2. Make Sure You’re Only Negotiating With Offers in Hand
You’re heading to ABC Company in 72 hours, right? This means that you do not have a written offer in hand from them, yet. Thus, you don’t have endless leverage with XYZ Unlimited. However, this does not mean you should sit silently and do nothing right now. Just realize it’s not tangible until it’s literally printable, no matter who has promised what.
3. Be Honest and Ask for a Bit More Time
Unless you strongly suspect that the company that wants to hire you is going to freak if you divulge you’re in conversation with another potential employer, I always recommend being honest with the HR person or recruiter who made the first offer.
I suggest something like this: “I am so grateful for the offer and excited about the possibility of joining XYZ Unlimited. I know you want my response by Thursday. I have one final conversation booked this week with another company, and I’d like to see it through. Would it be possible to have one to three extra days to firm up my decision?”
In the worst case, they’ll likely say, “No, sorry. We really need your answer by Thursday,” in which instance you can decide if you want to accept (knowing that you don’t have the other offer in hand) or spin the wheel that you’ll land the role at ABC Company. Note: I’d only go with the latter if you truly don’t want to work at XYZ Unlimited.
More than likely, they will appreciate that you were honest—and, even if they’re antsy to get your offer acceptance, will honor your request for a small extension.
