When You’re Unsure About the Job
How much time should you ask for?
What to say when asking for more time?
Options for getting an extension
What not to say to the hiring manager
Risks of delay
When You’re Unsure About the Job
If you have a feeling of uncertainty about accepting the job, listen to that feeling. Step back a bit and take some time to think about whether you really want it before committing to the employer.
It’s worse to say “yes” and accept a job you’re not sure you want. It’s awkward if you decide to change your mind and back out after you’ve already accepted. It’s even worse if you start working and find out you hate it from the beginning. It’s much harder to backtrack from something given the time and effort spent on making sure.
If you are not sure that this is the right job for you, or if you are dealing with multiple job offers, the best thing you can do is try to buy yourself some time to make an informed decision before you accept. Take the time to analyze the offers before deciding which one to accept and which one to decline.
It’s also a good practice to turn down the offer right away if you don’t think the job is a good match, rather than dragging the process out.
How Much Time Should You Ask For?
The amount of time companies give applicants to accept a job offer varies depending on the employer. In general, one week is the timeframe that the company offers the candidate to make a decision.
What to Say When Asking for More Time?
When a job is offered to you, your response does not have to be immediate unless you are excited about the offer and ready to accept. The employer might expect you to ask for time to think over the offer or to make a counteroffer. Do not feel pressured to respond “yes” or “no” right away. This is especially true if you are not entirely sure about your desire for the job.
It’s important to be careful in how you request the opportunity to think about the offer. You don’t want to offend the hiring manager or lose the offer due to not responding in a timely manner.
The best way to handle this is to start with expressing gratitude and appreciation for the job offer. Keep things positive and professional, and reaffirm your interest in working for the company.
Options for Getting an Extension
There are a few options for getting some time when you are not ready to accept the offer right away.
1. Ask about the deadline: When receiving the offer, you can ask the employer if there is a deadline to respond to the offer. However, present your question after you express your gratitude for the opportunity. If there is a deadline but it doesn’t seem sufficient, ask if it would be possible to get an extension. Regardless of the situation, you will know exactly how much time you’ll need to respond to the hiring manager with your decision.
2. Ask questions: Another option for getting extra time to decide is to ask questions. It may take some time for the hiring manager to get back to you with answers, which will help you clarify any concerns you have about the offer. It’s important to know about the compensation package in full – salary, benefits, vacation, retirement plan, and perks. You’ll also need to know when the company wants you to start working so that you can plan the transition from your current job to the new one. These factors will impact your decision-making process as well.
3. Negotiate: If you are not 100% sure about your desire for the job, consider negotiating the compensation package. There are many aspects of a job offer that can be negotiated, in addition to salary. You might be able to negotiate an offer that makes you feel more comfortable accepting it. The start date may also be negotiable, which could give you extra time before joining the company to make your decision.
What
Things You Shouldn’t Say to the Hiring Manager
There are some things you should avoid saying when you are looking for an extended time to think about your decision. Don’t lose the offer because you were impolite or surprised when you received it.
Even if the money isn’t enough and the job isn’t what you want, be polite and grateful when you decline. No one likes to be rejected, and this includes hiring managers as well.
Here are some things to avoid saying:
– I don’t know if I want the job, I’ll let you know.
– I’ll get back to you.
– I’m not sure, I’ll think about it.
– I thought the job would pay more.
– I don’t like the position or the hours.
If this job isn’t a perfect match but you like the employer, there may be another position available that interests you. Keeping the dialogue positive will open the door to future opportunities. Negative thinking can push you off the list of potential candidates.
Risks of Delaying
It’s important to note that you shouldn’t wait too long to decide whether to accept or decline a job. Most job offers are not open-ended, and you don’t want to risk losing the offer due to procrastination or waiting too long. It’s also essential to respond to the employer promptly, even if it’s just to request more time. Ignoring the offer while figuring out what to do could cost you the job.
Remember that if you do not respond quickly, the company may rescind the offer, as some parts of the offer (like the signing bonus, for example) may be time-sensitive and expire, or the employer may need someone who can start on a specific date. If you don’t have the available time, you may not get the job.
Take the time to ensure that the offered position is the right one for you, but do not spend too long making a decision. Most employers prefer to expedite the hiring process, and delays make it difficult for everyone.
Takeaway
Listen to your gut: If your gut is telling you to back out of accepting, listen to it. The worst thing you can do is accept the offer and then change your mind.
Ask for additional time the right way: Express your gratitude for the offer. Then ask the hiring manager what the deadline for acceptance is.
Follow up on outstanding issues: Ask about benefits, vacation time, etc. If the compensation or vacation is less than you hoped, consider negotiating.
Avoid saying the wrong things: Hiring managers are sensitive to rejection just like anyone else. Be polite.
Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/how-to-ask-for-time-to-consider-a-job-offer-4120653
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