What to do When You Have a Job Offer but Are Waiting for Another One

Have you ever been looking for a job, been offered one, but really wanted another one and had that firm take FOREVER in getting back to you? If so, this is the exact issue US News addresses. Here's their advice on what to do if you're caught in this situation:

• Tell Company A that you're extremely interested and you want some time to think it over. Any reasonable company will give you a few days or a week.

• Contact Company B immediately. Explain that you have an offer from another company that you need to give an answer to within a week, but that Company B is your first choice.

Sounds simple, huh? But what if Company B doesn't get back to you. Then you have a very difficult decision in front of you.

What about taking the Company A job and then ditching them if Company B comes through? US News hates this idea:

It's absolutely unprofessional--and unwise--to accept a job only to quit soon after if you get a different offer.  The first company will have turned their other candidates loose by that point and invested time and money in preparing for your arrival, so this will burn that bridge in a fiery explosion. You'll also damage your reputation in your industry; people talk and others (whom you may someday want to work for) will hear about it. So assume that once you accept an offer, you'll need to keep your word.

Unfortunately, this very situation happened to me about 15 years ago. I was actually looking at three different jobs -- two of which were very similar to the job I had at that time. The third was a "dream job" for me -- in an industry that I really wanted to be part of. As it turns out, the first two offered me a job, and the third one couldn't make a decision since their new president was just getting on board, moving to the new city, etc. They had no expectation even when I'd get an answer back, much less if they'd offer me a job. So I negotiated with the first two companies, selected one, and accepted their offer.

I resigned my current job and for TWO WEEKS made plans to move to the new employer. I told all my family, friends, and co-workers about the new job. No, it wasn't everything I wanted, but it was a nice move up in both responsibility and pay.

Then it happened: the new president at the third company called me. He said he was settled and that I was highly recommended by the people I'd talked to at his company. He was wondering if he could fly me there to meet with him personally? I told him I appreciated the offer and that I would LOVE to work for the company (again, my "dream job"), but that I'd already accepted an offer from another company. He said he understood, but would still like to meet me. He said he'd pay all the costs to get there and back and we could simply get to know each other and see what would happen. He understood that I had another offer and wouldn't be put off in any way by any decision I'd make.

I debated going for a couple days, then decided "what could it hurt?" I was on a plane the next day. I met him for dinner and for interviews the next day, and at the end of the day I had a job offer. Not only was it my dream job with a great company, but I was offered a higher-level position with more pay than what I had accepted at the other place.

Now I was really in a pickle. Should I accept the new offer (which was everything I wanted) or stick to my acceptance of the first offer. It was a tough few days as I wrestled with the decision. I met with friends, co-workers, a couple mentors, and even my pastor to help me decide. Ultimately, everyone gave me the same advice -- take the new job. So, I took the new job. When I called the other company to tell them that I had to rescind my acceptance, the boss said, "I think you're making the right decision. If you passed this up, you'd be asking yourself 'what if?' for the rest of your life." (I had told him about this other company during our interview when he asked, "What other companies are you talking to and why?") So even his response confirmed my decision.

All this said, I have to generally agree with US News' advice. It's usually better to stay with your original acceptance. In my case, I had a few things going for me that helped make the decision easier:

1. The company I rejected didn't have any other candidates. They said they wanted me or would be willing to start over if I said no. It still left them in the lurch, but at least they didn't turn down someone else they liked based on my response.

2. The new job wasn't in the same industry. And even the rejected job wasn't in the same industry really -- at least one that was small enough for "word to get around."

It's hard to tell how things might have gone for me if I'd stuck to the original offer, but the company I rejected did have very hard times (close to bankruptcy) for several years. On the other hand, the new job launched my career to new heights and has served me well through the years. It's hard to imagine a scenario where things could have turned out better.

How about you? Have you ever been in this situation? How did you handle it and what happened?

Comments

[Mark]

I have never been in the position personally, but a very good friend has. He went to one of his old bosses to see what she recommended, and she said that it happens all the time and to take the job he was really going for.

I left a comment on that article, and I'll reiterate it here...but I think the person should do what's best for them. For reasons you mentioned above, you'll always be wondering "What if?" In my opinion, on a personal level, the pros far outweigh the cons. Typically you'll be happier, less stressed, may be better off financially, if you take the dream job.

