How to respond to a job offer email — 3 templates (accept, negotiate, delay)

You got the email. The offer is in writing. Salary, start date, benefits — all spelled out. Now your reply is the next move in the negotiation, and the wording matters more than people realize. Reply the wrong way and you look eager, uncertain, or unprepared. Reply the right way and you buy time, leverage, and often $5,000–$20,000 more.

There are exactly three responses you ever need to send. This guide gives you the structure, the exact wording, and when to use each one.

The 3 responses, ranked by how often you'll use them

1. Acknowledge + ask for time — the safe default for almost every offer
2. Acknowledge + counter-offer — when you're ready to negotiate now
3. Accept as-is — only if it's already above market and you have no leverage

Response #1 — Acknowledge and ask for time (default)

Use when: the offer just landed and you need 2–7 days to research comp, talk to a partner, or finish another interview loop. This response resets the clock professionally — almost every recruiter will say yes.

What to send (within 24 hours of the offer):

Why this works: you've expressed enthusiasm (no "we'll see" energy), you've given a specific date (no vague "a week or two"), and you've offered a call (signals professionalism, not foot-dragging). Recruiters accept this almost universally because pushing back signals desperation on their side.

Response #2 — Acknowledge and counter-offer

Use when: you've already done the research, the offer is below target, and you're ready to negotiate in this reply.

The structure: gratitude (1 sentence) → enthusiasm (1 sentence) → the ask with justification (2–3 sentences) → openness to structure (1 sentence) → sign-off. Total length: 6–8 sentences. Never longer.

Real outcome example: Engineer offered $120K, market mid was $128K. Countered at $135K citing Levels.fyi + a competing final-round. Landed $130K base + $8K signing. +$18K year one. One email. Zero drama.

Response #3 — Accept as-is

Use when: offer is already above market, you have no competing offers, and asking for more would have near-zero expected value. Even here, most people should still ask for a signing bonus or extra PTO — those are free asks.

The 4 things to never do in an offer reply

• Don't accept verbally on the phone before you've seen the written offer. "I'd love to — let me see it in writing first" is the right answer.
• Don't reply within 5 minutes, even if you're thrilled. It signals you have no alternative.
• Don't ask for everything at once (base + signing + equity + PTO + remote). Pick the 2 that matter most.
• Don't apologize. "Sorry to ask…" or "I know this is a lot…" weakens the ask. Be direct and warm, not apologetic.

How long should the reply be?

Under 150 words. Recruiters read on phones. Long emails get skimmed, and the ask gets lost. The counter-offer kit templates are all under 120 words — structured so the number you're asking for is in the second paragraph, not buried.

When should you send it?

Within 24 hours — never more than 48. Waiting longer doesn't buy you leverage; it just introduces anxiety for the hiring manager. A fast, clean reply that asks for time or counters is the professional move.

Related reads

• Counter-offer email — real example
• Should I negotiate the offer?
• How much to ask for
• What happens when you negotiate
• Follow-up after counter-offer