If you are interviewing with several companies at the same time, you might start to feel anxious about potentially receiving more than one job offer. What should you share with your interviewers at each company? What if you receive an offer, but want to wait to hear from another company? What if you receive two offers on the same day from two different companies? Answers to these questions are below. Also, you can schedule an appointment using Handshake to meet with a Career Advisor to discuss your specific circumstances.
Should you tell an interviewer that you have multiple interviews lined up?
If an interviewer asks you what other companies you are interviewing with, don’t share any specifics including but not limited to: company names, interviewer names, salary discussions, etc. If you are still job searching but don’t have any interviews scheduled you can respond: “I’m actively job searching at this time.” If you are still job searching and have interviews scheduled with other companies within the next 14 days you can respond: “I’m actively interviewing and am moving to second rounds with some other companies.”
What if you receive an offer, but want to wait to see if another company makes you an offer?
In general, you either accept the position you are offered first, or you don’t. It is unprofessional to ask a company to wait for your answer if you don’t have another offer on the table. It is also unprofessional to ask a company to wait for your answer if you don’t have any other final interviews scheduled within the next week. It is important to note that you need to have a final interview scheduled with a company because otherwise you don’t have the possibility of comparing another offer against the current offer you have in front of you. In short, you don’t wait to see if something better comes along. Take your time – usually 48 hours is acceptable – to review the offer and then notify the company of your decision. Either you accept, or you respectfully decline.
What if you receive two offers from two different companies?
In is extremely rare that someone would receive two offers at the same time. If this happens, let each company know that you are reviewing another offer and ensure you give each position proper consideration. You don’t need to disclose the other company’s name or any details of their offer package such as: salary, paid-time-off, title, etc. If you prefer one offer over the other, you simply accept an offer and then politely decline the second. If you prefer the first offer, but the second is offering you something you value (a fancier title, higher annual salary, more paid vacation days) you now have leverage to ask the first company if they are willing to match what the second company is offering. If you receive an offer, but have a final interview within a few days, you can call the company with the scheduled interview and potentially leverage your offer on the table for: an earlier interview timeslot and/or timeframe to hear the company’s decision about your candidacy.
