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The Power of Delay: How Quick Acceptance of Job Offers Can Lead to Regret

Updated: Aug 22, 2023

Learn the Benefits of Delaying Acceptance, and Tactics to Avoid Regret in Job Negotiations


Have you ever experienced regret after quickly accepting an offer, only to realize later that you could have negotiated for more? This is true for salary negotiations as well. Research by Adam D. Galinsky, a social psychologist from Columbia University, suggests that quick acceptance can sometimes lead to regret, as the other party may feel they gave away too much.




Benefits of delaying acceptance:


Delaying acceptance gives you the power to avoid regret and ensure that both parties feel they have achieved a fair outcome. It creates an opportunity to extract additional value from the negotiation and potentially secure a more favorable outcome than the original offer. By following the strategies provided and communicating effectively, you can master the art of delay and unlock the following benefits:

  1. Avoid Regret: By taking the time to thoroughly evaluate the offer and negotiate further, you can avoid the regret of accepting a deal too quickly and feeling like you left value on the table.

  2. Extract More Value: Delaying acceptance allows you to leverage the momentum of the negotiation and extract additional value, such as higher price, better terms, or additional concessions, for a more favorable outcome.

  3. Ensure Fair Outcome: Delaying acceptance ensures that both parties feel they have achieved a fair outcome, as it creates a perception that neither party got a better deal or gave away too much

Strategies for Mastering the Art of Delay:


  1. Express Appreciation: Start by expressing your appreciation for the offer and your interest in the job, setting a positive tone and keeping the rapport, you have already built, going at full swing.

  2. Seek Additional Information: Ask for more details or clarifications about the role to gain a better understanding and identify potential areas which will aid in asking more in the negotiation.

  3. Provide a Timeline: Communicate a timeline for when you will provide your final decision, being proactive and respectful of the company's time.

  4. Prepare to Ask for more: Use the additional time to research industry standards, compare with other options, and prepare your negotiation strategy with compelling arguments and evidence.

  5. Communicate Clearly: When you are ready to respond, communicate your decision and any counteroffers or requests in a clear and professional manner, striving for a collaborative outcome.

Example script:


"I am grateful for the job offer and the opportunity to join your company. However, I would like to request some additional time to thoroughly evaluate the offer and consider my options. Would it be possible for me to get back to you within the next [insert timeline] with my final decision?"


Mastering the art of delay in negotiations can empower you to avoid regret, extract more value, and achieve a fair outcome for both parties. By following the actionable strategies and effective communication techniques provided, you can enhance your negotiating power and achieve better results. Remember to be prudent, respectful of timeline expectations, and professional in your approach to negotiation.


Enroll in my complimentary training course, "Know Your Worth and Fight for It: 7 Simple Steps to Negotiating the Job Offer of Your Dreams," if you're truly committed to increasing your income by acquiring the essential skills to determine your value and advocate for it. My course offers practical strategies to help you discover your leverage, navigate challenging questions, and be prepared for unexpected obstacles.


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