What to do when you're offered a job and you need more time to decide

Tony Alter/flickr

"We're calling to offer you the job. Congratulations!"

You've been waiting so long to hear those words. But you're not quite ready to accept. You say you'll get back to them "as soon as possible." But then that second call comes in.

"Have you made a decision yet?"

You haven't. And you need more time.

This is a situation many people find themselves in.

"You don't want to jump at the opportunity — nor do you want to seem uninterested," says Lynn Taylor, a national workplace expert and the author of "Tame Your Terrible Office Tyrant: How to Manage Childish Boss Behavior and Thrive in Your Job."

So how do you politely stall to ultimately get what you want?

"The company may try to push you to make a decision in a short period of time, but a little push back is often expected, as daunting as that might seem with a prospective employer," Taylor says.

She says even if you plan to take some time with your decision, you should always acknowledge the job offer promptly. "A general rule of thumb is that you can take two to three days for your final response," she says. "If the employer is vague about the requested response time, you may have up to a week, but a lot depends on the circumstances."

Most employers understand that you need time to think over the opportunity and that it's an important decision. If they don't and use hardball tactics, that should be a red flag — and you may have just dodged a large bullet.

Here are some steps to follow to help you bide time, but stay in the game:

Flickr/jlloya

Show excitement and gratitude

You can be enthusiastic and gracious without giving an immediate response, Taylor says. "Let them know that you're very appreciative of the offer, but would like a little time to make an informed decision."

Understand the whole picture

Are there remaining questions you must ask that will help tie up any loose ends? Have all compensation factors been addressed beyond salary, such as bonuses, medical, dental and vision coverage, vacation time, frequency of reviews, 401(k) plans, stock, a company phone, car, personal time off, training, education, and other perks? Have you evaluated the culture and things like your expected hours and commute time? By asking for more time, you have created room to get more clarification, she explains.

Plus, asking questions is a good way to stall for time.

Ask for a specific amount of time

Give a specific date: "I greatly appreciate this offer and I'm really excited about working with your company. I wonder if I could have until Wednesday to get back to you on this opportunity." "Stay true to your deadline, or risk the offer being withdrawn," says Taylor.

See the rest of the story at Business Insider