For those who have never had more than one job offer in hand simultaneously (or an offer and an interview process rolling), this topic alone may make you roll your eyes. Because, come on, who doesn’t want to have multiple suitors clamoring for you? Please.
However, for anyone who’s been in this boat (or who’s currently in this boat), the challenge is real. It’s overwhelming, and the stakes can seem quite high. How do you manage the process? How do you keep one company at bay while you finalize exploration of that other thing? Do you tell the companies about one another? When? How?
Deep breaths. Deep breaths.
It’s only insanely complicated if you allow it to be. Let’s break it down into a straightforward, humane process that will give you your best shot at your favorite opportunity and keep you rolling forward in a professional, ethical manner.
Let’s assume our scenario looks something like this: You’re interviewing with two companies that you like, ABC Company and XYZ Unlimited. XYZ Unlimited, which is your second choice, comes forward with an offer first, and wants an answer within 48 hours.
You have a final interview with ABC Company in 72 hours. What to do?
1. Make Sure You Have a Written Offer Before You Make a Move
Verbal offers are not offers. So before you get all in a twitter over any of this, make sure you have the real thing in hand. If you don’t, this actually could work in your favor by buying you a day or two. Simply go back to the HR person or recruiter who presented the verbal offer with something like, “This all sounds fantastic. I’m eager to sit down and review all of the details. When should I expect to receive the written offer?”
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