Handling a Verbal Job Offer: What to Do When You Get a Phone Offer

The phone rings, and it’s the hiring manager or recruiter with good news: they want to offer you the job. Your heart races, relief washes over you, and excitement builds. But before you say anything you might regret—or forget to say something important—take a breath.

How you handle a verbal job offer sets the tone for your negotiation, your relationship with your new employer, and your satisfaction with the final terms. This guide will help you navigate this exciting moment professionally and strategically.

Why Companies Give Verbal Offers First

Understanding why verbal offers precede written ones helps you respond appropriately:

Gauging Interest

The employer wants to know if you’re genuinely excited about the opportunity before investing time in paperwork.

Testing the Waters

They may be checking whether the offer terms (especially compensation) will work for you before committing them to writing.

Building Relationship

A personal phone call creates connection and demonstrates that the company values you as more than just a candidate number.

Expediting the Process

Verbal offers allow for quicker dialogue and potential negotiation before the formal offer letter process.

Flexibility

Verbal conversations allow for adjustments before anything is officially documented.

What to Do When You Get the Call

Step 1: Express Enthusiasm (Genuinely)

Regardless of your intentions regarding negotiation or other offers, respond positively to the news:

“Thank you so much! I’m really excited to hear this. I’ve enjoyed the interview process and am very interested in this opportunity.”

Why it matters:

• Sets a positive tone
• Doesn’t commit you to accepting
• Maintains good relationship regardless of outcome

Step 2: Listen Carefully

Let them present the offer details. Take notes on:

• Job title (confirm it matches what you discussed)
• Base salary (annual amount)
• Bonus structure (if any)
• Start date (proposed)
• Benefits overview (health insurance, retirement, PTO)
• Any special terms mentioned

Don’t interrupt with questions or negotiations yet—let them finish presenting.

Step 3: Ask Clarifying Questions

Once they’ve presented the offer, ask about anything unclear:

“Thank you for going through all of that. Could you clarify the bonus structure?”

“What benefits are included?”

“Is the start date flexible?”

“Does the salary include [specific component]?”

Step 4: Request Time to Consider

Even if you’re ready to accept, requesting time to review is standard and expected:

“Thank you for this offer. I’m very excited about the opportunity. Would it be possible to have [timeframe] to review everything and get back to you?”

Typical timeframes:

• 24-48 hours for straightforward decisions
• One week for significant decisions or competing offers
• Negotiate the timeframe if needed

Step 5: Confirm Next Steps

Before ending the call, clarify what happens next:

“Should I expect a written offer to review?”

“Who should I contact if I have additional questions?”

“What’s the best way to respond once I’ve made my decision?”

Questions to Ask During the Call

Be prepared to gather information:

About Compensation

• “What is the base salary for this position?”
• “Is there a bonus component? How is it structured?”
• “Are there equity options or stock grants?”
• “Is the salary negotiable?”

About Benefits

• “Can you overview the health insurance options?”
• “What’s the retirement plan match?”
• “How much PTO is included?”
• “Are there any other benefits I should know about?”

About Logistics

• “What is the proposed start date?”
• “Is the position on-site, remote, or hybrid?”
• “Who would I be reporting to?”
• “Can I expect a written offer letter?”

About Timeline

• “When do you need my decision?”
• “Is there any flexibility on the timeline?”
• “What happens after I accept?”

What NOT to Do During the Call

Don’t Accept Immediately

Even if you’re certain you want the job, taking time to review gives you:

• Leverage for negotiation
• Time to review any written documentation
• Opportunity to consider the full picture
• Protection against impulsive decisions

Don’t Negotiate Aggressively in the First Call

Initial verbal offers are not the time for hard negotiation. Express interest, ask questions, and request time to respond. Save detailed negotiation for a follow-up conversation.

Don’t Reveal Other Offers Prematurely

While competing offers can be leverage, blurting “I have another offer!” immediately can come across poorly. Wait for the appropriate moment in negotiation discussions.

Don’t Make Demands

“I need to know about X or I won’t consider it” creates unnecessary tension. Ask questions calmly and professionally.

Don’t Be Vague About Timeline

If you need a week to decide, say so clearly. Vagueness creates anxiety for the employer and can damage the relationship.

After the Call: What to Do Next

Immediately After

1. Write down everything discussed while it’s fresh
2. Note any unclear points to follow up on
3. Record any deadlines for your decision

That Day or Next Day

1. Send a thank-you email (see template below)
2. Review the offer carefully against your needs
3. Research market rates if you haven’t already
4. Consider the complete package (not just salary)

Before Your Deadline

1. Prepare any negotiation points you want to raise
2. Consult with mentors or advisors if helpful
3. Make your decision
4. Prepare to respond (accept, negotiate, or decline)

Thank-You Email After Verbal Offer

Always send a brief thank-you email following the call:

Subject: Thank You – [Position Title] Offer

Dear [Name],

Thank you for calling today with the offer for the [Position Title] role. I'm excited about the opportunity to join [Company] and appreciate the time you've taken throughout this process.

I'll review the details we discussed and respond by [deadline date]. In the meantime, please let me know if you need anything from me.

