We explore the best way to manage multiple job offers

If you've been considering a career change but have had some doubts recently, rest assured the market is hot right now, making it an excellent opportunity to dust off your CV and get out there. If you are fortunate enough to receive multiple job offers, it can certainly be difficult to choose which offer is best for you and your career - in this blog, we'll go through some pointers to assist you to make the best decision possible!

So, your job search is well underway, and you have had a few interviews. In a perfect world, all your job processes would all fall into place at the same time, meaning you receive offers within a day or two of each other and you'd be free to select the best one. But it's not always like that, so how do you manage several processes, and what happens if something even better comes along after you've accepted a new job already?

Preparation is key!

To begin, you should do some serious thinking before even starting your job search. You must first define your objectives and what will move your career toward them. Be selective about the positions you apply for and make full use of every interview to thoroughly research all aspects of the role and company, as well as how they fit with your professional goals.

It's possible to figure out what you want by looking at what you already have. Consider the responsibilities and experiences you have accumulated, as well as the areas where you still need to improve. Take a careful look at your CV and consider whether there are any areas of expertise that you'd like to add - say, in a certain industry, with a particular system, or in a management role. You should also reflect on your current situation: is there anything you're not happy with that you'd like to change? What kind of company culture do you want to work in? Do you prefer large and/or global companies or SME's? Do you want more responsibility, or are you looking for a better work/life balance? Are you hoping to secure a pay rise?

This may seem like a lot of work, but it's worth taking the time to think about your career goals before you start applying for jobs. By doing so, you'll be in a much better position to identify the right role when it comes along.

Communication is everything!

Now that you know what you want, you need to be able to effectively communicate this to potential new employers and recruiters. Your CV will tell part of the story, so you need to be clear and concise in what you are looking for during interviews and ask questions to gain a deeper understanding of what the role entails.

You should be clear about your expectations from the outset. For example, if you're looking for a role with more responsibility and growth options, make sure you ask about scope of deliverables and opportunities for development and progression during the interview process. If you are looking to work in a different location, be upfront about this from the start and be clear on your expectations when it comes to salary – know what you will move for and what you won’t, regardless of what other contributing factors are.

Juggling the waiting game?

The waiting game can be frustrating, especially if you have already decided in your head but are just waiting for official confirmation. Also, if an offer is taking longer than expected, then there may be the delicate matter of keeping your other processes warm. When you work with a recruiter, one of the advantages is that they have dealt with this before and can advocate and buy time for you in most cases. If not, you should be upfront with the business and explain you have another role in process and provide a realistic time when you can give them a response. This is definitely not the time to start ghosting anyone and go into hiding.

What if something better comes along?

It’s advisable to manage your processes in a way that ensures you don’t get into this situation. It’s always better to ask for a couple of extra days thinking time and explain to your potential new employer or recruiter that you do have another role you are waiting to hear back from so can make a careful decision. If you manage expectations well initially, there shouldn’t be any surprises or disappointments. Reneging on a job offer can be potentially damaging to your reputation so it’s best to avoid it if you can!

However, if you've already verbally accepted a job but are subsequently offered another one that you believe is truly a much better match for you, it's best to turn down the first offer asap. It is critical that you be honest with the firm or recruiter with whom you have agreed to take on a position and state your case. They will undoubtedly understand and appreciate your honesty. The sooner you do this the better, do not wait until the day before you are due to start if possible. If you have signed contracts or have had confidential information disclosed to you, however, it would be advisable to seek legal support.

How to decline the roles you have chosen not to accept?
If you have decided that a role is not right for you, it is important to decline the offer in a professional and formal manner as soon as possible. The company has no doubt invested much time in the recruitment process with you, so it's best to start with a verbal conversation and follow up with an email. You should thank the employer for their offer, be appreciative and explain your reasoning in a concise way. It's good to be honest about why you have turned down the role instead of giving a generic ‘the other was just a better fit’ response. Connect with them on LinkedIn and keep the network open for future opportunities. You want to maintain your professionalism and leave a great impression.

What about a counteroffer or buy-back?

Adding a counteroffer to the equation can also throw you into confusion. Once you resign, it is conceivable your employer may offer you a better opportunity internally or even offer a pay rise. Whilst no doubt flattering, it's advisable to think long and hard about this as it still may not be what you were looking for in the first place. It's also never a good sign that a business waits until you resign to make such an offer. It's also worth considering that if you do accept a counteroffer, there is a strong possibility you will end up back on the job market soon enough as often the things that prompted you to look elsewhere are inevitably still there.

If you are still struggling to decide, it may be helpful to talk to a friend or family member about your options. They may be able to offer some insight that you had not yet considered.

It's never nice having to disappoint someone but weighing up all of these factors will help you to make the right decision for your career. Ultimately, it's important to trust your gut instinct - if something doesn't feel right, it probably, unfortunately, isn't. By taking the time to consider all of your options, you'll be in a much better position to make a decision that's right for you and it's often not all about the highest salary or impressive job title.

Ultimately, the decision is up to you. Just remember to take your time and make sure that you are choosing the best option for your career.

We hope this blog post was helpful. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us!