WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT MULTIPLE JOB OFFERS:
By Jenny Lloyd
In today’s tight job market, the balance of power has shifted to job seekers and the race for talent is on. Many people are benefiting from their skills being in short supply. If you’re one of the lucky ones juggling multiple job offers, what’s the best way to choose between them?
“The first thing you need to do is list your motivations for leaving your current job,” advises Siân Taylor, an account manager at Ambit Recruitment. “This not only gives you additional clarity about your immediate needs, it helps you refine your long term career goals too.”
Once your initial analysis is complete, it’s time to weigh up the pros and cons of each opportunity you’ve been offered. Which job will give you a better mix of new skills and fresh challenges? Did you get a good feeling about the people you met at each interview? Is one office location more convenient than the other?
“Include everything from your salary package and opportunities for career progression to your ‘psychological fit’ with each company’s culture,” says Taylor. “Discussing individual factors with family or friends, who can relate each position to your personality, may also be helpful.”
For the inside scoop on team dynamics, Taylor recommends you have a confidential discussion with your recruitment consultant, or keep your ear to the ground if you applied to the employer directly. And when communicating with prospective employers, be open about where you’re at.
“Most employers expect competitive candidates to have more than one job to consider,” says Taylor. “So let them know you want to make the best decision possible, and negotiate a timeframe for getting back to them. Naturally, it’s important that you then honour the deadline for response.”
When you’ve reached a decision about which job is right for you, the first thing you need to do is inform people. There’s always going to be a disappointed party when you turn down a role, but so long as you’ve been upfront and honest throughout the evaluation process, there’s no reason for anyone to feel upset with you.
“Make a phone call to the unsuccessful employer to thank them for the opportunity and their time,” says Taylor. “Such a professional and personal approach will be appreciated much more than a detached email.”
Finally, a word of warning: never accept one job offer over another with the intent of backing out if you change your mind.
“Always act with integrity towards prospective employers to avoid burning bridges or harming your professional credibility,” Taylor says.
Published: 03 September 2007.
By Jenny Lloyd
In today’s tight job market, the balance of power has shifted to job seekers and the race for talent is on. Many people are benefiting from their skills being in short supply. If you’re one of the lucky ones juggling multiple job offers, what’s the best way to choose between them?
“The first thing you need to do is list your motivations for leaving your current job,” advises Siân Taylor, an account manager at Ambit Recruitment. “This not only gives you additional clarity about your immediate needs, it helps you refine your long term career goals too.”
Once your initial analysis is complete, it’s time to weigh up the pros and cons of each opportunity you’ve been offered. Which job will give you a better mix of new skills and fresh challenges? Did you get a good feeling about the people you met at each interview? Is one office location more convenient than the other?
“Include everything from your salary package and opportunities for career progression to your ‘psychological fit’ with each company’s culture,” says Taylor. “Discussing individual factors with family or friends, who can relate each position to your personality, may also be helpful.”
For the inside scoop on team dynamics, Taylor recommends you have a confidential discussion with your recruitment consultant, or keep your ear to the ground if you applied to the employer directly. And when communicating with prospective employers, be open about where you’re at.
“Most employers expect competitive candidates to have more than one job to consider,” says Taylor. “So let them know you want to make the best decision possible, and negotiate a timeframe for getting back to them. Naturally, it’s important that you then honour the deadline for response.”
When you’ve reached a decision about which job is right for you, the first thing you need to do is inform people. There’s always going to be a disappointed party when you turn down a role, but so long as you’ve been upfront and honest throughout the evaluation process, there’s no reason for anyone to feel upset with you.
“Make a phone call to the unsuccessful employer to thank them for the opportunity and their time,” says Taylor. “Such a professional and personal approach will be appreciated much more than a detached email.”
Finally, a word of warning: never accept one job offer over another with the intent of backing out if you change your mind.
“Always act with integrity towards prospective employers to avoid burning bridges or harming your professional credibility,” Taylor says.
Published: 03 September 2007.
