I Got a Job Offer But Am Still Waiting to Hear From Another
This is one of the most common - and most stressful - moments in a job search. Here is exactly what to do, what to say, and how to buy yourself more time without burning a bridge.
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Do not accept or decline immediately
You are entitled to a reasonable amount of time to make a major decision. Most companies will give you 3-7 business days as a baseline. Never accept under pressure.
Contact the company you are waiting on - today
Email or call your contact at the second company and tell them you have received an offer with a deadline, and ask where they are in their process. This is standard professional behaviour. Do not bluff about the offer or exaggerate the deadline.
Ask the offering company for an extension
A polite, brief request for a short extension is almost always granted. The email template below handles this for you. Aim for 5-7 additional business days.
Do not tell the offering company who the other company is
You can say "I have another process underway" without naming the competitor. This is professional and expected.
Make a decision before the final deadline - even if the second company has not responded
If your extension expires and you still have not heard back from the second company, you need to decide based on what you know. Do not let the first offer expire hoping the second will come through.
How to ask for more time (copy this email)
Hi [Name],
Thank you so much for the offer - I'm genuinely excited about the role and the team. I want to make this decision carefully and thoughtfully, and I'd appreciate a short extension to do so. Would it be possible to have until [date, 5-7 business days from their deadline]?
I want to be fully committed when I accept, and I think a brief extra window will help me do that. Please let me know if this works.
Thank you again,
[Your name]
What if they will not extend the deadline?
Some companies genuinely cannot extend due to internal processes. In that case, you have two choices: accept based on what you know, or decline and take your chances with the second company. Neither is wrong - but make an active choice rather than letting the deadline lapse.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is it normal to have two job offers at the same time?
More common than you would think, especially if you are an active job seeker. The key is handling both processes professionally and honestly.
Should I tell the second company I have an offer?
Yes. Tell them you have an offer with a deadline and ask about their timeline. This often accelerates their process. Do not fabricate an offer you do not have.
How long should I ask for?
Request 5-7 business days beyond their stated deadline. Asking for more than 2 weeks is generally unreasonable unless you have a very specific personal reason.
What if the second company is my dream job but the offer is from a solid company?
This is a values decision, not a strategy question. Consider: what would you regret more - turning down the first offer, or never knowing if the second would have come?
Can I negotiate while I am waiting?
Yes. If you are going to accept the first offer regardless, use the window to negotiate salary or start date. Having another offer - even unnamed - gives you real leverage.
What if I accept the first offer and then get the second one?
You can still decline an accepted offer, though it is professionally uncomfortable and should be done as quickly as possible. Do not ghost - call or email promptly and apologise sincerely.
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