How To Respond to a Verbal Job Offer (With Examples)

What is a verbal offer?

When hiring executives personally or over the phone, inform applicants that they wish to extend a specific job offer, which constitutes an oral job offer. Based on the dialogue that ensues after the verbal offer, the details of the employment position, including wages, compensation, work schedule, and commencement date, can change. Verbal job offers are provided by discussing with authorized personnel or a company representative over the phone or in person.

A genuine offer will include the following:

• The job title
• Along with other benefits like commissions or bonuses, the pay
• When the business wants you to start
• Additional perks and terms related to your job

While it's encouraging when your interview concludes with everyone grinning and offering you positive feedback about your candidacy, that's not a job offer.

The best way to react to a verbal offer of employment

Your initial response to an offer of employment should be, "Thank you ever so much for offering me the job," or some other sincere expression of thanks, whether you're standing before them or hearing their every word on the phone. It is also a good idea to inquire whether they will be issuing a written offer. Remember that an oral offer of employment is not a legally binding contract. Additionally, you may become too emotional to focus on an essential element of the working environment.

The following should be done while communicating with the offer giver:

1. Show your gratitude for the offer.
2. Notify HR that you will need some time to consider the position.
3. Request details such as compensation and benefits.
4. Determine when a written follow-up offer is anticipated.
5. Keep looking for a job.

Express your Gratitude

When you receive the hiring manager's message that you have been accepted, the best way to respond job offer is with a positive and appreciative tone to convey your enthusiasm. Be thankful for the opportunity; if you meet them in person, shake their hand and smile. This allows them to understand your appreciation and gives them confidence that you hired them for the job.

Below are some phrases to use to convey gratitude:

• "I am so grateful for this opportunity."
• "Thank you so much."
• "Thank you for this opportunity."

Think about it

Once you've taken the moment to thank them, ask for some time to think about the offer before making the job official. Ask any additional questions before leaving the building or at the end of the call. Consider the effect of a job on your family if you are married or have kids. When considering pay, research salaries for similar specialists in your sector.

When you ask for additional time to decide if the job is a good match for you, the following is what you can tell the recruiting manager:

• "This is greatly appreciated. Can I consider this before replying?
• "I would like to thank you for considering me for this role. I would like to discuss this with my spouse within the next day or two before I respond."
• "Thank you for the chance. I'd like to take a day or two to consider this before I respond."

Don't forget to respect your timetable. Within five days of the verbal offer, inform them if you decline the position.

Discuss the Salary

There will likely be negotiations throughout the hiring process. After you've had a chance to consider the job offer, follow up with the hiring manager and request to talk to them in person or over the phone to discuss the details and benefits of your role that were verbally discussed earlier. Consider the offer before you negotiate. Even if the pay may be less than you expected, you may be able to compensate for it by negotiating benefits such as paid leave and insurance.

Here are some examples of how you might start the negotiation:

• "Are you the person I should speak with regarding the compensation package of this offer?"
• "Are the details of my pay open for discussion?"

The hiring manager will be more open to your comments if you politely bring up the topic of compensation.

Ask for a written offer

Specifically, we request that if a written offer is not issued within the first 48 hours, a verbal one be provided instead. Many important terms are often verbally discussed during the hiring process, so it’s essential to have them written down in a detailed benefits and remuneration package. Check the written one thoroughly before you sign it. If the wording used is something such as "contract of employment," you're effectively tying yourself into doing business with the company over the period stated by your signing". The use of "at-will" language suggests that you can be fired or leave at any time.

Here's how to forward a request for a written offer by email:

Dear Johnson

Thank you again for the opportunity to interview for the marketing manager position. I look forward to meeting all your staff and getting to know you.

Could you make a written offer? As a result, I will be better equipped to understand the details of the offer and the deadline for acceptance.

Thank you for your time and look forward to hearing from you soon. Once again, thank you,

Walker

Keep looking for a job

Keep on searching for employment until you receive and accept an offer letter. This ensures that you do not miss out on other opportunities while you await confirmation. While doing this, you might get a second job offer more compatible with your lifestyle. Take your time to consider all aspects of the job after you've finished speaking. As this is an important life choice and you want to ensure you're making the right career move, don't hesitate to request more details.

Don't forget to follow up with a verbal offer letter. There are three reasons why you should take this crucial step:

1. It enables you to thank your contact more professionally.
2. It shows that you are serious about the position.
3. It informs them that you are expecting a proper offer.

If you no longer want the job, be compassionate and let them know. Do not sour up relations with the company because there may be an alternative that will be more beneficial to you.

Getting a written offer

You have spoken with HR, and they have offered to send a written offer soon. Throughout this period, you can think through the offer, ask any new questions you might have, and envision yourself working in this new position.

Is this the job for you now that you've received the verbal offer? Are you in agreement with the company's philosophy? Do you find the culture and style appealing?

Don't lose patience if you answered "yes" to all those questions, and it has been over a few days since you requested a formal offer. There are numerous reasons why this phase can take longer than you had anticipated. You can inquire about whether the contract is in the pipeline. If you think that HR is busy and the offer hasn't been extended yet, start with an email that allows the receiver to respond at their convenience, rather than a phone call that requires an immediate response.

Accepting a job offer: Advice

This may be your ideal job or the end of a lengthy and exhausting job search, and you're just glad to have a finish line in front of you. For this reason, we recommend not taking a verbal offer but no written offer yet as final confirmation. Review the written offer letter in detail after getting it to ensure that it presents the agreed-upon terms upon getting the original offer or oral offer. Check for requirements such as drug testing or a background check and ensure you are provided with detailed instructions for completing these tests.

If there is an agreed start date and the offer letter arrives later than hoped, it is time to renegotiate. At least give your current employer (if you've got one) two weeks when required, and if you are to start fresh in your new position, have a week's break too. Sign the offer letter if required and send it via email with your acceptance of the position once all matters have been resolved to your advantage.

Key Takeaways

• Even though a verbal offer of employment can be the beginning of securing your dream job, there is still some effort to be exerted. 
• Ensure that you are familiar with all the terms and conditions of your work. 
• Once you are ready to respond job offer, take your time in negotiating a good pay plan and obtaining the necessary paperwork. 
• While you wait for the procedure to resume, be patient. 
• Small business HR personnel may oversee various responsibilities, whereas significant company HR personnel may oversee hiring multiple employees simultaneously.

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