UMass Amherst Alumni Association
Your Career
Career Tips: Juggling Multiple Job Offers
As a business person today, you've been developing your professionalism for years. But do you know how to handle two job offers? What if you're made an offer from your second choice while waiting on your first? Often times, candidates aren't as prepared as they should be to handle such a situation.
Juggling these offers isn't as daunting as it might first seem. There are no guidelines to telling a company you've been made another offer. Simply being honest is usually the easiest way to handle it.
Try these tips for professionally navigating the process:
- Ask for more time. After all, you want to make the best possible career choice for both you and the company, so weighing in on your options is key.
- Stay in your comfort zone. While it's great to be honest, only disclose as much information as you feel comfortable sharing. Simply tell them you've received an offer and avoid questions about salary or title.
- Know what you want. While salary typically tops most people's list, if you're moving from four weeks of vacation to just two, you're noticeably entering a different corporate culture.
Which job is the right one? Trust your instincts, but evaluate the entire offer before giving your final acceptance. While it might be difficult to turn down a position, knowing what you want is paramount. So when you're faced with a tough call, be confident that you know what your standards are and you'll make the right choice.
Lastly, remember that while you might at first be overwhelmed by the prospect of multiple job offers, having even one means the end of your job search is near and taking the time to evaluate and negotiate means that you'll be in a position you're sure to enjoy!
Career tips are brought to you by the UMass Amherst Alumni Association and CareerTools®.
