How to ask for time to consider a job offer with examples
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Asking for time, once one receives a job offer, is a crucial juncture in the process of hiring. No employee wishes to tear down the desired level of professionalism with his/her potential employer, by merely asking for time to consider a job offer. Hence, it is important to strike a perfect balance between one’s concerns and the professional way of how to ask for time to consider a job offer. Considering the limited resource of time, perfect guidance to deal with such situations is highly recommended. Situations of this nature can be driven by an individual’s quest for negotiating the best salary, exploring similar opportunities, or carrying out preliminary research about the organization and its work ethics.
In this article, we present to you the significance of asking for a job offer and key things one must keep in mind while enquiring for the same, along with ready-to-use samples which help you on how to ask for time to consider a job offer in a better way.
Why is it important to buy time?
Many times, it’s beyond doubt the reasons behind a job seeker asking for more time to consider a job offer to his/her potential employer. There can be plenty of reasons why you desire to ask for time to think about the job offer availed to you. This includes:
➔ More Questions?
However, exciting a job offer can be, it essentially comes with plenty of doubts about the job role/ position. It is so natural to have genuine concerns about the job requirement in more detail than what is provided to you. So, why hesitate if you have such questions? Let’s learn to buy time professionally. Worries or concerns can be centered around the negotiations on professional deliverables, working days, details about the additional perks, and even on the expectations of a salary raise.
“…it would be really helpful if you could let me have three days time to review the job details clearly.” This seems something directed at eliminating your future regrets, isn’t it?
➔ More Research?
Asking for more time comes with the perks of getting yourself more prepared for the role. Enough time facilitates adequate research about the organization and the job role. You cannot underestimate the significance of a mental preparation that makes yourself fit for the job. Yes, research is a vital component!
➔ Other Opportunities?
Contentment is always appreciated but, you may deserve better! An informed decision is always preferred at any day, any time. You may require time to explore other opportunities and to compare similar positions in different organizations of the same spectrum. Since it is equally important to choose what offers you need to decline, sufficient time is required and consequently, time needs to be bought.
Things to keep in mind when you ask for time to consider a job offer
There is a wide range of things that one should keep in mind while one frame your demand for more time and how to ask for time to consider a job offer. This is highly valued because there is a thin line that separates an enthusiast from a doubt-minded. The most important of those key things that should be kept in mind are explored below.
❖ Gratitude
Being thankful for the job offer is something you cannot afford to do away with. The level of enthusiasm determines the company’s impression of you. So, even when you are about to ask for more time to consider the job offer, one must not forget to be courteous and polite. The rule of thumb is, one should not end up presenting it as a case of displeasure while asking for time.
For example,
“Thank you very much for this great offer to work with your company.” or
“I am very grateful for the opportunity to work in your organization in the position of (your position).”
This introductory component of your communication cannot be missed at any cost while drafting on how to ask for time to consider a job offer and it is safe to identify it as a mandatory part. Starting off your conversation like this essentially sets the tone of the communication to be followed resulting in yourself better channeling the conservation to a more productive side. Always remember, the first impression is always valued.
❖ Information/Enquiries
There exists a spectrum of determining factors other than the salary on which one seeks clarification. By virtue of asking more time to consider a job offer, the potential employee is in fact creating a space for more detailed enquiries on bonuses, health coverage, other insurances, stocks and so like. On the other side, seeking clarifications can result in pushing the time a little bit.
In short, when you ask for more time, ensure that all concerns are sorted off in one go.
❖ Specificity
It is imperative not to lose specificity in any communication undertaken by the potential employee. Instead of asking for a vague extension for you to do the necessary background check, it is always preferred to be as specific as you can.
“I’m excited about working in your organization. I’m overwhelmed. I wonder if I could have until Saturday to revert on this offer. Thanks again.”
Here, the rule of thumb on how to ask for time to consider a job offer is that specificity needs to be complemented with staying true to the deadline also.
❖ Sorting Out Uncertainty
Dialogues and bargaining constitute the central aspects for asking more time on job offers. One should not pull themselves out from negotiating with the job provider. No employee enjoys guilt for not clarifying norms beforehand. Specificity plays a great role here too. It is always better to either accept the offer or decline it completely. Anything in between may invite troubles in the future as the chances of you encountering the same employer is very probable. A job seeker creating uncertainty may result in long-run casualties as the possibilities of them encountering the organization again cannot be neglected.
❖ Strategic Approach
No communication with your employer should put you at the risk of losing more perfect opportunities for you from other organizations with additional perks. The role of strategization comes in here. Perfect balance is met when no employer is displeased and at the same time employee is satisfied to the fullest, given the constraints. The rule of thumb here is, always and always think multiple times before proceeding.
High Yielding Samples on “How to ask for time to consider a job offer”
This section explores the putting together of the factors, key things, and the reasons for asking time to consider a job offer. Combinations of the following structured and personalized to communicate your concerns will guarantee that you start your potential career on a very high note.
“Thank you so much for this offer! I really look forward to working in your organization and assisting in meeting its goals. I would like to ask for 3 days to consider this job offer in its totality”.
“Thank you very much for this great offer to work with your company. I am extremely grateful for this opportunity. I really look forward to putting my skills to perfect use to meet the business goals of your company. I wonder if you could avail me time until coming Monday to respond to the offer. I am appreciative of this great opportunity and I want to ensure that I fully understand the job demands before taking the decision. Thanks again”.
“I am very grateful for the opportunity to work in your organization in the position of (your position). However, it would be really helpful if you could let me have three days’ time to review the job details clearly. I want to make certain of the requirements before taking this great step in my career. Thanks again”.
What not to converse/ Things to avoid while asking for time to consider a job offer
Without any exaggeration, what not to communicate is the most important component of this process of how to ask for time to consider a job offer. A bad/ unimpressive statement can put you in a very disadvantageous position badly affecting your career. Most importantly, a bad first impression may incur costs that can tamper your reputation and prospects within the organization. The rule of thumb in this situation is that one should not take unnecessary risks of being friendly, causal, or straightforward resulting in a backfire that is not affordable.
It is advised that the individual must not take any communication with the organization lightly. These are the few examples on those lines.
“I’ll get back to you.”
“I’m unsure if I’m still fascinated by this job offer.“
“I’m not sure. I’ll consider this later.“
“I don’t know if I’m satisfied with this company. I’ll get back to you.”
“I expected a much higher payment.“
“I’m not sure if I like the job. I’ll revert back soon.”
“I’m not a great admirer of this position and the work schedule. Let me deliberate over this.“
Conclusion
The most important factor that you must be aware of about the whole scenario of how to ask for time to consider a job offer is that of how to ask for time to consider a job offer is the risk factor. There is always a risk involved in delaying the opportunities. A half-hearted request on buying time can result in the company taking back the offer or some parts of it, inclusive of bonuses or perks. At the same time, you should not feel pressured to say an outright “yes” or “no” when the offer is presented to you.
Keeping in mind that ‘striking the professional balance’ is the mantra and taking a less risky route to achieve the same will reap great benefits in the long run. Undoubtedly, asking for time to consider a job offer takes along great opportunities and minimal future regrets.
