How do I best handle the timing of job offers?

Anonymous

December 1,2023 at 1:23AM UTC

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How do I best handle the timing of job offers? I've been out of work for almost a year, although I have only been seriously job searching for the past three months, when I opened myself up to looking nationwide. I'm currently a finalist for two jobs. Both good opportunities, lateral moves, in places I'd be happy to relocate to. I will probably get at least one offer by next week.

I also just was invited today to a second round of interviews for a bigger opportunity - larger scope of responsibility, a lot more money, another attractive location. It's a executive level role, and the interview process will extend into early next year. I'm super excited, but it is still too early to get my hopes way up. So I need to decide how to play this out.

If get an offer from one of the lateral opportunities, should I take it and just continue interviewing with the bigger opportunity? Or is that just too big of a bridge to burn, saying yes to one company and then resinding my acceptance a short while later to take a better job? I'm somewhat worried about turning an offer down given how long I've been out of work (oh, and I'm over 55).

Other suggestions for how to handle this situation?

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AnonymousDecember 1,2023 at 10:58AM UTC
If it wasn’t for the other opportunity, would you be happy in the offered position? If so, I’d take it because ageism is real. If the other opportunity turns into an offer down the road, your current employer may offer you a promotion to keep you. Congratulations on your opportunities!!
AnonymousDecember 3,2023 at 2:47PM UTC
Fantastic advice.
AnonymousDecember 2,2023 at 9:12PM UTC
My rules of thumb in this sort of situation have been the first offer rules (the "bird in the hand rule." If you hesitate to accept, you never know how long they will hold an offer or how it will be perceived. On the other hand, none of the other offers are guaranteed. If you get two or more within a few days, take the better deal or the position you like, depending on your financial situation. I wouldn't sit on an offer for more than a day or so without accepting or asking for more information on the offer (with the potential of negotiating.)
GirlBossanova934974December 3,2023 at 1:29PM UTC
First off, there is still no offer on the table so please keep that in mind. However if one of the 2 "near to sure things" come through or even if both come through, I would not hesitate to take the offer. The problem with the much bigger potential offer is that it is too far out there. Interviewing may extent to next year means to me that you may only get the position in 6-8 weeks. And who knows what will happen. Then again, you may tell the bigger better opportunity company that you have an offer on the table ( when and if you get it) and perhaps they can move the process ahead a bit and reach a decision faster? Employers will usually wait a few days after they make an offer. Good Luck!
AnonymousDecember 3,2023 at 1:31PM UTC
If it's acceptable take the offer and continue interviewing with the other company. I would strongly suggest declining an offer because you want to hold out for a position that may be better, but you're still interviewing for. A lot can change...they may end up with a candidate that they prefer more than you, budget cuts, the position may get put on hold, etc. As mentioned if acceptable, take the offer, but continue interviewing with the preferred company. If you do end up getting the role at the preferred company you have an honest and valid excuse of why you would quit and pursue that new opportunity.
AnonymousDecember 3,2023 at 1:31PM UTC
You don't mention your resources. Could you comfortably wait?
AnonymousDecember 3,2023 at 2:11PM UTC
I too am over 55 and I know all too well that (subtle) age discrimination is a real thing. Accept an offer if it seems like a good fit, even if it means that you leave for a better opportunity after a short time. The complicating factor here is the relocation factor. It sounds like you will need to relocate for both positions, should it play out that way. Breaking leases, connecting/disconnecting utilities, packing/unpacking, moving expenses (unless
covered) times two could be a pain but may be worth it for the right role. Best of luck!
AnonymousDecember 4,2023 at 3:29AM UTC
This 100%
AnonymousDecember 3,2023 at 3:21PM UTC
I was in a similar predicament. I got a job offer with a company but was also several interviews in with a preferred organization. I slow walked the first offer as the preferred job flew me across the country for final interviews. I thought an offer would be imminent so I turned down the first job. And guess what, the second one never came through and I did irreparable damage with the first place and a long-time connection there.
