The Right Way to Handle Multiple Job Offers

Funny how times change. Just a few years ago, those looking for a job might only find a handful of opportunities available. This meant great competition for jobs, creating a market dictated by hiring employers. Today, the job field is more of a candidate-driven market. For job seekers, this means a wider range of attractive opportunities and the possibility of multiple job offers.

Responding to Multiple Job Offers

At every interview you are putting your skills and reputation to the test. Each time a company likes what they see, there is a greater possibility of receiving a call back for a second or third interview and if all goes well, a potential job offer. Having multiple employers wanting to hire you should feel great but rather than letting that go to your head, it’s important to realize this opportunity also comes with large responsibilities. Ultimately, you must choose one job over another and this should happen without burning bridges or making the company feel they have wasted their time interviewing you.

Holding out for Something Better?

If you find yourself receiving multiple job offers, it’s important to make the choice that best matches your skill set and meets your career goals. Each job will feature career growth, benefits, company reputation and compensation, but it’s up to you to determine which bests suit you and the company now and in the future. Sometimes multiple job offers happen in close succession. At other times, it becomes a waiting game if one company offers a position while you wait on a decision from the company you’d really want to work for.

Weighing the Options

This is the time things can get increasingly complicated. Humans like to believe we have the ability to control and manipulate time. As appealing as this might be, the reality of this happening is unlikely. Instead of trying to control the pace of an offer, it’s a better use the time to make a checklist comparing the two positions. This is a good way to determine how a job opportunity meets your overall goals. When determining this, be sure to compare the whole compensation package, including bonuses, profit sharing, health benefits, and 401K and tuition reimbursement. Other things to consider are career growth path, the people you’ll work with, and the company environment and reputation.

Make Consideration the Primary Element

If you find yourself in the fortunate position of juggling multiple job offers, it’s important to be proactive about making a decision. Don’t leave a staffing recruiter waiting after they extend of a job offer. Offers are usually valid 48 to 72 hours. If you don’t believe you’re the best candidate for the position, it’s important to let the company know promptly so they can find another candidate. Don’t make the mistake of accepting the first offer as a contingency plan. In this event, the company could release all other candidates believing you have accepted the job. If this doesn’t occur, the company must re-interview for the position, costing additional time and money. This action also has the potential to burn bridges if a company feels you have acted in a disingenuous manner.

New Job Checklist

• Determine if the opportunity matches larger life goals and career path
• Consider the whole compensation package
• Communicate the decision in a timely and professional manner
• Avoid trying to manipulate a situation, timing is everything

This article is brought to you by Staffing Kansas City, a full-service Kansas City employment agency that provides contract-to-hire, direct hire and temporary employment placement services.