Balancing Multiple Job Offers: Strategies for Decision-Making

How to choose between multiple offers? What should you say when approaching your current employer with competing ones? The best specialists in their field often need to cope with such situations, trying to remain professional, not to burn any bridges, but at the same time, attempting to find the best option for them. This is why we will provide you with answers to these questions in this article. Read on to find out more!

Evaluating Multiple Job Offers Based on Personal and Professional Priorities

Before we tackle the multiple job offer etiquette, let’s focus on making the right choice. After all, before notifying your current/future employer, you must decide which offer is the best for you. What should you focus on?

• Aligning the job with your career goals—ensure the offer benefits you long-term. Consider your potential career development and the type of projects you will work on.
• Work-life balance—research the companies offering you jobs. Learn how much overtime there is in a given company, and try to find out more about their approach to days off, as well as the flexibility of the work arrangements.
• Company culture—find out about the company culture of the employers and see whether it fits you.

How to Choose Between Multiple Job Offers? A Framework for Decision-Making

So, how do you handle multiple job offers effectively and select the best one? With two simple tricks.

#1 Start by making a checklist of the most important elements you look for in a job. This way, you’ll be able to quickly sort the offers into two categories: those that you might be interested in and those that you should absolutely decline.

#2 Secondly, create a list of the pros and cons of each position. This will give you a better overview of the positions. If there’s a big discrepancy between the value of each pro and con for you (for instance, major differences between the offered salaries), consider adding a numerical value to each of them. Later, you can calculate a weighted average to help you make a better decision.

#3 If you still have any doubts regarding the offers or find two (or more of them) similarly compelling, reach out to the recruiters with additional questions. It won’t only help you make a better decision but also show that you’re dedicated.

Multiple Job Offers Etiquette: Our 3 Extra Tips

You know how to make a choice, but how to tell your employer about competing job offers? How do you handle timelines and pressure? It all depends on the situation you are in; however, there are some best practices that you can follow to avoid burning bridges and achieve your goals.

1. Be Honest

If you need more time or information, tell the recruiter about it. If you’re considering a competing offer but would like to negotiate with your employer, inform them (unless you work in a toxic environment where it could cause repercussions). Changing a job is a major step, so you shouldn’t do it if you have any doubts.

2. Negotiate Only with Written Offers

Remember that until you have a written offer, nothing is certain. Hence, don’t try to use other offers as leverage until you are 100% sure of them.

3. Decline Politely

You don’t want to burn bridges not only at your current job but also in the offering companies. Therefore, if you are uninterested in a given offer, decline it politely. Don’t ignore the recruiter, especially if you first asked them to give you extra time.

The Takeaway

Handling multiple job offers is tricky and often stressful. However, it’s also an opportunity to negotiate a higher salary or a better benefit package. Thus, make your choice carefully, don’t be afraid to negotiate, and stick to those offers that are certain.

Need help? See our Job Interview & Salary Negotiation Coaching Services!