When do I bring up competing offer?

Anonymous

March 5,2024 at 1:45PM UTC

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When do I bring up competing offer?

Company A just extended an offer. It is my second choice. They need an answer by Monday.

I am interviewing with the VP at Company B (first choice) today. I'm thinking it's the last interview.

When do I tell Company B about the offer?

Email them now? During the interview? Later? I'm wondering what to say if they end the interview with "well, we should know more next week"...

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Sue Gordon- retired Career CoachMarch 5,2024 at 1:58PM UTC
Let Company B know if you have a deadline with Company A. Is it correct that if Company B says no, you want the Company A job?
Since you are interviewing today, go ahead and bring it up at the end of your interview. If you really want this job, let them know that (it's amazing how many candidates don't tell the interviewer that they want the opportunity!)
Be aware that Company B may not be able to meet your timeline (e.g. they still have viable candidates to interview or a key decision maker is unavailable). If that's the case, you can ask for an extension from Company A (it might be a red flag for them) but if they really want you, then perhaps they'll let you buy some time. They are unlikely to rescind the offer, you just need to be ready with a decision if they don't.
Hopefully Company B will be in a position to decide this week.
This is always a good problem to have!
Diane Frances Lesley-NeumanMarch 5,2024 at 2:39PM UTC
Don't tell anybody anything. Accept the offer put off the start date, and wait and see if the other co offers
AnonymousMarch 5,2024 at 3:22PM UTC
We've had this come up many times while interviewing candidates. After this interview today, let the recruiter for company B know you currently have an offer on the table, Company A wants an answer by Monday but express to Company B that they are your first choice and when can you expect to know more about the position.
AnonymousMarch 8,2024 at 5:26PM UTC
When you meet with the VP, let them know that another company is in the final discussion with you and that they have timeboxed an offer deadline. Let them know that while you are flattered by A's offer that they fall short of what you want in your next role. Then tell them why you want to work for them and that you understand that this news might not align with their decision but that you want to know if you are NOT being considered because if you aren't A would be the default choice. Do not share the name of the other company, do not share the name of the job title or the compensation. Do not play one against the other because that may backfire with your first choice. Ask him directly to his face at the end of the meeting - Now that we have spoken am I what you are looking for in this role? His body language and response will be everything.
Also it is good to email company A and let them know that you need a bit more time. Not much- don't ask for 2 weeks because they may go to default candidate. Let them know you had another final interview and need a few more days to make a long term decision about what is right for you and that your plan is a long term commitment and when you say yes you plan to be there for a long time. They should respect that. Ask for 2-3 more days. Good luck!