Managing Multiple Job Offers

Multiple Job Offers : You thought having choices would be great but now realize that managing multiple job offers is not easy!

Isn’t always the way, you have been searching for weeks or months and now you have a few companies interested in you – great. You even have a firm offer… just not from your first choice company.

What should you do?

1- Delay the first company
Most companies will expect you to take a few days to review the job offer so don’t be shy in asking for time. Here are some delay tactics.

i. Thank the employer for the offer and simply ask for some time to review it: “I am very excited to review this offer. Can I get back to you by the end of the week with my response?”
ii. Request time to review the offer with your significant other.
iii. If the job require relocation, ask for time to visit the area.
iv. Is there any one else in the department you would like to meet prior to making your decision? If yes, ask to meet with that/those persons.
v. Just be honest and let the employer now you are considering another job offer: “ I have another possibility which is in a very similar stage and I wonder if you can comfortably give me a few days to asses the situation and make a decision?”.

2- Speed up the other company
There are many reasons why a company may be taking time in making you an offer. However, if you feel the company is sincerely interested in your candidacy you can gently press the company for an offer by saying something like: “ In order to be forthright with company A, I feel obliged to give them an answer on their job offer. However, I would really prefer to hear something from your company and am hoping that it is an equally attractive offer.” If you still do not get a clear offer, but are still hoping to land the job, you can be more direct and ask how long a delay they expect before giving you an answer.

Do not accept a job offer to only turn it down a couple of days or weeks later… this will ultimately only hurt you and your credibility.

As well, be careful in playing one company off the other. Negotiating is important. However, if you are not considering another offer do not say you are. Many companies will be able to tell if you are bluffing – and may call your bluff leaving you with no offer!

Once you have made your decision, you may need to turn down a job offer.

It is very important to do this right. Review these pages to learn how turn down a job offer while maintaining your contacts and credibility.

Good luck

Decline a job offer
Decline a job offer without losing your contacts
Decline job offer letter

Return from Managing multiple job offers to Accepting a Job Offer

Return from Multiple Job offers to Finding the Perfect Job Home