Most employers extend verbal job offers to candidates before sending a written job offer. But do you know what a verbal job offer means and how to respond to it? Should you take the offer or wait?
Several questions might cross your mind when you receive a verbal job offer over the phone. But instead of getting overwhelmed, prepare to reply to a verbal offer correctly.
This guide shares a few tips on answering a verbal job offer to ensure you land your dream position effortlessly.
What is a Verbal Job Offer?
A verbal job offer is a job offer made verbally. Generally, employers share their final decision and extend job offers to job seekers via phone.
In other terms, a verbal offer is an informal method of informing a person about his selection. The hiring manager can discuss details like salary, work hours, responsibilities, join date, etc., while verbally extending the offer. And the candidate can negotiate with the employer during this conversation.
Nonetheless, a verbal offer doesn’t replace a written job offer. And it doesn’t legally bind the candidate to work with the company. So, as a candidate, you need to demand a written job offer letter from the employer that confirms your employment agreement at the company.
Verbal vs Written Job Offer
A verbal offer is an informal way of informing candidates about their selection. The candidates may negotiate with the hiring manager to ensure they get the best offer. Verbal job offers can be changed by negotiating with the hiring managers.
Contrarily, a written job offer is a formal and legal employment contract stating the key details of the position. It is a physical document containing work details like start date, salary, terms, and conditions. Candidates have to sign this contract to confirm their job with the company.
Should You Accept a Verbal Job Offer [Without a Written Offer]
No, you shouldn’t agree to a verbal offer without a written offer letter. A verbal job offer is not a formal or legal offer, and most companies extend verbal job offers to candidates but don’t send them an official offer letter. This way, they can change the employment terms without notifying the candidate.
Besides, a person can lose work before starting without a written offer. This is most likely to happen if the hiring manager denies having extended the job offer to the employee. Hence, asking for a written offer letter from your boss before joining the company is always safe.
What to Say When Accepting Verbal Job Offer
If you are happy with the job offer, thank the manager for hiring you and ask him to send you the offer in writing. Also, inform the recruiter about your decision.
But before agreeing to a verbal offer, you need to ensure you are comfortable accepting the job and have no doubts regarding the work. You may also ask questions regarding the work while talking to the recruiter.
How to Respond to a Verbal Offer
If your hiring manager calls you to extend an offer verbally and you are ready to take it, you can follow the following tips while answering the call:
1. Show your appreciation
The first thing to do when you receive a new job offer is express gratitude. Thank your recruiter for hiring you. If you meet the recruiter in person, offer a handshake while thanking him.
If you are talking with your manager on call, use a positive and professional tone while thanking him. You can use the following statements to show your appreciation:
- Thank you for this opportunity. I am excited to work at the organization.
- I am grateful for this role and look forward to working with your firm.
- Thank you for hiring me for this position.
2. Think it over
After appreciating the offer, ask for time to review the opportunity. Politely borrow some time from your boss to think about the decision.
Again, discuss the necessary work details before ending the call. You can also ask your manager questions regarding the position, including the salary, benefits, etc.
If you have to make arrangements for your family or spouse before joining, tell the recruiter that you’ll discuss it with them and inform them of your final decision in a day or two.
Besides, ensure you borrow a respectful time frame from your recruiter. And if you want to decline the job offer, share your response within five days to a week so the boss can continue the hiring process with other applicants.
3. Negotiate the pay
If you are interested in the position but not satisfied with the pay, you can tell your manager you expect a higher salary during the conversation.
Further, consider other benefits like insurance, paid sick leaves, etc., and check if they make up for agreeing to the lower salary.
You can initiate the subject for salary negotiation by saying the following:
- Is the salary negotiable?
- I have a few questions regarding my compensation package. Should I discuss them with you?
- Thank you for giving me time to think about the opportunity. Would you consider increasing my salary by [mention a reasonable amount]?
4. Request a written offer
You should compulsorily demand a written job offer from your recruiter before joining the firm. Written offers are legal proof that you are an organization employee and bound to follow the office policies.
Typically, companies send a written job offer within 24 to 48 hours after extending the verbal job offer. However, if you don’t receive a written offer, you can follow up with the recruiter and ask if they still consider you.
The written job offer may be a contract that you have to sign to confirm the position’s acceptance for a specific time. Or it may be an at-will agreement which you may leave at any time.
5. Continue the job search
Some people make the mistake of ending their job search after receiving verbal offers, and they don’t wait till they get a written letter from the organization confirming their selection. You shouldn’t repeat the same mistake.
Continue searching for other opportunities and apply to job openings until you get an official written offer letter. You can also give an interview for a role that sounds ideal to you. And if you get a second job offer that is better than the previous one, go for it.
How to Accept a Verbal Job Offer via Email
If your hiring manager extended a verbal job offer during or after your interview and asked for time before sharing your response, you can write an email to accept the offer. Here are a few examples you can use:
Example 1:
Hello [manager’s name],
Thank you for sharing the offer details with me. I have reviewed the details and am excited to join your firm as a business analyst on 25 January 2021.
If you need any additional information or paperwork from my side before joining, please let me know.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
Example 2:
Hello [manager’s name],
Thank you so much for offering me this opportunity. I am delighted to accept your offer and look forward to being a valuable member of your organization.
As mentioned earlier, my compensation will be [your salary], and I will be eligible for benefits after two months of work. I am thrilled to start working on 15 February.
Please let me know if you need any documentation or process to be completed by me before joining.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
FAQs
Can You Negotiate a Job Offer After Verbally Accepting?
After agreeing to an offer, you shouldn’t try negotiating with employers. Instead, you should ask for time to review the work details before agreeing to it.
Can You Reject a Job Offer After Verbally Accepting?
Declining an offer after agreeing can leave a wrong impression on your recruiter. But you can still do it by politely talking to your recruiter and giving him a legitimate reason for turning down the offer. Also, remember to check the office policies before rejecting the offer.