- While daunting at first, having multiple job offers can often be a good problem.
- This means more than one business wants you as an employee.
- But how do you decide which business to work for?
- And as you take time to decide, how do you juggle your prospects?
- Read the following article to find out.
It was once a rare occurrence when a job seeker would receive multiple offers of employment from different business entities. Yet now with the employment market as tight as is, multiple job offers have lately become more pronounced.
Given this, the question that all job seekers should have is “What should I do if I receive more than one job offer?”
Keep reading to learn the seven main steps job hunters need to consider regarding multiple job offers, particularly if their skill set is of a type that is highly specialized and desired within their job market.
1. Realize what the real job is.
It can be very complimentary to find that your talents are wanted by multiple businesses. And while it is an admirable feat to be desired by so many, you should also remember that while you applied to a specific job, there can be the possibility that same job may vary from one business to another.
With that in mind, it is wise to investigate every aspect of the job as it pertains to each employer that wants to hire you.
If possible, look into what requirements each of your employment suitors will hold you accountable to. In the article How to Juggle Multiple Job Offers, which was recently published on The Balance Careers.com it is stated that a job seeker will want to learn all there is to know about each opportunity so that they can have an active comparative from one employer to the next.
While doing this, it is important that you conduct yourself discreetly. You wouldn’t want to turn off any of the employers or lead them to believe that you don't place a high value on their job offer to you.
Handled carefully, this can be an opportunity to accept an offer for the job that's best for you at this point in your career. Whether you're looking for more money, a flexible schedule or a different set of responsibilities, you can compare and contrast offers to help with your decision-making.
2. Don’t say “yes,” but don’t be unenthusiastic or dismissing of one opportunity over another.
The article suggests that any time you receive an attractive offer, express a high level of excitement and appreciation for the offer.
Of course, you need to clarify when the employer needs to know your decision, and whatever you do, do not accept the offer on the spot if you have other attractive options to consider.
The Balance Career.com suggests the following as to what one should say when they find out they have multiple job offers:
"Thank you. I am so excited to receive your offer! I believe this position is an excellent fit for me at this point in my career. When do you need to know my official decision? I will give this my utmost attention and get back to you by Wednesday."
3. Which offer is more preferable to you?
If you receive multiple offers from hiring managers within the same deadline period for acceptance, your task will simply be to decide which option is preferable. Make sure you have all the information necessary about both options to make a rational choice. If not, reach out to the employer and seek clarification about any lingering uncertainties regarding benefits, advancement, working conditions, job content, supervision or any other questions you may have.
4. If you’re still undecided develop a decision matrix.
Trying to make a decision about one job over the other when you’ve been given multiple offers can be taxing. The process, of course, can take time. And while you shouldn’t rush, as the three previous steps outline, sooner or later you will have to make a decision.
The article on The Balance Careers.com suggests the following as a matrix:
List the 7 - 10 factors that you most value in a job, such as salary, benefits, stress level, learning potential, advancement opportunity, flexibility, work/life balance, etc.
Then assign a weight on a scale of 1 - 10 reflecting the importance of each factor to you.
Finally, assign a value from 1 - 10 indicating how much of that factor each job gives you.
Example: if you assign a level of importance of 7 for advancement and a particular job provides a potential fulfillment of 6 for that factor, then you have a total weight 42 for advancement.
Do the same for all your decision factors and compare the totals for the jobs in contention. Use this information in conjunction with your gut or intuitive feeling to make an informed choice. Remember that your gut can sometimes be the best indicator of whether you should or shouldn't take a job.
If you are still undecided as to which job you should take, create a decision matrix to weigh each of the jobs’ and employers’ options.
Are the job hours more flexible with one employer as opposed to another? Do they have an established savings program that you can join and that they contribute to? And how’s the culture of each business? Can you deal with one business’s employees over another? What about their company culture?
These are questions you’ll need answers to before you commit yourself to one employer over the others.
5. Put time (frames) on your side.
A more challenging scenario to job seekers is to have an offer from one employer when the job seeker believes another equally or more attractive offer might be forthcoming from another organization.
In this case, if you aren't comfortable accepting one firm’s offer you should attempt to bring the time windows for decision-making together.
One way to line up the time frames is to create a reasonable delay with the first employer who has made the offer. For example, you might ask for the opportunity to meet with staff at your level if you weren't able to do so through the screening process.
However, be careful how you frame a request for extra time so that you don't create doubt about your degree of interest.
The article cites this as an example of what to say: "I am very interested in this job and from everything that I have heard my background is an excellent match. I am a careful person and would feel most comfortable if I could speak with colleagues in similar roles (or shadow them for a day) prior to finalizing my acceptance."
6. (Carefully) mention the other offer(s).
Another approach is to level with the employer who has made the offer and mention that you have another offer pending. The Balance Careers article explains that there can be some risk with this approach, but if handled delicately, most employers will only view a candidate more favorably if they are in high demand.
One explanation a job seeker might offer is: "I am so excited that you have offered me the opportunity to work with your firm. I believe that I can make a very strong contribution in this role and would enjoy the work immensely. I do have another firm that has been courting me, and I believe an offer may be pending shortly. Though I am strongly inclined towards your position, I would be most comfortable if I could make a comparative choice. Is there any chance you could give me until next Wednesday to finalize my acceptance?”
Be prepared to respond if they deny your request, and if they do, you can say that you appreciate the consideration and will get back to them by the agreed upon response date.
7. Or try to get a second offer.
So what about those employers that have not yet made you in offer? What's their final decision? You've gone through their job search and interview process, so they most likely have an offer in hand, right? Should you approach them to see if they’re still interested in your talents? Of course you should.
In this case, you might ask the employers you haven’t heard from if they are in a position to expedite the decision process since you have received another offer. Again you will need to word your request carefully.
An example of what to say can be: “I have received another offer, and they need to know my decision by Monday. I would prefer to work for your firm but don't want to pass up this other job and be left with nothing. Is there any chance that you might arrive at a decision about my candidacy before Monday?"
If you employ this approach, then you should be ready to respond if they say no. In this case, you might say that you will attempt to get an extension on the other offer.
Conclusion
Let’s be honest, there are worse things for your career than having to entertain multiple job offers. In reality, it’s actually a very good problem to have.
If you are beseeched by two, three or even more employers to hop on board their team, be analytical with your decision. Research each business to find out what their definition of the job you are offered truly means to them. Make time and deftness your ally in this venture. One way or the other you’re going to end up in a good position. For more information, look into these articles:
- How To Clean Up Your Social Media For Your Job Search
- 15 Companies With Awesome Pay And Benefits
- 8 Strong Questions You Should Ask During A Job Interview
- Putting First Things First: Self-Assessment
- Long Term Objective – A Factor In All Your Job Search
