If I sense an impending offer on a job I want, I like to keep the script below in my wallet. Option 1 deals with a situation where you’d like to request a larger salary, negotiate benefits, etc., and this is done much better in person. Or there may be a health, family, or childcare situation that you don’t feel comfortable breezing over on the phone at this point.

1) “That’s great! This is the culmination of my efforts to take the best next step in my career. I’m sure I’m the right person for this position. Could we set up a time to meet, wrap up the details, and discuss a few last questions?”

Then ideally, the hiring manager can schedule a time when you can meet again to address any additional issues or concerns and move forward.

However, you never know when a prospective employer is going to expect a same-conversation acceptance. And if you’ve done the research we discussed earlier and already made up your mind that you want to work there, typically you should be able to make this decision quickly. Sometimes you may lose the top-candidate spot if you ask for too much time. This happened to me once.

On the same call when the hiring manager offered me my first (dream) job at a record label, I asked if I could come in and talk more (about second interview type questions, see if I could nudge the salary up, etc.) Because of this, I almost lost the position. He took this as lack of interest and said, “Sure,” but since I wasn’t accepting outright, that he was going to contact another candidate or two as to their interest. I ended up getting the job, but that was a close call and a big lesson learned. So you’ll need to use your judgment, and ideally be ready to jump on a position if you feel like that door may close quickly. So number 2 below is for that situation.

2) “Great! I accept. This evening I’d like to email you my understanding of everything we’ve discussed, and if you could reply with a Letter Of Hire, then I can look at my calendar (or speak with/give notice to my current employer) and let you know the first date I can begin. And just to let you know ______.” (Since you’ve already been extended the offer and accepted it, this is where you can mention any prior obligations such as your monthly commitment to a professional association, a series of doctor appointments, or a trip you already have set.)

If you’re currently working, you definitely want to go this route, since you don’t want to quit your job before you have something in writing from the new company. Your email should detail title, salary, benefits, travel expectations, and any other important information so you make sure you and the new employer are on the same page. This will also serve as a gentle reminder for the hiring manager to cover these points in your Letter of Hire/Offer Letter. Review this letter closely to make sure it contains everything you understood and are expecting and that nothing important is omitted or looks out of line.

Do you have any job offers you’ve turned down? Why? What do you say when you’re offered a job but not had a chance to discuss salary in person?

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