How long should a company give a candidate to consider a job offer?

General Rule – after you’ve completed the interview process and extended a job offer to your top choice candidate, though you may be eager for their answer, you may need to give them a little time.

Allowing candidates a full calendar week from the time of the offer to consider it is reasonable, though this can vary depending on the circumstances. Giving candidates a week to consider the offer allows them the time to reflect on the position and discuss the offer with family members, if necessary.

Exceptions

While seven days may be the norm, there are plenty of reasons this standard might not apply to you and your situation. For instance, if you’re hiring an independent contractor to work on a new project that begins within a week, you may need to speed up the hiring process. If this is the case, communicate your timeline needs to the candidate when you make the offer.
It can also be the case that the greater the responsibility, the more time the candidate might require. A potential COO, for instance, may need more time because they have a lot of factors to consider.

Conclusion

One week is generally the timeframe a candidate should be given to consider a job offer. When a different timeline is necessary, communicating your needs with the candidate can help find a plan that works for all parties.

Helpful Links:

What Goes In a Job Offer Letter
Hiring? Use These Job Offer Letter Samples and Templates
Offer and Acceptance Etiquette – Bloomberg.com