UK Job Offer Playbook · 2026
How do I ask for more time to decide on a job offer?
Why this matters
Time is your single biggest negotiating asset. The longer you have, the more you can compare offers, do due diligence on the company, negotiate package, and avoid emotional decisions. UK employers expect a 1-2 day response on most offers; pushing for longer is normal but needs to be done politely with a specific reason and a confirmed deadline.
Step-by-step playbook
1) Don't ask in the offer call/meeting — say 'thank you, I'll review and come back to you' to buy 24 hours minimum automatically. 2) Within those 24 hours, work out how much time you actually need (final-stage process elsewhere? family/partner discussion? checking the contract terms?). 3) Email asking for the specific extension with a reason. Don't apologise; frame it as wanting to commit fully. 4) Always give a specific response date. 5) Stick to the date — late response signals disorganisation. 6) If your reason is 'another process' say so honestly but generally; don't name the company. 7) If you need more than 7 days, expect the employer to pressure for a partial commitment; be ready to either accept verbally subject to written confirmation OR explain why you need full time.
Word-for-word script / template
Email templates: **Standard 48-72 hours:** 'Hi [Name], Thank you for the offer for [Role]. I'd like to take 48 hours to review the full package and the contract carefully. I'll come back to you by [day, date, time] with my decision. Thank you, [Your name]' **Longer extension (5-10 days) for competing process:** 'Hi [Name], Thank you again for the offer. I want to be transparent: I'm in the final stages of a parallel process and don't want to commit to either before having the full picture. I'd like to come back to you by [date — give 5-7 days] with a definite answer. Please let me know if this timing works. I'm genuinely excited about [Company] and the role — this isn't hesitation, it's wanting to make a fully-informed decision. Thank you, [Your name]'
What NOT to do
Don't: take the offer and go silent; say 'I just need a little while' (be specific); apologise repeatedly; promise to decide 'as soon as possible'; ignore reminders; ask for time after already verbally accepting; pretend you don't have other offers when you do (employers can usually tell); take 2 weeks then ask for more (you'll lose the offer).
Worked example
Aisha had a final-round interview elsewhere on the day Company A made an offer. She emailed Company A: 'I want to be transparent — I'm in the final stage with another process this Thursday. Can I come back to you by Friday end of day?' Company A agreed. She got the second offer Thursday, accepted Company A on Friday with negotiated extras after using the second offer as evidence. Without the time, she'd have either accepted Company A on the spot (no leverage) or lost the second process entirely.
Recruiter pro tip
The difference between 'I need to think' and 'Could I come back to you by Friday end of day' is huge. The first signals indecision; the second signals professionalism. Always frame your time request with a specific commitment date, and always meet that date with a definite answer (yes, no, or a specific counter). Asking for time twice on the same offer is usually fatal.
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