Last Updated on September 20, 2024
How To Ask For More Time To Consider A Job Offer
Asking for an extension on a job offer has a lot to do with timing. It would be more understandable if the moment you received the job offer, you mentioned the reason why you would need a few more days to make a decision. But if you wait until the next day, the hiring manager might think that you either were not interested in the job or you are not a reliable person. Â
Furthermore, you need a good reason why you want more time to decide on whether or not you want to accept the job offer. Some reasons are just not valid. And even after giving a good reason for your request, you can’t control the many thoughts the hiring manager may have about you. Â
 With that said, if you have to ask for an extension, ask it the moment you receive the offer. Make sure to ask about the possible deadline for providing the final answer.
How To Ask For An Extension On A Job Offer Over Email [Examples]
Communicating through emails is a skill that every professional needs to master. If you don’t know much about email writing, this is the moment to learn about it. Â
To make the scenario easier for you to understand, say your name is Alex. And say that the job position is Assistant Manager.Â
“Subject Line: Alex-Assistant Manager-Job OfferÂ
Dear [NAME OF THE HIRING MANAGER],Â
Thank you very much for offering me this position. I could not be happier. Would you mind giving me 48 hours before I make my decision? At the moment, I have final interviews scheduled with two other companies that I want to attend in the following days. Â
Please let me know the deadline for accepting the offer. Â
Again, thank you for this opportunity. Â
Sincerely,Â
Alex [LAST NAME]Â
[YOUR PHONE NUMBER]Â
[EMAIL ADDRESS]”Â
Feel free to customize your email as much as needed. And don’t feel obligated to use the same words. However, the layout and type of language are vital. Â
How To Ask For More Time To Consider A Job Offer Over The Phone
The same principles you used to ask for an extension on a job offer in person may be applied. Be polite and straight to the point when sating your request.Â
But after you have done asking for the extension, you need to listen carefully to the response the hiring manager is going to give you. This is important to do because you might want to change your mind and accept the job depending on how the hiring manger answered. Their voice can tell you if they are disappointed.Â
If you notice that the hiring manager stays silent a few seconds after asking for more time to consider the job offer, it may mean that they are not happy about it. No need to tell you what may happen next because no one likes to be disappointed.Â
Consider this example:Â
Say that the recruiter just told you about the offer over the phone.Â
“This is great news! And thank you very much for the job offer. But I have to ask, would you mind giving me 48 hours before I make my decision? I have a final interview scheduled with another company that I would like to attend.”Â
Knowing how to ask for an extension on a job offer over the phone can be more useful than you can ever think.Â
How To Ask For More Time To Consider A Job Offer In Person [Example]
It would be even better if you received the job offer in person and asked for more time to consider the offer at the very moment. Face-to-face communications tend to be more meaningful, and you can see the immediate reaction of the person you’re talking to. The recruiter or hiring manager would be able to look at you in the eyes and hear the intensity in your voice. That would help them know whether or not you are being sincere and reliable.  Â
You want to use the same method to formulate your request: Thank the hiring manager for the offer. Express your excitement about the offer, and briefly explain why you need more time to make a decision. And remember to ask about the company’s deadline for providing the answer. Â
ExampleÂ
“Thank you so much for the offer! I am sure my skills can be very useful to the growth of [COMPANY NAME]. However, before I make the decision, I have two final interviews this week with other companies. Is it OK if I take a few days to give you my final answer? Â
Thank you very much for your understanding! I will send you an email with my decision within 48 hours from now.”
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Is It A Good Idea To Ask For More Time To Consider A Job Offer?
When you ask for an extension to make a decision on a job offer, you don’t want to take too long to respond to the offer. Hiring manager might start thinking about other qualified candidates. You don’t want to create an impression that this company is a backup plan if all other companies reject you. Â
Your chance to get this job could potentially decrease unless you set clear expectations. Even then, the employer may decide to make an offer to someone else. Â
You may think that you have all the skills that the employer needs to take his or her company to a higher level, which could be totally true. You might be the best candidate for the position but remember that there is always someone else who can do better than you would. Â
When hiring decisions are made, the difference between you and the next candidate might be tiny. If you will act irresponsibly or otherwise disappoint the hiring manager that extended you an offer, they can hire the next person on their list and fill any gaps with the appropriate training. Never overestimate yourself or think that you are irreplaceable.Â
In summary
Now you know how to ask for an extension on a job offer both in person and over email. When it comes to asking for an extension on a job offer, the sooner you do it the better. If you can’t accept the offer on the spot, talk with the hiring manager about possible deadlines, and always follow through with your promises.Â
Always be candid about the reason(s) why you need more time to consider the offer. Be clear and concise. Never ask for an extension without stating the reasons. And finally, don’t forget that when you ask for more time to consider a job offer, you  are responsible for keeping your word, following up with recruiter if something comes up, and being honest about your decisions. Otherwise, the chances of you keeping the offer will get slimmer.Â
Hopefully, now you will make the best decision. Good Luck!Â
Emily Rushton, Founder and CEO of Hire Integrated, has over a decade of experience in recruitment, helping companies solve high-volume hiring challenges. Her unique, storytelling approach has made her a trusted leader in the industry, helping both businesses and candidates succeed.
