Handling Job Offers

by Eliese Taylor
So you say you have a job offer hey...better yet you have more than one. Granted, the likelihood of that happening, nowadays, may be somewhat slim, depending on your industry and specific job title. This is a good problem to have, but does require some decision making on your part --- so play your cards right.

The problem with having more than one job offer staring you in the face is that now you need to now which one is the right choice. So you want to be very deliberate in your decision making and thoroughly weigh out all the pros and cons of each offer. Here are six tips for making the right decision on job offers.

  1. Formal offer

    A true job offer is not a true job offer unless you have a hard copy. In other words get it in writing. Most employers will not find this an unreasonable request so don't be afraid to say "Can I have that in writing?"

  2. Motivation

    It's not always just about the money. Sometimes you need to look past (or at least through) the direct compensation factor. The highest paying job is not always the best choice. Chances are, each compensation package will be different. Try to find out why. Don't forget about employee benefits as those should weigh fairly heavy in your decision.

  3. Pros and Cons

    Examine the advantages and disadvantages. Remember that the job needs to fill all of your requirements --- salary, benefits, health care, etc. It will be difficult to analyze since some of the key components might be missing from one offer versus another, so make sure you study each offer as thoroughly as possible.

  4. Decisions decisions

    Don't drag your feet about making your decision. Be mindful that a company can pull the plug on any job offer as quickly as they laid it out on the table. Chances are, most job offers that are put on the table will have a time limit attached to them as well. The last thing you want is for the best job to get away from you because you dragged your feet on it.

  5. Professionalism

    Never play one company against another for more money. Number one, trying to pull off a "power play" is risky and not for the faint at heart. Secondly, chances are, it will bacition. Should either employer become aware of the situation, that offer could easily be pulled off the table. Further, if the retracted offer was your best job offer, now you are left with one or more less attractive job offers to decide from. Of course that is better than no job offer but not exactly the situation you were shooting for.

  6. John Hancock

    Make sure that you get a signed confirmation that you have been hired before rejecting all the offers that are on the table. This is just common sense. Companies have been known to change their minds like a tornado changes directions. Though it's fairly uncommon, today, it has been known to happen. Be professional, but certain to ask for and receive a confirmation in hard copy from your new employer that says "You're hired" before you throw away all the other offers.