What To Do if You Receive a Verbal Job Offer

A verbal job offer is one of the most common ways for employers to communicate with candidates after they have been selected for a position. However, before acting on a verbal offer, you must first understand what it entails. Taking this into consideration, this article on Indeed explains what a verbal job offer is, how it differs from a written offer and provides some useful tips for responding in the best way possible.

How to respond to a verbal job offer?

The article begins by defining a verbal job offer as an informal way of informing candidates that they have been selected for a position, as well as the fundamental difference between it and a written job offer. A written job offer is generally in the form of an electronic or a physical document, whereas a verbal job offer is spoken to the person being considered for the role.

The article recommends expressing gratitude as one of the first effective steps in responding to this sort of job offer. It is critical that you express your gratitude because it shows the employers that they made the right decision in considering hiring you and helps to start the conversation on a positive note. The article discusses thinking through the offer, clarifying any doubts you may have about the offer, and, if necessary, requesting some time to consider the details of the arrangement, as another important tip to keep in mind when responding to it. But, it is also advised to keep your time frame respectful as companies need to fill the role as soon as possible. In addition, the article emphasizes that following up after making a decision and negotiating the pay after considering all aspects of the offer are equally important aspects of navigating a job offer verbally.

One of the imperative and final tips for navigating a verbal job offer, according to the article, is to request a written job offer, especially if it is not received within 48 hours of the verbal offer. The article also emphasizes the significance of understanding and noticing the difference between the phrases “contract of employment” and “at-will” verbiage when signing a written job offer. The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of continuing your job search to ensure you do not miss out on any other opportunities while waiting for confirmation, as you may receive a second job offer during the process that is a better fit for your lifestyle.