How to Ask for More Time to Consider a Job Offer

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If you have received a job offer, it can be helpful to take some time to consider it. You may want to review the contract, benefits and pay before you accept the offer. If you’re interviewing for multiple positions, you might need some time to consider each of your options. Read this article to learn how to ask for time to consider a job offer from an employer.

Reasons to ask for time to consider a job offer

 Here are some reasons why you might want to ask for time to consider a job offer:

  • You need more time to decide on the position itself now that you’ve learned more about it.
  • You have personal reasons that contribute to the decision.
  • You need to determine if you can relocate for the position.
  • You’re considering multiple job offers.
  • You’re still interviewing for other positions.

It’s important to be straightforward with the hiring manager when giving your reason. This could help them feel more comfortable with giving you time to consider. If you’re considering other opportunities, they may be more likely to negotiate with you.

How to request more time to consider a job offer

Here are some tips for what you should and should not say to request more time to consider a job offer:

1. First, ask about a deadline

While many job positions have deadlines to accept, not all companies need to hear back immediately. Make sure to ask when they need an answer. This can give you a more formal deadline for when you need to make a decision.

You can check the offer to see if there’s a specific date listed for when you need to provide a response. You can also reach your contact to see if there’s a date you need to answer by. If you feel unsure that you can make a confident decision by the deadline, you can ask for an extension if you have a valid reason.

2. Second, ask additional questions

From the desired start date to salary, asking questions can help you make a more informed decision. Asking questions can also help you extend your deadline. You can clarify information about benefits, vacation, retirement plans and other perks in the meantime. This may also help you feel more comfortable in making your final decision.

3. Finally, negotiate

Negotiation is an important part of accepting a job offer. Items like salary, retirement benefits, vacation time and others are often negotiable. When you discuss these parts of the offer, you can extend your deadline. 

Template for requesting a job offer extension

If you plan to email the hiring manager to ask for more time to consider a job offer, here is a template you can use:

Subject Line: [Your Name – Position Title] – Job Offer

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

[Thank the hiring manager for the offer. It’s important that they know you’re grateful for the offer and you want to seriously consider it. State your specific reason for asking for time to consider the offer and the date you’d like to give your response by. If you have any questions about the offer, you can ask them or request a phone call to discuss them in detail.] 

[Thank the hiring manager again for the opportunity. If you need to request the hiring manager to contact you to discuss details, offer some times that would work for you. You can write, ‘You can reach me by phone at 555-555-5555 or by email at yourname@email.com.’]

[Use a professional closing, like ‘Sincerely,’ or ‘Regards,’]

[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]

Examples for requesting a job offer extension

Here are two examples that you can follow when asking for time to consider a job offer:

In person

If a hiring manager offers you a job at the end of an interview, here’s how you can ask for more time in person:

Example:

‘After speaking with you, I feel this is a very good opportunity for me. However, I would like some time to review the details of the job, like the salary and benefits. Could you send me this information so I could take a few days to think about it? I really appreciate your time and patience.’

By email

Here’s an email example that you can use as a guideline if you receive a job offer after the interview:

Example:

Subject Line: Morgan Zora – Executive Assistant – Job Offer

Dear Mr. Lee,

Thank you very much for offering me a position as Executive Assistant at Jones Interactive Agency. I greatly appreciated the opportunity and enjoyed speaking with you and your colleagues. I am carefully considering my options for my next job position and will let you know my decision on the position soon.

Based on the information given to me by the hiring manager, I believe I have until January 14 to respond to the offer you have extended. Please let me know if that date still works with your timeline. You can reach me by phone at 555-555-5555 or by email at morgan.zora@email.com.

Thank you again for this opportunity.

Sincerely,
Morgan Zora