Receiving a job offer is an exciting career milestone. While the immediate urge may be to accept the offer outright, the initial phone call requires a measured and professional response. The primary objective is to maintain composure, gather all necessary details, and establish a clear path forward for review. Treating this conversation with respect ensures you secure the best possible outcome for your career transition.
Your Immediate Response Script
The first 30 to 60 seconds after the offer is extended set a positive and professional tone. Start with genuine, immediate thanks to the caller. A suitable response is: “Thank you so much for calling with this wonderful news; I am truly excited to hear this and appreciate the offer.”
Expressing immediate enthusiasm reinforces your interest in the position. Following the initial thanks, confirm the specifics of the role to avoid future confusion. A simple confirmation is: “Just to ensure I have this correct, you are offering me the position of [Job Title] reporting to [Hiring Manager’s Name]?”
Once the role is confirmed, prepare to receive the detailed offer components. State, “This is fantastic news, and I want to make sure I capture everything accurately.” Follow this with, “Do you mind if I take a moment to grab a pen and paper to ensure I don’t miss any of the details you are about to share?”
This signals that you are preparing to actively listen and record the specifics of the offer. Before diving into the details, reiterate your excitement to maintain positive momentum. Say, “I really enjoyed my conversations with the team and look forward to learning more about the specifics of this opportunity.”
Key Information to Confirm During the Call
The conversation now moves toward documenting the financial and structural components of the offer. Gathering this data during the call is essential for a thorough review later. Ask clarifying questions about every detail presented to ensure a complete understanding.
Compensation Details
Start by asking about the exact annual base salary figure and the payment frequency (weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly). Inquire about the structure of any performance-based compensation, asking if it is a targeted percentage or a discretionary amount. Understanding the bonus mechanism provides a clearer picture of total expected earnings.
When stock options or restricted stock units (RSUs) are mentioned, ask about the total number of units or shares being granted. Clarify the vesting schedule, specifically asking about the cliff period and the subsequent vesting frequency (e.g., a four-year vest with a one-year cliff). This information is necessary to calculate the long-term value of the equity component.
Benefits and Perks
Ask when health coverage begins, noting any waiting period before enrollment is possible (e.g., the first of the month following the start date). Inquire about any company match for the 401k or retirement plan, asking about the percentage match and the vesting schedule for that contribution. Understanding these details helps assess the offer’s long-term financial security.
Clarify the exact number of paid time off (PTO) days offered annually, distinguishing between sick days and vacation days if separated. Ask if unused time rolls over to the next year or if it must be used within the calendar year. Understanding the PTO policy is important for maintaining work-life balance.
Logistics and Start Date
Confirm the proposed start date and whether that date has any flexibility if you need to provide notice to your current employer. If the role is not fully remote, clarify the required physical location, including the expected number of days per week in the office for hybrid arrangements. Knowing the logistical expectations is important for personal planning and commuting considerations.
Clarify the immediate reporting structure, asking for the full name and title of the person you will report to directly. Understanding the hierarchy provides context on where your role fits within the broader organizational structure and helps visualize team dynamics.
Professionally Requesting Time to Decide
After compiling the necessary information, secure time to review the offer details without pressure. Accepting an offer immediately over the phone is rarely advisable, as a thorough review minimizes the chance of overlooked details. This delay demonstrates a thoughtful approach to a major career decision.
A suitable script for asking for time is: “I am extremely appreciative of the offer and the time you took to walk me through these details. To ensure I can give this the focused attention it deserves, when would you need a final decision from me?” This shifts the focus to their timeline while communicating your need for a review window.
Most employers expect candidates to request 24 to 48 hours for review, which is a professionally accepted standard. If they initially request a shorter timeframe, politely counter with a request for 48 hours, citing the need to review the complex benefits documentation. Setting a clear, mutual deadline maintains professionalism and manages expectations.
If the caller pressures you for an immediate answer, reaffirm your enthusiasm while maintaining the need for review. A response such as, “I am confident in my excitement about this role, but I want to make sure I review all the details with my partner/family before committing,” is appropriate. Follow up with, “I will certainly get back to you by [Specific Date/Time]” to provide a firm commitment.
Securing the Formal Offer and Next Steps
Before ending the conversation, confirm the method and timeline for receiving the formal offer package in writing. This ensures you have all the documentation needed for a complete review. A simple request is: “Thank you again for all the information. Could you please confirm that you will be emailing me the formal offer letter and benefits documentation shortly?”
Confirm the correct email address and ask for an expected time of arrival for the documents. Express your gratitude one final time and state your commitment to the agreed-upon decision timeline. Say, “I look forward to reviewing the documents and getting back to you by [Agreed-Upon Date]. Thank you again for this opportunity.”