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Could use some group input - I have been interviewing for a couple of months now and have just received a job offer.

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Anonymous

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Could use some group input - I have been interviewing for a couple of months now and have just received a job offer. There was another company that I am really interested in and am close to the end of their process. What is the protocol when you receive an offer...is it expected that you sign immediately or is it reasonable to at least take a day to look? We have already negotiated btw. The reason I am asking is that there is a possibility that the other comoany may come back w an offer.... and the recruiter at the first company is pressuring me to sign immediately "because they worked hard to get this offer and it would look really bad for the hiring manager if its not accepted right away.." Feels like ALOT of pressure...but is this normal? Thanks

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  1. Anonymous

    This is a nice problem to have :) I find it odd they are pressuring you to sign in that manner.

    Companies usually don't have an issue with candidates taking a day or two to review the offer and benefits cost/total pkg of an offer. You also have the option of accepting and then if you get an offer at the other company then decline. You may burn a bridge but it is an option. Maybe ask I you can have the weekend to review and discuss with family etc? You can check in with the other recruiter to verify their timeline as well. You dont want to assume you are getting an offer and nothing happens. Good luck and hope you get the other offer!!

  2. Annetta Moses

    Companies may be pressuring candidates for a decision in order to make an offer to the second place candidate if the first place candidate declines the offer.

  3. Anonymous

    I literally just went through this, this week.

    In your offer letter you will have a date by which you must accept or the offer is rescinded.

    I literally received a written offer Tuesday evening with a deadline of COB today from my 2nd choice and alerted my #1 choice and that pushed them to send me my offer last night. I signed the offer with my #1 choice and alerted the 2nd company this morning. It's been a nerveracking couple of days. But now I can relax and have a cocktail!

  4. Anonymous

    Completely normal. They want to lock down the hire before risking losing them to a better offer.

  5. Anonymous

    Thank you all for your input - MUCH appreciated.

  6. Anonymous

    IMO, I have candidates who do this, and it's all good. I would ask the other company where they're at in the process as you have another offer that has a time clock on for accepting and although that position is okay it's not checking all my boxes with YOUR company as the preferred. Go for it! Nothing to lose!

  7. Annetta Moses

    If you need time, ask for it. The company can say no. The company could say yes.

    Consider making a counter offer. If the offer two weeks vacation ask for three. You can ask for a hiring bonus or 5% more than the initial offer.

    Good luck.

  8. Anonymous

    If you've already negotiated, and accepted, there really is no more time. If you're still in negotiations there is usually a few days of back and forth offers. However, even if you accept this current offer and the other company comes with an offer, it's still ok to tell the first company that you've received an offer from a company that you just can't refuse. Most would understand. However, if you say no to the current offer, you do realize the second company could still NOT offer you anything. This is important to remember. Things like this are happening and being mentioned all over LI. Good luck.

  9. Anonymous

    What I’m hearing from your question is:

    First company you’ve already negotiated terms, but you want to see if the second company offers you a job and what it is.

    My thoughts:

    There’s no guarantee that the second company will even come back with an offer.

    If your plan is to accept the first company’s job if the second company doesn’t come back with an offer and/or isn’t where you want it to be at. Then I’d just go ahead and sign the first company’s offer letter.

    Just because you sign the offer letter doesn’t bind you to that company. You are always able to leave them at any time.

    you are never tied to a company and a company isn’t ever tied to an employee

    You need to look out for you first.

  10. Sarah Grajewski

    I typically reach out to the company that I don’t have the offer from and let them know that I really enjoyed talking with them, would love an offer at their company, but give them a heads up that I’ve just received an offer. I typically do this before I start negotiating , as negotiations can take days, and I like to negotiate both at the same time! This gives them a few days to get an offer to you if they like you and are within their timeline. Best of luck!

  11. misskelleyp

    It IS a lot of pressure, but that's their problem. Let them know that you're very excited to receive the offer, but you would like a few days to a week to consider it. Then reach out to the other company and let them know that they are your first choice, but you have received another offer.... Worst case scenario, accept the job with the company that has made you an offer, and if the first company then comes through rescind or quit. You have to look out for you. Believe me when I tell you that a company will not think twice before letting you go if it suits their business.

  12. Anonymous

    Sadly this is the truth. You have to look out for yourself first!!

  13. Anonymous

    Ask for the timeline for the decision, let the hiring manager in an email with the recruiter cc'ed know that you are in the final interview with another company as well (don't disclose who), you are deeply interested in them and flattered that they chose you, and that you want to make the best decision for the long term for yourself and the company. Give company 2 the date of the deadline from offer 1 and if they don't offer you something by that one day before- accept the first offer. You don't want to wait until the last last day as that will appear to be not really that interested in their job and if you go there you want to go in excited to be there. You don't need to sign on the spot. In future when you begin your interview process ask about the steps up front and the timelines so that you can properly prepare for your decision points along the way. Offers and interviews are a two way street don't lost sight of your side of the road.

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