If I were in this spot again, I absolutely would have taken the first job offer and left the position (even if it were short term) to take the second preferred role. We tend to extend too many courtesies to jobs and miss taking care of ourselves.
As someone else mentioned: at this time you have no offers in hand so it’s a little premature to call that moving truck! So many factors at play here-the quickly approaching holidays, normal HR delays, that request to meet just one more person. Pump the brakes for a hot minute and get something solid in hand before you start to plan your next steps.
Audrey KirschDecember 3,2023 at 3:37PM UTC
Make a list of the good aspects of each opportunity. Then go all in for the one you really want. Unless money has become an issue there’s no reason to jump on the first offer you get. You’ve proved that you have options even though you’ve been out of the job market for a while. 3 potential offers are a lot more than many half your age are finding. Personally I’d go for the location that’s most interesting to me. You can always change jobs if that turns out to be a bad fit.
maria roseDecember 3,2023 at 5:18PM UTC
Like Audrey said, your financial situation will influence your need to make a decision sooner rather than later. If you can afford to wait until the “possibility “ of a better offer comes up, then do it. Either way you should not settle for less than you best job option especially since you will be possibly relocating also. Willing to move to a new location doesn’t always mean you will like living there during your off work time. That’s another consideration in considering any offer. Make sure you are prepared for everything and make the best decision that suits you
AnonymousDecember 3,2023 at 5:33PM UTC
Go with your gut, after being out of work for such a long time and ageism being real best is to take the role offered soonest and see if you can defer your physical move for at least 1 quarter. Don't hold out for the bigger company but keep talking to them and let them know that you are considering other position whose closing dates are sooner. Find out if they can walk you through steps and timeline and if the timing is not right then stay where you first chose to go. Do take a moment to assess your personal needs first. Stack rank in terms of importance the things that matter to you.
Title-level, Compensation-bonuses etc., location- cost of living- will company help to relocate you, and benefits- medical, dental, vision, 401K. Then graph it out and decide based upon job content which place will be the best for the near term and the long term. If you only want to solve near term take the first job offered. and respectfully decline the others letting them know it was a timing thing. don't play them against each other or you may lose it all.
AnonymousDecember 4,2023 at 2:06PM UTC
Take the best offer you get now, and continue interviewing. A lot of companies have year end hiring freezes and some companies in some industries are looking at additional rounds of canceling open reqs or doing layoffs.
AnonymousDecember 4,2023 at 5:51PM UTC
So, I am in a very similar situation, so I was curious with the group -- How would you approach telling the first job you took an offer from that you are leaving for another better opportunity? I am just really nervous about that conversation.
Jacqueline McDowellDecember 6,2023 at 1:13PM UTC
Ask to meet with your supervisor. You give them your resignation in writing, preferably offering them two to four week's notice. Let them know you will do all in your power to ease the transition during your remaining time there. Thank them for giving you the opportunity. Let them know you would have been happy to continue there, but this was an opportunity that you could not pass up.
You have the right and the responsibility to do what's best for you. You should not put your own well being before any company. Just be cordial about it.
AnonymousDecember 4,2023 at 11:09PM UTC
You're in a good position. My advice - be prepared to take the opportunity in front of you. If that means the first offer, then actively going after the more exciting one do it. I've seen people at my company start then leave after a month. Typically it's because they've been chasing down 2 options. It's uncomfortable to let people down - but don't be shy about putting yourself first - the company does. Also - you never know where it might lead .
AnonymousDecember 6,2023 at 2:40PM UTC
Generally i agree, but if it requires relocation.
. .that's the tricky part. Also could b a red flag for the exec job if u started the interview process in one location but accepted it from another. At the very least it could affect how they budgeted ur move and make them reconsider.
I think OP should drag out the process with the other 2 as long as possible while u reel n the big fish ;-)
You don't owe these companies anything. Keep ur needs FIRST!