Is it ok to wait a couple days before you accept job offer?

Ardneth · Apr 5, 2011

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable to tell them that you would like some time to consider the offer. As a matter of fact, a good rule of thumb is to always say that whether they offer you the job at the interview or call you at a later date and offer you the position on the phone. When they offer you the position, they will give you the final offer details or send you an offer letter detailing the specifics. They would expect you to take a couple of days to look over it. Typically, the general rule of thumb for non-executive positions is about 2-5 days. Asking for a week or more may get you shot down (meaning that they'll turn around and say they need an answer sooner). But it doesn't hurt to ask.

netglow, ASN, RN · Apr 5, 2011

Don't know if you have been a nurse for many years, or if you are a new nurse?! EVERYBODY from all levels comes to this board and says its hard to: find a NG job, change jobs, change specialties, find work if you have many years experience. Jobs that look good to you have many applicants as they look good to everybody else too! You gotta do what you feel you need to do, so just do that. But you know that, the whole nursing thing is just so in a bad place these days, nobody is friendly, considerate, tolerant of anybody or anything anymore.

bsyrn, ASN, RN · Apr 5, 2011

Within 4 days, they may offer the position to someone else....just my 2 cents :)

JulieCVICURN, BSN, RN · Apr 5, 2011

If you are going to wait to let them know, which should be perfectly acceptable, just ask them. "Can I have a couple of days to consider this and get back to you?". It's actually a sign of professionalism that you don't just jump on it. If they don't want to allow you to wait a couple of days, they'll tell you when they need an answer. Although the job market is flooded, not every applicant is stellar. If they liked you enough to hire you, they will wait a couple of extra days.

caliotter3 · Apr 5, 2011

They may tell you that you have four days to consider, then when you get back to them, another person has already started orientation to that position. That is the way employers conduct themselves in this economy.

Luv2care0907 · Apr 5, 2011

Hi. I am wondering if it is ok within nursing to wait a couple days to get back to a hospital when they offer you a job then and there at the interview. Reason is, still interviewing for other jobs within the same couple days. Also, want to see which ones I get as I would like to work more than one job. Want to compare benefits...Back six years ago, I did get all the jobs I interviewed for and had four to choose from. I told all that I needed the weekend to thouroughly make my decision, as I wanted to stay wherever I was going to work for a long time. But in this economy, I am wondering if it is still ok to get back, say, within 4 days? Suggestions? Also how to phrase it so I don't look as if I am shunning a perfectly good job offer??? thank you all in advance...and happiness to you all!

I am amazed at this.

nightengalegoddess · Apr 5, 2011

Just asking, why so amazed? Not really too odd, I don't think to have a couple or more job offers at one time for an experienced RN. Know new grads are really having a hard time. So, I am wondering, is it really seeming crazy not to jump at the first thing offered? Perhaps I should just take the jobs and then bail later if/when I figure out that I need to be working other hospitals, hours, or getting better benefits somewhere else? Now, I'm really confused. : ) If I get an offer in writting, it seems that they can't just give it away over the weekend?

Malefocker, BSN, RN · Apr 5, 2011

K I am not a nurse yet however if an employer offered me a job and told me that I had 4 days to accept the offer and then hired someone else within that 4 days... well then that is not an employer I would want to work for anyway!!! I agree with the other posters when you are offered the position ask them if you can have however many days you need. If they want you to make a decision sooner they will let you know!

CrunchRN, ADN, RN · Apr 5, 2011

No good answer here. You are taking your chances. If you have a pretty good feeling you may have better chances in the offing then ask for the time. If not then I wouldn't chance it.

Luv2care0907 · Apr 5, 2011

Just asking, why so amazed? Not really too odd, I don't think to have a couple or more job offers at one time for an experienced RN. Know new grads are really having a hard time. So, I am wondering, is it really seeming crazy not to jump at the first thing offered? Perhaps I should just take the jobs and then bail later if/when I figure out that I need to be working other hospitals, hours, or getting better benefits somewhere else? Now, I'm really confused. : ) If I get an offer in writting, it seems that they can't just give it away over the weekend?

I assume you have recent hospital experience. If so, the sky's the limit as far as I can see. I wanted that kind of reception when I came back in 2009. Instead, I can't get my foot in the door. Thanks for sharing and best wishes!

rn4ever? · Apr 5, 2011

I don't expect someone to accept the job offer right away or on the spot. I think 24 hours is good enough to decide whether or not you want it/will accept it. But 4 days? If I were the HR personnel, I'd sure be thinking that you are not that interested in the job, and that the candidate is "shopping around for a better offer"-----and it's really obvious. If you could "shop around" in those 4 days, why can't the employer do the same?