Multiple Job Offers

You have networked, interviewed, and now have secured a job and accepted the offer.  What do you do if another more lucrative offer comes your way?  You run a risk to your professional reputation by turning down a job you have already accepted.  If you have not accepted an offer and receive multiple offers, try to find a way to delay your final decision for as long as possible without jeopardizing your status with the offer. It is perfectly acceptable to tell employers that you want time to think over the offer or possibly even schedule another meeting to discuss the position thoroughly.

If, on the other hand, you have accepted an offer, it is best, in most situations, to do the ethical thing and follow through with your agreement.  However, the job offer you accept should always be the one that is the best fit for your education and experience.  If the second offer is a better fit and you decide to accept it, honesty is the best policy.  Tell them that you have received a second offer and that it fits your skills better.  In most cases, they will understand.  Don’t count on applying to that company in the future, however.

The best way to keep this situation at bay is to have clear objectives. Before you start looking, have a clear plan for what your expectations are as far as your career is concerned.  Decide what your priorities are with respect to the workplace environment, chance for advancement, compensation package, etc.  This may help you to avoid being in that precarious position of having two job offers.

If you are one of the fortunate who gets multiple job offers and you have not yet accepted a position, there are things that you can do to help you decide what job best suits you. Start by writing out a detailed description of exactly what you want in a job.   Evaluate your options and determine what criteria are the most important to you in your job search.

Things to consider are compensation, salary, benefits, stock options, bonuses, content of the work, and preferred industry chances for promotion, quality of life, travel requirements, vacation, corporate culture, and location.  If you get multiple offers, simply rate each opportunity based on the criteria that are most important to you.

If you need more time it is acceptable to tell a perspective employer that you need to talk it over with your family or significant other.  Another tactic that can buy you time as you consider your options is to ask to meet with key managers to discuss the job opportunity in greater detail.

When turning down a job offer there is no such thing as being too diplomatic.  Take the time to thank them for the offer and praise their company.  Always thank those that were instrumental in offering you the job.

So, if you find yourself in that wonderful situation having multiple job offers, congratulations.  That is truly a great place to be.  You have obviously done well for yourself in the job search arena.

Source: “Dream It.” Job Search Home Page. Web. 09 Dec. 2012.

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