How to respond to a job offer without accepting right away

Short answer: say “Thank you, I'm excited. Can I have until Thursday to review the full offer?”

DON'T SAY
“Okay, I'll take it!”
on the first offer
SAY THIS
“Thank you, I'm excited. Can I have until Thursday to review the full offer?”
Time to review is standard and gives you room to negotiate.

When to use it

Use it when you get an offer by phone or email. Say you're excited, then ask for a few days to review the full offer. Asking for time is normal, and it gives you room to look at the details and negotiate if needed.

Example

Recruiter: “We'd like to offer you the role.”

You: “Thank you, I'm excited. Can I have until Thursday to review the full offer?”

Recruiter: “Of course.”

In an email or Slack message

By email: “Thank you for the offer. I'm excited about the role. Could I have until Thursday to review the full details? I'll come back to you by end of day.”

Quick drill

When the employer says the base salary can't move.

Which sounds more confident?

Practice 10 more →

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25 phrases that make you sound confident at work

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