When you receive an offer and want the job, don’t hesitate. Any delay may prompt the company to start calling backups and result in the offer being unexpectedly withdrawn.
You may be the best candidate they’ll find, but you might simply be the best they have found…so far.
If you feel you need some time to dive into the details of the offer, reiterate your interest and give assurances that you will get back to them ASAP. In fact, set a day.
Further, if you’re currently unemployed, consider contracting if it’s offered. It can be a win-win for you and the company. Start dates can be as soon as tomorrow, thorny relocation questions don’t come into play, and while you get a feel for the employer, they can judge your fit for the position. Contracting relationships often result in long-term full-time employment.
Remember, when you say you need to “think about it,” it makes the company start thinking about their options too.