How to Respond to a Verbal Job Offer: A Comprehensive Guide
January 9, 2025
Share this post:
Receiving a verbal job offer is an exciting moment in your career journey. It means that your skills and potential have caught the attention of employers. However, while verbal offers show intent, responding thoughtfully and strategically can ensure the best outcome for you.
This guide covers the essentials of verbal job offers, how to navigate them, and the next steps you should take to secure the job position you’re applying for confidently.
A verbal job offer is an informal employment proposition made by a company representative, often over the phone or in person. This type of offer typically occurs when the employer is ready to extend an opportunity but hasn’t yet finalized the terms on paper.
Nevertheless, not every verbal offer carries the same weight. Offers made by figures like the hiring manager, department head, or HR representative are more credible because these individuals are directly involved in recruitment and decision-making.
On top of who extends the verbal job offer, you should also look for some key elements that hint at whether or not an employer is serious about the proposition. Despite the fact that a verbal job offer is not set in stone, it should still include some of these basic aspects of the position:
While verbal offers are informal, they mark a significant step in the hiring process, therefore you should consider handling them wisely.
Verbal job offers are more than just casual conversations. They often serve strategic purposes in the hiring process, such as:
By delivering a verbal offer first, companies aim to establish immediate engagement with a potential employee, in the meantime, they are able to formalize the agreement in writing.
Truth be told, there is no short answer. Both have their significance. While verbal offers showcase immediate intent and interest, written offers are the formal acknowledgment of the agreed terms. Therefore, if an employer gives you a verbal job offer, make sure it transitions into a detailed written document within 48 hours of receiving it.
A verbal job offer is your first opportunity to solidify your relationship with a potential employer. Here’s a step-by-step guide to responding professionally:
The first thing you should do once the hiring manager lets you know you’ve been selected for the job and extends the verbal job offer is to show your appreciation. Start on a positive note by thanking the representative for the opportunity in a positive way as it will reflect your professionalism and help you build rapport.
Whether you’re talking to the decision-maker via video call or in person, make sure to smile when you thank them for the opportunity; if you’re meeting them face-to-face, you can also offer a handshake to show your gratitude and reassure them they’ve made the right choice. Here is a sample response you can try to show your appreciation.
“Thank you so much for considering me for this position. I’m genuinely excited about the opportunity and appreciate your confidence in me.”
While it’s flattering to receive a job offer, there’s no need to rush and accept it immediately. Politely request a day or two to think it over and assess how this job opportunity aligns with your career goals, financial needs, and personal commitments. Here is an example response you could use to get time to evaluate the offer:
“This opportunity means a lot to me. May I take a couple of days to carefully review the offer and discuss it with my family?”
During this time, you should research the average salary for professionals in your field and weigh in how competitive is the offer you just received. On top of this information, you should also weigh in on how this job can impact your family or anyone who depends on you. Here are other key aspects you should consider during your evaluation:
Although the best scenario is that you ask any questions you may have about the position or company before leaving the meeting or finishing the call, if after weighing in the offer, certain aspects remain unclear, don’t hesitate to seek clarification. This could include details about salary breakdowns, bonuses, schedules, onboarding dates, etc.
If, after closely reviewing the offer, the salary or any other aspect of the compensation falls short of your expectations or the industry standard, consider renegotiating the terms of your agreement. Although getting into a salary negotiation might make you feel troubled about giving a bad impression or scaring off the employer, rest assured knowing is a perfectly common part of the hiring process.
When you engage in the negotiation, keep in mind all the aspects of the offer and tactfully discuss any adjustments needed to meet your expectations. Avoid focusing too much on the pay and consider negotiating other aspects of the compensation, like health insurance, PTO, 401k plan, etc.
Another important note is to frame your requests positively to show goodwill throughout the negotiation. Here is an example of how you can start the conversation to renegotiate the terms of your agreement:
“Thank you for giving me time to consider the offer. Are the terms of the compensation package open for discussion?”
As mentioned above, it’s a common practice to send a written offer within the following days of sharing a verbal job offer. However, if you haven’t received one or just want to make sure that’s the next step, once you’ve agreed on the terms, you can ask for a written confirmation.
An offer letter serves as a formal agreement and ensures mutual understanding of the details previously discussed. Once you receive the contract of employment, be aware if it’s for a specified period of time or if it includes the verbiage “at-will,” which means you can leave or be let go at any time. Here is a sample phrase you can use to request a written offer.
“Thank you again for this wonderful opportunity. Could you kindly send me the written offer to review the full terms and conditions?”
On top of the previous step-by-step and as with any other stage of the application process, remember to approach the employer’s proposition with a strategic mindset. Here are some extra tips you can follow to ensure a successful outcome when responding to a verbal job offer
By following these tips, you can navigate verbal job offers effectively and confidently.
A verbal job offer marks an exciting moment but also requires careful navigation. Understanding its significance, knowing how to respond, and transitioning to a formal written agreement are vital steps in securing the right opportunity. By approaching verbal offers with professionalism and preparation, you can maximize the results of your job hunt.
Here are some of the most common doubts about how to respond to verbal job offers:
Politely request it via email or during the verbal discussion, emphasizing that it will help you understand the details better.
Yes. Send a polite follow-up email within 48 hours of the verbal offer.
While verbal offers may hold legal weight in some jurisdictions, always rely on a written document for clarity and security.
Absolutely. Use this opportunity to address aspects like salary or benefits before the written offer is sent and signed.
No. Continue exploring opportunities until you’ve signed a formal agreement.
Contributed by Luis Arellano
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO FIND?
