News & Views: Juggling Multiple Job Offers

In a candidate-driven job market, when job seekers are going on several interviews, many are also getting multiple job offers.  While this may seem like an ideal situation for any candidate to be in, if you don’t balance it properly, you can damage your reputation and your career.

Admittedly, receiving multiple job offers is one of the more pleasant predicaments in the job search process.  But before you get caught up in the frenzy, think first about your long-term career goals and how you want to position yourself with your prospective new employers.

Juggling multiple job offers requires a delicate balance.  It is tempting not to think about the future, but you should consider your entire career, not just this next job.  You don’t want to burn bridges at the organizations where you don’t accept a post.  If you properly manage the process, you can leave the door open to revisit the company in a few years.  It is also possible that the job you accept won’t work out, and you may want to speak to other organizations again in the short term.

If you’re working with a search firm, your advisors can help you navigate these tricky situations.  But if you are embarking on this process alone, how can you handle multiple job offers while keeping your career and your reputation on track?  The following are tips for job seekers juggling multiple offers:

Be honest.  This is not the time for secrecy, or for leading a hiring manager on about your interest in their company when you are waiting for offers from other organizations.  Let prospective employers know up front that you are interviewing at several companies.

Communication is key.  Keep the lines of communication open.  If you’re progressing toward an offer at Company B, let Companies A and C know so they can adequately respond.  They may be able to move the process along more quickly on their end if they have notice. 

Timing is everything.  Hopefully, if you are open and honest with the hiring managers you are working with, you will receive several offers at the same time.  You can then make a decision about where you will accept a position.  Unfortunately, this doesn’t always happen.  You may not have the luxury of having all offers on the table before you have to decide. 

Be courteous.  If you want to wait to see if you’ll get an offer from another organization, be considerate of the first company’s position and their need to fill the post.  It is acceptable to ask a hiring manager to wait for an answer within a reasonable time frame.  There may be a sense of urgency to fill the position, or they may have a back-up candidate ready to accept.  Asking for a few days to mull over the offer is okay, but asking for a few weeks is not.

Make an informed decision.  Despite all your planning, you may be in a position where you have to give Company A an answer before you hear back from Company B.  Many people have a tendency to jump at the first offer.  Other people have a “grass is greener” mentality and will wait for something better to come along.  Neither is a sound strategy when making a decision about a new job.  In these situations, you need to trust your gut, but you should also base your decision on the information you have available.  Do you feel that the job is a good fit for you professionally?  Will it be challenging?  How is the culture?  Are the salary and benefits packages compatible?  Is there opportunity to advance? 

Tread carefully when discussing money.  Talking about salary is often uncomfortable, but it can be even more difficult if you are fielding multiple job offers.  It is never a good idea to pit one company or offer against another.  Be honest, but avoid talking specifics.  For example you may say, “Company B has made me an offer toward the higher range of the salary we discussed.  I really feel like your company is a better fit for me, but I need to ask if there is any wiggle room in your offer.”  You may be able to negotiate a compromise. 

Juggling multiple job offers can be complicated, but if you manage the process properly, you will find the right position for you now, and ensure that you will have many opportunities open to you in the future!

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