How to Handle Multiple Job Offers

After your hard work pays off and you secure and accept a job offer, what do you do if another, more attractive offer is made by another company? The second offer might be particularly attractive, but do you want to risk the possible damage to your professional reputation by turning down the offer you’ve already accepted?

If you end up with multiple job offers, your best bet is to delay a final decision for as long as possible—but don’t extend the delay for so long that your potential employers become impatient and irritated. Tell employers that you need some time to think about their offer, or ask for another meeting for further discussion about the position, or to meet key employees. This gives you time to evaluate your job offers and decide what course of action to take.

It’s important to think very carefully before refusing an offer that you’ve already accepted. Your professional integrity might be at stake here, and because of that, in most situations taking the offer you’ve already accepted is the best—and most ethical—thing to do.  If you really want to take the second offer, make sure that the benefits outweigh the possible disadvantages by a significant margin. The job offer you take should be the one that best fits your career goals and job priorities.

Once you’ve made a decision, it’s best to tell the employer as soon as possible. If you’re refusing an offer you’ve already accepted in favor of another job, politely explain that the second offer is a better fit for your requirements. Be honest, and offer an apology. If you’re lucky, they will understand. Note, however, that doesn’t mean they will forget. When you’re job hunting in the future, you’ll be unlikely to receive another offer from that company—so be sure that you’re prepared to permanently forgo the opportunity to work there.

Of course, the best way of solving this problem is to avoid it happening in the first place. Before you even start looking, decide what you want in a job, and keep that focus in mind—prioritize the different elements of a position, such as the workplace environment, the chance for advancement, or the compensation package, and decide what’s most important to you. By deciding in advance what your priorities are you’re less likely to end up in a position where you’re torn between two jobs.

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