Juggling Multiple Job Offers Expertly

Your performance in the recruitment process impressed more than one graduate employer, and now everyone wants you! How do you manage such a situation?

After several rounds of interviews, your first job offer is in! Your efforts have finally paid off, and you’re ecstatic. But then you get another call – and find out that you’ve landed a second one!

Multiple job offers are an indication of your (top-quality) competence, so it’s a good problem to have. But if you don’t handle them properly, it can go downhill very fast.

In many cases, juggling multiple job means tactful management of your recruiters, so here are some things that you will need to consider in the offchance that you land yourself two or more job offers! If all your offers are in

This is often the best situation you can hope for. If all your offers are in and on the table, then all that’s left is for you to compare them and make a decision.

There are several criteria you can use to compare offers. One is the salary offered, but remember to go past that as well. Consider training and progression opportunities, health benefits, additional compensations and type of office culture.

In other words, choose the offer with the best opportunities that you’re most comfortable with.

Tips! 1. Make a list of the criteria you want (not just one!) to compare your job offers against 2. Compare them! When you have an offer, but more interviews lined up

These circumstances are more complicated as it will require you to stall for time before you respond to the offer, and hurry your second recruiter a little.

Most employers will understand your predicament, and won’t mind giving you some extra time. But don’t make up lies just to stall for time! This will compromise your integrity, and may spoil your reputation as a jobseeker and employee.

If the recruiters you have interviews lined up with are unable to give you an earlier interview or verdict, then you’ll have to make a decision on whether you want to accept your first offer or not.

Once you’ve come to a decision, notify all your recruiters.

Juggling recruiters 1. Talk to the recruiter who contacted you first, and explain your situation 2. Inform other recruiters of your pending offer (but don’t hardsell!) 3. Make a decision. Do you want to accept your first offer and forgo the second? Do you want to risk a pending offer? 4. Update your recruiters on your decision!

Don’t renege

Your acceptance is a contract between you and the employer, and reneging a contract can mar your reputation irreversibly. It’s also crucial that you understand that once you’ve accepted a contract, it’s unethical to join the recruitment processes of other companies.

Tips! 1. Once you’ve accepted an offer, you can’t change your mind 2. Stop applying to other companies Communicate and build bridges

Professional communication is very important, especially when you’re discussing and negotiating with employers. For instance, don’t try to pit them against each other. Contrary to popular belief, rival companies aren’t enemies – their recruiters know each other, and will talk among themselves.

Tip! Be polite in your calls and emails to employers.