Juggling
job offers:
You've got one, but you want another |
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| The
situation: Not uncommon for job seekers: |
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You have an offer from employer B. |
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You've gone through the interview process
with employer A, and you're hoping for, and perhaps expecting an offer.
You really want the job with employer A. |
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B has given you a deadline, say two weeks
from the offer date. |
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You haven't heard from A, and you might
not hear until near or after B's deadline. |
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You'd rather work for A, but B has given you a great
offer, and you don't want to turn that down if A doesn't want you. |
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What to do? |
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| The solution: |
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First, never accept an offer
and then back out later. That's called reneging, and it's
considered highly unethical and inapppropriate and is very disturbing
to employers (and they do talk to each other). (You may hear chat
and opinions that it's okay. It's not. Ask yourself what your ethical standards
are.) |
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Without delay, call employer
A and let your contact know the situation. Keep your information
simple and factual regarding the offer from B (and you don't have
to mention organization B's name). Reiterate to employer A that you
really want to work for A. Ask where you stand in the evaluation process
and if there is any possibility to have definitive information from
A by B's deadline, and if not, when that might be.
Your goals: Diplomatically learn more about your
status with A, let A know your interest in them, and perhaps stimulate
A to speed up their process if they really want you. |
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Next, without delay,
call employer B. Express appreciation for the offer. Indicate
that you don't yet have all the information you need to make your
decision. (Good organizations will want you to make a well-informed
decision and they know you are looking at multiple options.) If A
will give you a final decision by or shortly after B's deadline, you
have the option to ask B for a deadline
extension - just don't wait until the last minute to ask. B can
say yes or no to your request; you won't know until you ask.
Your goals: Maintain
your good relationship with B, and perhaps gain some time to make
your decision. |
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Bottom line: Be as honest as you
can while being diplomatic.
Treat everyone with respect; maintaining good relationships with organizations
and individuals (who may change organizations) will serve your long-term
career success. |
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| Need more
help sorting out your individual situation? |
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Consult a Career Services advisor -
via walk-in
advising or an appointment.
We're glad to help. |
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More
on this topic on Weddle.com, newsletter for job-seekers. |
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| Also
see: |
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Acknowledging a job
offer |
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Declining
a job offer |
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Accepting an offer and
withdrawing from the job search |
