Offer emails often end with a soft deadline. Candidates who reply within the hour sometimes lock themselves into terms they have not read carefully.
Acknowledge, then pause
A short thank-you that confirms receipt and names a realistic review date is usually welcome. You are not rejecting the offer by asking for a few days to read the contract draft.
Sequence matters
If only an offer letter exists, request the full employment contract before final salary negotiation. Negotiating base pay twice — once on the letter and again on contract clauses — exhausts goodwill.
When speed is real
Visa timelines, competing offers, or a stated hard deadline change the rhythm. Offer letter assessment sessions exist for exactly those compressed windows: a 45-minute read so you know what must be decided today versus next week.