Steps in Asking For More Time The process for asking for more time to consider a job offer is similar to asking for salary adjustments. In asking for more time, you may be implying the following things to the employer. You have other offers to consider, and/or You are unsure about the offer. While these are legitimate issues, you need to realize that the longer you take to decide on an offer, the more companies will pressure you to come to a decision. They are concerned that the probability of receiving an acceptance from you will decrease as time passes.
Employer Responses Vary
• We’ll talk about it and get back to you. • Our offer is firm. • I’m sorry we can’t do anything and hope you enjoy the other job.
Best advice: Think it through, do your research and see the Career Management Center coordinator to talk through your script before you call. You can get help as you go through your outline and may be asked some other questions to help you clarify the issue. Another opinion could help.
Researching Salary You should have a reasonably accurate idea of the salary ranges for the position that you are interviewing. Check out these web resources: • salary.com • salaryexpert.com • www.jobsearchintelligence.com/NACE/jobseekers/salary-calculator.php (NACE Salary Calculator)
Extension of an Offer Give yourself plenty of thinking and negotiating time. Before you call, check with other employers you’re interested in so you know your requested new date is valid. You don’t want to call every other week. If you say, “I need to know right now if you are going to make me an offer and the salary,” you risk a negative response. You should have discussed your timetable before leaving. Remember, once you accept an offer, either verbally or in writing, you must notify all other employers and withdraw from consideration.
How to start the negotiation process?
• Convey your enthusiasm and interest in the offer. • Contact the company representative who extended the offer. • Express your concern about the salary, and provide a rationale for your request for a higher starting salary 35