Is it okay to say that you need some time before you accept a job offer?

Hunchback

I have done a couple of rounds of interviews for a job. I may not have gotten the position, but if I did, is it acceptable to say that you need some time to consider the offer before you accept?

And if it is okay to say this, how long is usually okay?

I did not know the level of pay when I was applying. I just found out at the end of the second round interview. It is slightly less than I would have hoped for.

VincePP

Look at the after tax amount - if salary is over 34k, then about 50% over that is tax, so a 2k difference is really 1k net.

Then look at the opportunities - if the company has 20+ employees there's probably a chance of advancement.

Then look at location - close to home and less travel is worth a few bob.

And then general feeling about the company and others who work there. Happy work environment is worth credit.

Do some checking over the weekend, have some questions ready, but also have your answer ready - if not, best to say "thanks, you would love to accept, but can you give 24 hours to give confirmation"

Manach

Counter Offer?
In that if part of the initial offer is not what is expected, either propose a slightly higher offer or else ask for another (eg an education grant). This would give some time while this is being considered. One cavaet, there is a slight risk to this strategy but the payback would be worth it.

Hunchback

Thanks Vince. Those are certainly factors that I will consider, in particular the travel.

Wabbit Ears

If they offer you the job simply say the offer is less than you would have expected for the position considering your suitability and experience.

You get really only ONE chance to get the money you require for a job and that is at this stage. All promises of pay raises, salary reviews etc mean nothing. It's what you start on that matters.

Of course there are exceptions to this but that's what they are, rare exceptions.

Hunchback

Thank you all for your input.

CK.

Hunchback

I would contribute more to the generous responses, but a part of me is concerned that my interviewer is out there in the ether reading this thread, so I don't want to go into specifics.

Thanks again to all!

2Mad2BeMad

Honestly OP, If you feel like you can get more, try it.
But if you don't get offered jobs often or find it hard to get interviews for your field

accept it, do the probation period then ask about a raise. Basically if you make it past the probation period, they will feel your worth keeping around.
Then all you have to do is ask them am I worth a little more.

2Mad2BeMad

Honestly OP, If you feel like you can get more, try it.
But if you don't get offered jobs often or find it hard to get interviews for your field

accept it, do the probation period then ask about a raise. Basically if you make it past the probation period, they will feel your worth keeping around.
Then all you have to do is ask them am I worth a little more.