Multiple job offers.. how to handle?

[Katrina]

I just started applying for jobs.. I sent out a slew of resumes to law firms...all the jobs I was appyling to were very similar. I am starting to get calls for interviews, and while I doubt every place I interview will want to hire me, there's the chance that more than one will. Or that the first place I interview will want to hire me but I am not sure if that is the best match for me. I mean, I would take it, if none of the other offers pan out ya know?

So how do you handle such a situation? Say this first place offers me a job, but I want to hold out for a little bit to see if some of the other potential (better) jobs come through, but not hold out TOO long obviously as to lose the position entirely.

Any thoughts?

[Nocona]

If they offer, I would ask for, say a week to make your decision. Any longer than that and you'd be really delaying them in getting a new hire in. Hopefully in that time you will be able to see if you got another job.

[Dennis]

Like Nocona, said, ask them for some time. Then let the others know that you have an offer already but you prefer them. Usually if the second firm is interested they're willing to speed up the process a bit.

Dennis

[Katrina]

So then it's normal for them to hear that? This is relatively new for me..I've worked for the government for the last 8 years. This resume job thing is a bit different. I am also kindof going in entry level, as this job isn't something I have done before, while I am certainly qualified, I don't know quite how much room I have to hold out for better offers, if that makes sense.
Arg. Frustrating.

[bunybomb]

If you receive a job offer from the first one and it's not really a fit, don't accept just because its the only one. You will end up looking for another job soon. If it is a fit, then ask for time. I wouldn't expect more than 72 hours or over a weekend. If you get another offer from somewhere else, you can alway rescind the first offer before your start date.

My husband got four job offers at once a few years ago. He accepted one and a few days later he received an offer for the one he really wanted. He was completely honest with the first and rescinded their offer. It didn't hurt his reputation in his industry, in fact it strengthed it.

IMHO, employers look out for themselves first and you should too!

[Katrina]

Thank you all for the advice! I can only hope I am lucky enough to have my pick of offers!!

[Bev]

Any luck yet? :)

[Katrina]

Oh! Yeah.. I got the job of the first place I interviewwed at. They took their time calling me back for a 2nd interview (well, only a week) and in that time I was interviewed by another job with better pay and better benefits but crappier work and a longer hiring process (it was for a police department.. you know all about those background checks!)
I accepted the job from the first place after they offered it (2nd interview on a friday, they called on the following tuesday) mostly after decideding that I'd rather do the work of that job even if it meant lower pay because I liked the work better and it had more personal growth potential for me than the other.

[Shanna]

Yeah!!! :woo: Congrats! (even a little bit late :blush: )

[harmonielyn]

Congrats! :yippee:

[Bev]

Great news! :)

[Dennis]

Congrats! Glad it worked out!