Thank you again for this opportunity.

Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Phone Number]

Evaluating the Verbal Offer

Consider these factors before responding:

Compensation

• Does the base salary meet your needs?
• How does total compensation (base + bonus + equity) compare to market?
• How does it compare to your current compensation?
• Is there room for negotiation?

Benefits

• Health insurance quality and cost
• Retirement contributions
• PTO and work-life balance
• Professional development opportunities
• Other perks (wellness, education, etc.)

Role and Growth

• Does the job title align with your goals?
• What’s the growth trajectory?
• Will you learn and develop?
• Does the work excite you?

Company and Culture

• Do you believe in the company’s mission?
• Did you connect with the team?
• Does the culture fit your work style?
• Is the company stable and growing?

Logistics

• Is the commute/remote arrangement workable?
• Does the schedule work for you?
• Does the start date work?

Negotiating After a Verbal Offer

If you want to negotiate, do so professionally:

Timing

• After you’ve received the verbal offer
• Before accepting verbally
• Ideally in a phone or video conversation, not email

Approach

“Thank you again for the offer. I’m very excited about this opportunity. Before I accept, I was hoping we could discuss [compensation/start date/etc.].”

Be Specific

Don’t just say “I want more money.” Present a specific ask with reasoning:

“Based on my research and experience level, I was hoping the base salary could be closer to $X. Is there flexibility there?”

Be Prepared for Different Outcomes

• Yes: Great! Move forward
• No: Decide if you can accept the original offer
• Partial: Evaluate if the compromise works for you

Know When to Stop

Don’t negotiate every detail endlessly. Make your key asks, accept the response, and move forward.

Moving from Verbal to Written Offer

A verbal offer is promising but not binding. Always get written confirmation:

Why Written Offers Matter

• Creates legal record of agreed terms
• Prevents miscommunication about details
• Protects both parties
• Required for background checks, visa processes, etc.

What the Written Offer Should Include

• Job title and department
• Start date
• Base salary
• Bonus structure (if any)
• Equity/stock (if any)
• Benefits summary
• Work location/arrangement
• Reporting structure
• Any contingencies (background check, etc.)

If There’s No Written Offer

If days pass without a written offer:

“Hi [Name], I wanted to follow up on our conversation from [date]. I’m excited about the offer and wanted to confirm when I might receive the written offer letter to review and sign. Thank you!”

Don’t Resign Until You Have a Written Offer

Wait until you have the written offer—and ideally have signed it—before resigning from your current job. Verbal offers, while serious, can theoretically be rescinded.

Handling Multiple Offers

If you have competing offers:

Be Honest About Timeline

“I’m in the process of interviewing with other companies as well. I want to be transparent that I’ll need to align my decision timeline.”

Don’t Play Games

Fabricating offers or exaggerating their terms can backfire. Companies often know each other’s typical ranges.

Compare Thoughtfully

Use a comparison framework:

• Total compensation
• Role and growth potential
• Company and culture
• Work-life balance
• Long-term career fit

Communicate Professionally

If declining an offer, do so graciously:

“Thank you so much for the offer. After careful consideration, I’ve decided to accept another opportunity that aligns more closely with my current career goals. I’ve genuinely appreciated the time you’ve invested in my candidacy.”

Common Verbal Offer Scenarios

”We Need an Answer Today”

Pressure tactics deserve pushback:

“I appreciate the urgency, and I’m very interested. However, this is an important decision, and I want to make it thoughtfully. Could I have until [reasonable date] to give you a definitive answer?”

Offer Is Lower Than Expected

Don’t reject immediately:

“Thank you for the offer. I’m excited about the role. The compensation is a bit lower than I was anticipating based on my experience and market research. Is there flexibility to discuss the salary?”

They Ask for an Immediate Decision

“I’d prefer not to make a decision I might regret. I’d like to review everything carefully and respond by [date]. Would that work?”

The Role Changed from What You Interviewed For

Clarify before accepting:

“I want to make sure I understand—the role as described seems slightly different from what we discussed during interviews. Could you help me understand [specific difference]?”

Red Flags to Watch For

Concerning Signs

• Pressure for immediate acceptance
• Significant differences from what was discussed in interviews
• Reluctance to provide written confirmation
• Vague answers about compensation or benefits
• Offer contingent on concerning conditions

Trust Your Instincts

If something feels off, it probably is. Ask questions, seek clarification, and trust your judgment.

Conclusion

A verbal job offer is an exciting milestone in your job search. Handling it professionally—expressing enthusiasm while maintaining composure, asking smart questions, requesting time to decide, and eventually negotiating if appropriate—sets you up for success in your new role.

Remember:

• Express genuine enthusiasm
• Take notes on all details
• Request time to consider
• Always get a written offer
• Negotiate professionally if needed
• Trust your instincts about fit

The way you handle this conversation affects not just your immediate compensation but your relationship with your future employer. Approach it with the same professionalism and preparation you brought to your interviews.

Resources like 0portfolio.com can help you prepare for every stage of the job search, from resume creation through offer negotiation. But when that phone call comes, your preparation and poise will carry you through.

Congratulations on getting the offer. Now handle it wisely.