How to deal with multiple job offers
So, you’ve found that you’re in demand. You’ve been to 3 companies. One has already offered you a role. The other two want to meet you for a second interview, and you’re a strong contender to be offered these positions as well. This is an exciting time, but also one which can cause stress. How on earth are you supposed to deal with multiple job offers!?
You might not know this, but in some sectors, there is a real shortage of candidates. I’m going to throw out there, that this does include PR agency roles and all Digital positions! Multiple offers are a pretty regular occurrence, but how you handle them can also have an impact on your career. The last thing you want to do is offend anyone and mean that they wouldn’t consider you for roles in the future.
So, here are 5 top tips for you.
1. Be honest.
If you’re in an interview and you’ve already got an offer, tell the interviewer. Make sure that you tell them their role really appeals to you (if it does), but that you’ve got a time deadline and it is a confirmed offer which you have to consider seriously. Equally, if you really like the offer that you’ve already had, but you know there’s a company which you want to go to a second interview for, tell them! It might be that it appeals for very different reasons, however always give them a timescale.
2. Don’t expect an offer to be open-ended.
Any company which makes you an offer of employment may just decide to change their mind if they don’t think you want to join them. The last thing you want to do is lose the offer that you actually really want.
3. Be courteous in your rejections.
It is your life, and the decisions that you make are yours. But, you never know when you might meet someone who offered you a job, but it wasn’t the right time. The last thing you want to be doing is having to hide in a toilet at an awards ceremony because you’re embarrassed that you didn’t let a client down properly.
4. Be wary of asking for more money.
Clients can, and do withdraw offers. So, if you’re playing one off against another to ensure the maximum salary it may well end in tears. If the offer isn’t what you’re looking for, absolutely negotiate (or ask your recruiter to) to get what you want. But, be aware the answer could be no. An offer that’s genuine, in line with your skills, and above market value is not worth deliberating too long on.
5. Draw up a list of pros and cons even if you haven’t been offered the role yet.
Work out which one you want to work for the most. Don’t forget the softer benefits and the culture; it isn’t always about money. Think about the quality of people you’ll be with on a daily basis, and the one which will get the best out of you. Ask yourself which offer will truly add value to your career.
Remember, we’re here to help! We understand that some candidates often don’t want to tell us that they’ve got another offer because they’re afraid of being sold to, or being made to feel bad. We’re so used to it now. We fully expect people to have more than one offer. We will also always try and see if from your point of view. Candidates turn down jobs every day. It’s part of the role for the recruiter. Whilst it’s frustrating for them, and more for so for the client, it’s worse to push someone into a role and find that they leave really quickly.