[YeaYuh]

Yeah, I was in a similar situation. It was right out of college and had two interviews close together. I got a job offer to work as a tech support for an ISP and was waiting to hear from a company about a programming job. Started work for the ISP company and about 1 month into the job I got offered the programming job. I talked to my boss at the ISP explaining the situation and they seemed understanding of the situation.

[Foobarista]

Something like this happened in my recent search. Company A was about to make me an offer, but for odd reasons didn't want to put their numbers on the table. Company B really liked me, but was unclear whether they wanted to hire me contract or perm. I wanted perm, and told them to table their best offer ASAP. They did so and I've worked there ever since.

It turned out that Company A was trying to low-ball me and "pay" with mostly stock instead of cash. Their headhunter found out that I had another offer that involved non-low pay, so they got stuck trying to figure out how much they wanted to pay.

[sylar]

Wow, FMF... I was involved in a very very similiar case, but I took the different route.

About a year ago...During my last semester of college, I had 3 interviews (lets call it A,B, and C) ... C rejected. A and B gave me an offer. Both of the 2 that gave me an offer were in the same industry. I ended up taking the one which was to me a nicer company and seemed to have more prospects. A was larger and offered more money but it also had a nicer more warm working environment too. B was smaller, offered less but had more prospects of paid overtime work. I ended up with company A. They were easy to work with and eveyrthing. I decided to take 2 months off and then start work after school.

During that 2 months. A company (call it company D) emailed me and asked me for interview. During my job search process and along with limited knowledge of the industry, this was my "dream job" I had interviewed for this place for an internship a year back and didnt get it. So they were willing to fly me out hotel car and everything. So i thought it couldn't hurt to see 'what im worth' if anything thing this is good practice and I probably don't have the credentials of getting the job. Lo and behold... about 7 days later... they gave me an offer...Unforunately I would have to relocate not too far and they were willing to pay for that as well. Including relocation... it would be about almost 20% more than job A. It was a tough choice because I was about to start company A in less than 2 weeks!

I asked around for peoples advice, specifically an elder at my church. He told me his opinion and said it is a tough choice. Company D is a really big repubutable company. But he also told me I already know whats the right thing to do. I did too. It would be wrong to go back on my word for company A. Even the job advisor at my school told me to stick with my word.

I began to really seek for God to give me some insight for about a week. I came across this passage. Proverbs 10:9 - "The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out."

I guess for me it was different. I sought after another job after I made a commitment to company A. I didn't even give them a chance. I had already put off employment for a mini 2 month break also. It was too close to the start date to do so.

I ended up turning down company D. However, I still wonder what if... I am not that happy at company A. But there are no guarentees I would have been happy with company D either. I would have to relocate to a new place and be alone. I would have to find a new group of friends / fellowship and such. Away from family and friends.

So I guess I would agree with US News.

[sylar]

Oh, btw company D was a completely different industry of work as well. Same broad field I guess but different type of company / industry.

[thomas]

Think long, think wrong. If B doesn't get back to you - don't wait. You'll be the fool who lost both jobs.

[Moneymonk]

I always say I need 72 hours - 3 days (to buy time) to discuss this with my husband and get back to you. if the other job does not call, I will accept it

[Greg]

@Moneymonk: You are right on. I ask for 24 hours to consider an offer (even if I know right then I will accept). If the company balks, there is something wrong.

As for accepting a job offer while waiting on another, to be very trite "A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush."

If the job you are waiting on is more desirable, contact them and tell them you have an offer from another company and need one from them in 24 hours. Either they will do it or they won't. If they don't, there probably not a worthwhile offer involved.

There are all kinds of reasons companies string job candidates along. However, if a decision-maker is involved, they will make it happen quickly.

[Bill]

I happen to have an offer from company A and know that a board at company B who I have gone through extensive interviews with, will be making a decision on my application in 7 days and not a day earlier because they're a pretty large and rigid company where a hiring panel meets once a week. What is the best way to get exactly 7 days from employer A?

[FMF]

Bill --

Have you tried the suggestion above (asking for time to make a decision)?