Sometimes looking for jobs can be a numbers game. You aren't going to be hired – or even interviewed – for every job you apply for. So, you need to find numerous opportunities that match your abilities and ambitions and try to catch the eye of the recruiters for each.
This can lead to the situation where you find yourself confronted with a dilemma. What do you do if more than one company makes you a job offer at the same time? It sounds like an enviable problem to have. Lots of people want to hire you, and you have many opportunities to choose from. Still, you have to handle the situation carefully. You don't want to make a mistake you'll end up regretting later or hurt your professional reputation with one or both companies.
So, how do you handle competing offers?
The first thing to bear in mind is that you should only compare job offers to other actual job offers. An interview that went well, a company that has expressed interest in you, even a verbal agreement are all far less valuable than a written job offer on the table.
When a company makes you a written offer, you have the job. Every other scenario is just a potential job that you may or may not be hired for. You should never turn down a solid offer in favour of a potential one.
However, if the potential job is for the position that you would much prefer to have, and you are fairly confident that an offer is coming soon, you can buy yourself some time with the other company.
Thank them for the offer and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. Then, ask when they expect your final answer. It is common practice to take a few days to consider a job offer and consult with a spouse or a trusted advisor before signing a contract. Tell the potential employer, "Thank you for the offer. I am very excited about the prospects of joining your company and filling this role. Can I take a few days to go over the details? When do you need my signed copy of the offer? Would early next week suit your timelines?"
This strategy gives you time to analyze the pros and cons of the job offer, and it allows a few extra days for the competing offer to come through.
Comparing simultaneous job offers
If you receive multiple written job offers simultaneously, you will have to carefully compare the details of each job and select the one that is best for you. Be sure that you have as much information as possible when making this decision.
If one job pays much more than the other, it has a natural advantage. However, many factors about a job can impact your quality of life more than a few extra dollars on your paycheque.
Here are some details about each job that you should carefully consider when making your choice.
Details of the job itself
Does either offer come from a brand or company that you would be prouder to be associated with? How do the day-to-day tasks compare? Consider the actual projects you will be working on at each employer and determine if either is more interesting or inspiring to you. Don't be afraid to ask for clarification on any of the details you might be missing in order to make the best decision.
Supervision/team structure
Are you someone who prefers to work independently or as part of a team structure? Do you appreciate a great deal of feedback on your work? People who prefer to be a part of a tightly connected team may feel adrift and lost in an independent working environment. However, others might resent being micromanaged in a workplace with a more hands-on supervision style. Find out all you can about the culture and work styles of the companies you are considering before accepting an offer.
Working environment
See if you can take a tour of the workplace. The physical environment of the worksite can have a significant impact on how much you enjoy spending your working hours there. Some people thrive in a noisy, bustling environment. Others need space and quiet to concentrate. Scoping out the workplace can also provide clues about the company culture. Do the employees seem happy and engaged? Does there seem to be camaraderie and spirit among the staff? If everyone appears glum and demoralised, you probably want to steer clear.
Commute
Another thing to consider when visiting the worksite is how long it takes you to get there. Having an easy commute can be a huge benefit to your lifestyle. Picture your day-to-day working life where you have an hour's drive in traffic versus heading to a workplace that is ten minutes from home. If one of the offers you are considering is for a company that is considerably closer to home, that can be a distinct advantage in its favour.
Remote work / flexible scheduling
Of course, one thing that can mitigate the commute to work is if you don't have to go there very often. Post COVID-19, more and more companies are adopting remote and hybrid working arrangements for their staff. These can have you working from home some or all of the time. While not everyone appreciates working from home, many people find that it increases their work/life balance and adds flexibility to their schedules.
Find out each company's policy for remote working and flexible scheduling and factor these into your decision over which job offer to accept.
Negotiate
If one company comes out ahead on most of the factors you consider important, but falls short in a few areas, try to negotiate the job offer. While you have a competing opportunity on the table, you are in a fairly strong bargaining position.
Of course, this is not to say that you should give the potential employer an ultimatum. Don't back them into a corner with a statement such as, "If you don't let me work from home, I'm going to work for your competitor instead."
You want to start your working relationship with your new employer on a positive note and leave a professional impression with the company that you ultimately don't choose. You may still work with them at some point in the future.
Try a tactic such as, "Thank you for the offer. I am very interested in this job and excited about the prospects of joining your team. I am a primary caretaker for my elementary-school-aged child, so I would need to arrange my in-office hours around her school times. Is that something you can accommodate?"
Or
"I have a competing offer on the table. While I prefer to work with you, and believe I can be an asset to your team, the other offer is $10,000 more to start. Is there any room for movement on salary?"
See: How to negotiate your starting salary
Make your choice and decline the other offer politely and professionally
Companies spend a great deal of time and effort recruiting the candidates they think are the best fit for their teams. It is a disappointment to them when their top pick turns them down. So, do it kindly and respectfully.
Communicate with the recruiter who made you the offer as soon as you have officially signed the contract with the rival firm. (Again, never turn down a solid offer for a potential one. Don't reject a job offer until you have signed on the bottom line elsewhere.)
Thank them for the offer, tell them how much you respect and admire their company, but let them know that you have accepted an opportunity elsewhere. Wish them luck with their hiring and say that you hope for the opportunity to work with them again at some point in the future.
