After sending in applications and going through an interview process or two, companies will let you know if you got the job, or if you should keep looking. The wait period can be stressful, but at this point in the process you will probably know where you prefer to work.

You’ve just received a call from one company who wants to hire you, but you’re waiting to hear back about another application for a job you were more interested in. What do you do? You can’t accept the job at location number one until you receive an answer from location two, but how do you politely say, “I need a little time to think?”

Whether or not the job is your top pick, take a moment to thank them for considering you for the position. Someone in recruiting or human resources invested time getting you through the hiring process. You don’t want to insult them by seeming unenthusiastic about their proposition, or ungrateful of their efforts.

Once you have shown appreciation, ask about getting back to them by a set date. Most companies (including Reynolds and Reynolds) often want to hear back quickly once they have extended an offer, so you shouldn’t wait more than two or three days to provide an answer. If you’re in a tight pinch, you can ask for a week, but no longer. Stick to whatever date you agreed upon, or you may risk having your offer withdrawing.

Once you’re off the phone with location one, contact location two. Let them know you need to hear back soon and are beginning to receive other offers. If you don’t put any pressure on the other company, you may not hear back before time runs out on your wait period.

When your time period is up, or when you have made your final decision, call the company waiting on your answer. Ask them any remaining questions, and then give them your response. Have your answer written down in front of you to convey your message clearly and professionally.

If you’re declining the position, don’t burn bridges. People who you declined previously could stand between you and a future position. Let them know you are honored, but you don’t think the job is an ideal fit for you. If you’re accepting the offer, let them know how excited you are to begin working at their company.

Putting a job offer on hold is serious business, and should be avoided if at all possible. Let your favorite company know they are your number one choice, and to contact you as soon as they are ready to move onto the next step of the hiring process.

Always be thoughtful and considerate during the process, and concentrate your efforts on landing your dream job.