Hi everyone, I have received a job offer.

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Anonymous

02/17/21 at 3:14PM UTC

Hi everyone, I have received a job offer.

However, it is not my top choice. I am waiting on a final decision from a different company as well which I really want (I should know by the end of next week) and possible places I have interviewed. As an international student, I need a job within a certain amount of time after graduation, so I cannot pass on this offer without another guaranteed offer. I also don't want to follow up with my top choice yet because I am still waiting on my work card and I don't want to "bug" them to give me an answer if I am not allowed to begin work ASAP/just yet. What is the best way to "buy" time for the company that offered me a role today? Thank you so much!

6 Comments

Christine Park No

02/17/21 at 4:27PM UTC

Hi! This is a great question, but first, congratulations!! Receiving a role is definitely something worth celebrating! You do NOT need to take this offer right away - most companies will be understanding if you ask them until the end of the week to make a decision. It should also be completely appropriate to ask them when they would like a firm response by. In my experience, being honest about my prospects has benefitted me. Knowing that I have multiple interviews/offers has often shown the companies that I am qualified and am worth the wait. I would recommend approaching this as an opportunity not only for you to "buy" time from the company, but to also put forth YOUR value and worth to the company. The way the company responds to your request also speaks volumes to the type of culture they have. The end of the week is a few days - most companies will wait for the right person :) Good luck!

1 Reply

Anonymous

02/17/21 at 5:32PM UTC

If I need more than a few days, should I tell them I am waiting on other offers? Alternatively, would it be terrible to accept (after the waiting period ends) and then back out if I hear back from the ones I am waiting for? Either way, I won't be able to start working right away as I have to wait for my work card to arrive (probably early March), so if they are waiting for me, I might hear back from other companies by then too.

1 Reply

Anonymous

02/24/21 at 12:45AM UTC

This response may be too late but never tell a company that gave you an offer that you are waiting for others. It sends the message that they are not your first choice. They may be insulted and pull the offer. You can always change your mind on the first offer if your preferred company extends their offer.

Christine Park No

02/17/21 at 6:04PM UTC

Hi! I think that it is appropriate to ask what their timeline is. If they say "tomorrow", I think that is pretty unreasonable. Given that you cannot start until March as well, I think those are important to note to your potential employers. I do not recommend taking a role and backing out if it can be avoided - but it is definitely not the end of the world if that needs to happen. My thought in this unique situation is to be forward about your work card, ask when they need a response by given that fact. For the other role that you are waiting for, it is also appropriate to ask when they will be making a decision by, as you have received another offer (might push them to respond quicker!) I have been in a similar situation, and I did let them know that I was waiting to hear back from someone else and let the other company know that I got an offer, and things moved a LOT quicker! May be worth that effort to try and move the timeline along!

Cheryl Magen

130

"Believe in yourself first; success follows"

02/17/21 at 8:06PM UTC

I would definitely call the 2nd company and tell them you have an offer but really want to work with them and ask when they can let you know. Let the 1st company know that you are grateful for the offer but will need some time to give them an answer. Then you’ll have all the info. Be upbeat and excited. It will come through in the phone call.

1 Reply

Christine Chu

Writer

02/24/21 at 6:50AM UTC

I agree with Cheryl. Given your preference and situation, asking the 2nd company directly will be the most effective way to figure out what to do next.