How to respond to a job offer: thank them, get it in writing, then decide.
Your first reply to an offer doesn't have to be yes or no. A warm thank-you, a request for the written details and an agreed decision date are all you need at first.
When you receive a job offer, thank the employer warmly, ask for the offer in writing if it was verbal, and confirm when they need your answer. If you need time, ask for a specific short extension. If you have other processes, tell those employers you have an offer and a deadline. Then review the written terms, negotiate if needed, and accept or decline in writing.
The first 48 hours
Verbal offers
A phone offer is good news, not the final terms. Ask for the written offer before you accept.
Asking for time
A request for a few days to review is normal. Give a specific date rather than an open-ended request.
Multiple offers
Tell other employers you have an offer and the deadline. Some will speed up; some won't.
Start date
A start date that allows notice to your current employer is normal to ask for.
4 copy-ready templates
Illustrative: names, companies, dates and numbers in these templates and examples are fictional. Replace every bracket with your own true details before you use anything.
Thank you and request written offer
When to use: After a verbal offer.
Hi [Name], Thank you so much for the call today; I'm really excited about the [Role] opportunity. Could you send the offer details in writing so I can review them? When would you need my decision? Best regards, [Your name]
Ask for more time
When to use: When you need a few days.
Hi [Name], thank you again for the offer. I'm very interested and want to give it proper thought. Would it be possible to give you my answer by [specific date]? Best, [Your name]
Tell another employer you have an offer
When to use: To a company where you're still interviewing.
Hi [Name], I wanted to let you know I've received an offer from another company and need to respond by [date]. [Company] remains my first choice, so I wanted to ask whether there's any flexibility in your timeline. Thank you, [Your name]
Agree a start date
When to use: When confirming the offer.
Given my notice period at my current job, I'd propose a start date of [date]. Does that work for the team?
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Your first reply
| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| Verbal offer | Thank them; ask for writing and the deadline. |
| Need more time | Ask for a specific short extension. |
| Another process is ongoing | Tell them your deadline. |
| Ready to accept | Accept in writing. See how to accept. |
| Not right for you | Decline politely. See how to decline. |
The same move, done two ways
Illustrative example with fictional details.
| Version | Example |
|---|---|
| Weak | Said 'Yes! When do I start?' on the phone before seeing any terms. |
| Strong | Thanked the recruiter, asked for the offer in writing and agreed to answer by Friday. |
Why it matters: Accepting before reading the terms removes your leverage and your chance to spot mistakes.
Mistakes to avoid
- Accepting a verbal offer on the spot.
- Asking for open-ended time.
- Playing offers against each other dishonestly.
- Forgetting to confirm the start date.
Keep going
Questions people ask
How do I respond to a job offer?
Is it okay to ask for time to consider a job offer?
What should I do with multiple job offers?
Can I negotiate my start date?
How this page is built
Written by Maid Dizdarevic, a career coach and 8x LinkedIn Top Voice. The steps, scripts and timing guides are practical advice, labelled as advice. We do not publish response rates, success rates or shares of employers, and every example uses fictional details.
- How a specific employer, recruiter or manager will act: practices vary by company, industry and person.
- Legal advice: for contracts, background-check disputes, pay classification or a termination, talk to an employment attorney, the U.S. Department of Labor or your state agency.
- Outcomes: no message, plan or program can promise an interview, a raise or a job.
- TryHired editorial guidance by Maid Dizdarevic, career coach, Nov 4, 2026.