Timing is everything they say. Taking time to make a decision is a good thing, but taking too long can have potentially negative consequences. If you need to ask for an extension on a job offer it can be a tricky tightrope to navigate. How can you avoid displaying a lack of interest or annoying the hiring manager by asking for more time?
The good news is that, with a little honesty, tact and professionalism, you can navigate this process and ensure you are making the right decision for both yourself and the employer. Read our guide to asking for an extension to a job offer the right way, including:
Why request an extension on a job offer?
How to ask for an extension on a job offer
Examples of how to ask for an extension on a job offer
According to research by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, when jobseekers turned down a job offer, one-quarter of respondents stated this was due to low salary. Other important factors were inconvenient hours, personal reasons (including childcare) and commuting time.
Why request an extension on a job offer?
While it may feel a bit uncomfortable, there are plenty of valid reasons for requesting an extension on a job offer, including
You have upcoming interviews for other job opportunities
You have multiple job offers on the table
You need more time to research the position
You need to decide whether relocation for the role is feasible
You have personal reasons impacting your decision
Whatever the reason, as long as it’s valid and you communicate this in a polite, timely and straightforward way, the hiring manager will be more understanding and accommodating to your extension request. This is far better than saying yes immediately and having a change of heart two months later, or keeping the hiring manager waiting and displaying a lack of interest.
If you need to ask for an extension on a job offer due to securing multiple job offers, it can be a difficult decision. Compare salary, bonus and benefits, consider whether your career goals are aligned with the job on offer, examine work culture and don’t overlook your gut instinct when deciding which job offer to accept.
How to ask for an extension on a job offer
If you’ve decided you need a bit more time to consider a job offer, you need to request this in a thoughtful and careful way. Here are some top tips to bear in mind when asking for an extension on a job offer:
1. Be appreciative
Always thank the employer for the job offer, even if you are unsure as to whether you will accept the position. Whatever the outcome, it’s a great feeling to receive a job offer and being thankful also lets the hiring manager know that you appreciate their time and effort. In the long run, if you accept the job offer, there won’t be any awkwardness moving forward.
2. Check if there is a deadline
Find out if there is a formal deadline for accepting the job offer. Many job openings will have a deadline and usually there isn’t a requirement for an immediate, on-the-spot response. Check the job offer for details of the deadline or ask the hiring manager directly. If you feel that you may need some time to consider the job offer beyond the deadline, then ask for an extension and provide an honest reason for this request.
3. Negotiate
Negotiating may feel a bit uncomfortable, but it’s a vital part of accepting a job offer. If a component of the job offer, such as salary, benefits or flexible working, is a deal-breaker then discussing this with the hiring manager could make your decision-making process a lot easier. Added to that, this also gives you a bit more time to decide whether to accept the job offer.
- Ask additional questions following a job offer.
- Having clarity on salary, benefits, vacation, start date etc. is all information that can help you make a final decision. Requesting this information can also extend your deadline.
- Take too long to respond following your request for an extension on a job offer. Typically 48 to 72 hours is an acceptable period of time (the earlier, the better) or there may be a formal deadline to adhere to.
Examples of asking for an extension on a job offer
Whether you receive a job offer via email, phone or in-person, here are some examples of how to ask for an extension on a job offer the right way:
Requesting an extension on job offer via email
Subject Line: [Your Name - Position Title] - Job Offer
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
Thank you for offering me the role of [Job Title]. I really enjoyed meeting you and the team, as well as learning more about company operations and objectives for the future.
Would it be acceptable to have 48 hours to let you know my decision? I committed to a final interview elsewhere tomorrow and I would like to honor this appointment. In the meantime, please let me know if there is a deadline for the job offer.
You can contact me via email at Yourname@gmail.com or by phone at 123-456-7890. Thank you so much for the opportunity and I look forward to speaking with you soon.
Sincerely
[Your Name]
Requesting an extension on job offer over the phone
“Thank you for offering me the position, it sounds like an amazing opportunity. I just received another job offer yesterday, so would it be possible to have 48 hours to respond to this offer? Thanks again for your time and I really appreciate the job offer.”
Requesting an extension on job offer in person:
“Thank you for the job offer, it sounds like a great opportunity. Can I take some time to review the salary, benefits and job details? Could you email me this information, and I can review over the next couple of days?”
If you’re reviewing a job offer and want to find out whether the salary offer is fair, check out the Salary Analyzer on Career.IO to compare salaries in your chosen field.
Key takeaways
Asking for an extension on a job offer is perfectly fine as long as you communicate a valid reason in a timely (as soon as possible!), polite and professional way.
Always be appreciative of the job offer, ask additional questions if you need clarity, and check if there is a deadline for accepting the job offer.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate if you feel there is a deal-breaker, such as salary, benefits or flexible working, preventing you from accepting the job offer.
Make sure you communicate your final decision as promised, within 48 to 72 hours ideally or within the timeframe of the deadline provided.
