Question:

I just recently interviewed for a similar job with two different employers. The first one just offered the job to me. I have not yet heard back from the second and they won't tell me how long it will be. My guess is that it only be a few days, but that's just a guess. I would prefer to work for the second employer. Should I try to hold the first one off until I hear from the second one?

First Answer:

This is always a tough call....you know the saying, a bird in hand is worth two in the bush. If the salary, terms ( eg. start date, benefits, location, etc.) and responsibilities on job offer one are acceptable to you, you would be very wise not to jeopardize their offer by seeming to be uncertain. Best if you can frame your response in a postive sounding way such as, " I am so very pleased that you are making me this offer. This is a very important decision for me and I would really appreciate it if you would give me some time to think this over carefully. Whe do you need my answer by? The employer's reply will indicate to you how much "play" their is on their side and from this information, you can figure out if you can ask for the time you think you need.

It would not be a bad idea to call up the other second place and tell them that since you were there interviewing, you have another offer and would it be at all possible for them to give you their feedback /or bring you back in again, in the next few days. There is no magic answer here, go with your gut but do not lose an offer...if the second group loses you, simply stay in touch and who knows, in a year they may be back to you with an even better offer once you have that experience under your belt! Turn a career challenge into an lifetime opportunity!!

-- Debra Feldman, founder of JobWhiz, creator of the JOBWHIZQUIZ, and specialist in cyber savvy strategic job search consultations

Second Answer:

My answers depends upon how badly you need a job. If you really need one now and you don't think that you can stall the company with the bona-fide job offer long enough, I'd advise you that a "bird in the hand" is worth "two in the bush." In other words, if you need a job now, take the job that is available,especially if the jobs are similar. If you can stall the first company a few days, contact the second company and tell them that you would really like to work for them but that you have received a bona-fide offer elsewhere and would really appreciate knowing where they are in their hiring process. This may light a fire under company #2. If it doesn't, take the first job, or take your chances that neither job will come through. Keep job hunting.

-- Alison Blackman Dunham, life & career expert, columnist, personal public relations consultant, half of THE ADVICE SISTERS®, and the author of the ASK ALISON career advice column

Third Answer:

Thanks for the great question. As a recruiter I run into this situation a lot. Before you make any sudden moves please consider a few things: First: The job market is very tight right-now, so don't make a move unless you have to. Second, determine why the second job is better than the first because this may alter your decision. Third, according to industry etiquette, you have about one week to delay your decision.

Here is how to handle the situation:

Inform the second employer of your offer from the first employer (do not tell the name of the company) that you have a decision deadline. Inform the second employer that you have to make a decision before the deadline. (This will force the second employer to provide you with more information about your status in the interview process). If they cannot give you a satisfactory answer, I would not consider the second opportunity.

I would inform the first employer of your pending offer from a second company and let them know your intention to evaluate both offers. This will create some questions, but remain open and polite.

Compare one or both of the offers with your current position and make a decision. A bird in hand is better than two in the bush!

-- Pat Riley, Founder, 10 Abbott Street and PharmaceuticalInterviewQuestions.com

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