writing.
“When accepting a job offer, reiterate your interest in the role and start date,” Yurchak says. “When turning them down, it’s professional to send a polite email thanking them for the chance and briefly stating why you have chosen to decline.”
How to accept a job offer
Express appreciation, confirm your acceptance, and mention any details that were agreed upon during negotiation.
Example:
“I’m thrilled to accept the job offer for the [position] role with [Company name]. Thank you for this opportunity. I look forward to joining the team and contributing to the company’s success.
As discussed, my starting salary will be [insert agreed amount], and I will begin on [start date]. Please let me know if there’s any additional paperwork or information needed from my end.”
How to decline a job offer
If you are not excited about a job offer and decide that isn’t right for you, remain respectful and polite. You never know when your paths might cross again.
Example:
“Thank you for offering me the opportunity to join [Company name]. After careful consideration, I have decided to pursue another opportunity that aligns more closely with my career goals at this time.
I truly appreciate the offer and wish you and the team continued success. I hope our paths might cross again in the future.”
FAQs
What if I get another incredible job offer after I already accepted a job?
Before making any moves, take a moment to evaluate both job offers. Think about why you accepted the first job, and why the new offer feels more appealing.
If the new job offer is too good to pass up, and you’ve decided that it's worth the risk, you may want to move forward with switching jobs. But before anything else, be sure the new offer is confirmed in writing, including all the terms and conditions of employment. Contact your employer as soon as possible to let them know your decision—delaying only makes things more complicated.
Can I negotiate a job offer after accepting?
While it’s best to negotiate before accepting, there are rare instances where you might be able to renegotiate. However, doing so may come across as unprofessional, so it's best to ensure you're satisfied with the offer before accepting.
How to counteroffer a job offer salary?
If you want to know how to ask for more money on a job offer, start by expressing appreciation for the offer and enthusiasm for the position. Then, present your counteroffer confidently but respectfully, referencing your research on industry standards and your unique qualifications or experience that justify a higher salary.
You can say something like, “Based on my research and the responsibilities of this role, I believe a salary of [desired amount] would be more in line with the market value for someone with my experience. Is there flexibility in the offer?” Be open to discussion and ready to negotiate other aspects of the offer if necessary.
What should I do if I need more time but the employer is pushing for an answer?
If an employer is pressuring you to respond quickly, explain that you want to make the best decision for both parties and ask if they can extend the deadline slightly.
Should I accept a job offer on the spot?
It’s generally a good idea to avoid accepting a job offer immediately. Even if you’re excited, taking a day or two to evaluate all the details ensures that you make a well-informed decision.
Can you lose a job offer by negotiating salary?
Employers generally expect candidates to negotiate, and if done professionally and respectfully, it shouldn’t harm your chances. But, if you fail to clearly explain your reasoning for asking for a higher salary or you don't engage in a thoughtful discussion, it may reflect poorly on your professionalism and affect the employer’s perception of you.