One Job Offer Now, Waiting on Another? Here’s How to Handle It
After months of networking, polishing your resume, and acing interviews, you finally have a solid job offer in hand. But just as you're about to celebrate, another potential employer—one with a potentially better job offer—tells you they'll have a decision next week. Suddenly, relief turns to anxiety.
Now you’re faced with a dilemma: should you accept the first offer or wait for the second. Each option carries risks, and how you handle this situation can significantly impact your career. Let’s explore your options and the risks involved when managing multiple job offers.
What Are Your Options?
When dealing with multiple job offers, you generally have four options:
Accept the first offer and back out if the second one comes through.
Stall the first employer and hope the second offer comes through.
Be transparent with both employers and ask for more time to decide.
Let’s break down the risks and strategies for each option.
Option 1: Accept and (Potentially) Back Out Later
It’s tempting to secure the first offer, knowing you could always back out if the second, more desirable offer materializes. However, this option can be risky.
The Risks:
Reputation damage. If you accept the first offer and later renege, word could spread that you lack integrity, especially in close-knit industries. Future employers may hesitate to work with someone who doesn’t follow through on commitments.
Burning bridges. The company will have to restart their hiring process if you back out, and they won’t forget it. This could affect your reputation if you cross paths with them again.
Potential legal issues: While rare, certain contracts may have legal consequences for backing out.
How to Handle It: Be upfront and transparent. Let the first employer know that you are excited about their offer but are awaiting another and would like a little more time to make a well-informed decision. This approach could earn you some goodwill. This approach isn’t foolproof, but could earn you some goodwill.
Option 2: The Delicate Art of Stalling
Stalling the first employer while waiting for the second is a delicate balancing act.
The Risks:
Employer impatience. If you delay too long without a good reason, the first employer may feel like they’re your backup plan, which could withdraw their offer.
The second offer may not materialize. There’s always a chance the second employer doesn’t extend you an offer or gets delayed leaving you with nothing.
How to Handle It: Instead of simply stalling, use the time to ask thoughtful, reasonable questions about the first offer. For example, inquire about benefits, performance expectations, growth potential, or incentive compensation. If a non-compete is included, request clarification or suggest modifications. This demonstrates you’re taking the offer seriously while buying you valuable time.
Simultaneously, let the second employer know about your situation, express enthusiasm about joining their team, and ask if they can expedite their decision.
Option 3: Decline and Hope for the Best
If the potential second offer is truly a better fit with your career goals, declining the first offer could be tempting. But tread very carefully—this option is highly risky.
The Risks:
The second offer may not come through. There’s always the possibility that after all your hard work, the second employer could choose another candidate or implement a hiring freeze, leaving you in the lurch.
The offer might fall short of expectations. The salary or benefits package might not meet your expectations, souring the deal and leaving you without an acceptable employment option.
How to Handle It: Be brutally honest with yourself about your financial situation and how long you can afford to wait. If the first offer is solid and meets most of your criteria, it might be wise to accept it. If you decide to decline, make sure it’s for a compelling reason and not just because the other job might be better.
Option 4: The Power of Transparency
Sometimes the best approach is to be completely transparent with both employers. It’s a bold move, but being honest about your situation can show integrity and invite a more open, less stressful dialogue. It can sometimes buy you more time and lead them to sweeten their offers in order to win you over.
The Risks:
It could backfire. The first company might interpret your honesty as a lack of serious interest and rescind their offer.
You don’t get an extension. The employer might not be willing to wait, forcing you to make a decision more quickly than you’d like.
How to Handle It: If you choose this route, approach it carefully. When talking to the first employer, express genuine excitement about joining them, but explain that you’re awaiting confirmation about another opportunity and ask if they can extend their deadline. Concurrently, ask the second employer if they can speed up their decision-making process. This approach shows you’re serious about both opportunities and provides clues as to both companies’ cultures.
Final Thoughts
There's no perfect solution here--all of these options come with risks and navigating them requires both strategy and diplomacy. Here are a few traits to lean into as you approach these conversations.
Be Transparent, But Tactful: Be honest, but strategic about what and when you share information.
Be Sensitive to Each Employer’s Situation: Be sensitive to each employer’s situation. No employer wants to feel like a second choice. Doing so can risk rescinding the offer.
Express Genuine Interest: No matter which opportunity you prefer, show genuine excitement for both opportunities, even while requesting more time to decide.
Communicate Clearly and Diplomatically: Use the right medium for the message. Email works best for routine matters like confirming interview details. But for more delicate conversations—like explaining your time constraints or negotiating terms—opt for a phone or video call. This will help you make sure your message—and your tone—are clearly understood.
Don’t Leave Them Hanging: Keep both parties in the loop by providing regular updates.
The Bottom Line
Juggling multiple offers can be stressful, approaching these conversations with transparency, professionalism, and integrity will help you to preserve your reputation and leave both employers with a positive impression. Remember, this decision is just one step in your overall career journey. You've worked hard to create these opportunities—now it's time to make the best decision for your future.
Juggling multiple job offers? Let’s craft a strategy that puts you in control. Schedule your free consultation today!
Learn more about navigating career transitions:
Job Offer? Don’t Say Yes Without Asking These Questions First
Seal the Deal: How a Well-Crafted Follow-Up Email Can Influence Hiring Decisions
The Power of Pre-Quitting: A Strategic Approach to Career Growth in 2024’s Job Market
Other Perspectives
The Art-of-Navigating Multiple Job Offers (Executive Career Partners; May 7, 2023)
Decide with Confidence: Navigating Multiple Job Offers (The Job Blog; March 19, 2024)
A Guide to Juggling Multiple Job Offers and Coming Out on Top (The Muse; June 19, 2020)