Receiving multiple job offers is an exciting yet challenging position to be in. How do you navigate these opportunities to make the best decision for your career?”
Before you receive any offers, it’s essential to mentally prepare for what you think is the ideal package. Determining these criteria up front will help you better evaluate job offers down the road. Stick to your priorities and don’t be swayed by bells and whistles that don’t address the core elements you deem most important.
First, make sure you have written offers in hand and don’t make any decisions based on verbal promises. Even if an offer isn’t your top choice, it’s important to show enthusiasm. If you consider it a “backup offer,” communicate positively throughout the process and let them know if you have other offers already or are expecting them.
Timing is critical when considering multiple offers, and often is the trickiest part. First, know how quickly you need to reply to an offer – usually it is a couple of days or up to a week. If needed, you can ask for more time to consider the offer, but if you take too long, you risk turning them off as a potential employer.
If you like the job opportunity but low compensation is the issue, you can negotiate. This usually is applicable if the offer is below the salary you requested during the interview process. Just be up front about what dollar amount you need to accept, but don’t negotiate if you don’t intend on signing a revised offer letter.
If you have multiple offers to consider, it’s a good idea to do a quick analysis. Research the companies’ websites, LinkedIn company pages, Glassdoor, and Blind. Then, make a list of the pros and cons of each including company culture and core values, job responsibilities, career advancement, compensation and benefits, work-life balance, and any other significant criteria. Be honest with yourself and trust your instincts.
An unfortunate recent trend is candidate ghosting with job offers. This is when a candidate accepts multiple offers, decides to follow through on the best offer, then stops communicating with the other companies prior to the start date. This is usually done to maximize their opportunities and expand their time window. This unethical practice not only burns bridges with companies but can ruin the candidate’s reputation if word gets around.
Once you decide on the offer you want to accept, make sure you close the loop on your other offers and politely decline. If you give your notice to a current employer, you may receive a counteroffer. Most of the time accepting a counteroffer won’t end well as the same circumstances, as the circumstances that caused you to resign will likely repeat themselves. More money might help, but it’s unlikely to address deeper issues like poor company culture. Plus, you have now made your employer aware that you are unhappy, which may lead them to question your future loyalty.
Navigating multiple job offers and counteroffers can be challenging, but staying true to your priorities and maintaining professional integrity will guide you to the right decision. In the end, your decision should reflect your personal and professional priorities. By staying true to your values and being transparent throughout the process, you’ll not only find the right job but also start your new role on a positive note.
