Let’s be honest...the tech job market is a bit crazy out there at the moment. Skilled workers have never been in more demand, and with the international talent tap still turned off – it’s created the perfect storm. Multiple job offers are a natural result of this, becoming so common that we’re seeing more and more candidates juggling 2-3 job offers at a time. While this can be the perfect opportunity to drive a competitive offer, most people can find this experience daunting, in an effort to keep your reputation in check, while also managing expectations of all the stakeholders.
With all this in mind, here are a few tips to help you through the process:
It’s all about communication
First, be honest about your situation – it’s all about transparency. If you have received an offer and still have other interviews to complete, that is 100% okay! Your best bet is to communicate some timelines and manage expectations while you are making a final decision. This might even encourage the second employer to bring your interview forward or expedite the decision-making process. On top of that, you’ll also be more likely to receive their most competitive offer in the hopes of securing you.
Beating a common trap
It’s important not to fall into the trap of thinking an employer will revoke an offer if they do not gauge 100% commitment from your end. If anything, the opposite is true...multiple job offers will only justify their hiring decision and the demand for your skills in the market. If you are the preferred candidate, employers will usually wait up to a week for you to decide, especially for a permanent role (although always clarify this so everyone is on the same page). Remember, there’s nothing worse than accepting a verbal offer, only to drag out the process and not sign on the dotted line – this is a sure fire way of burning bridges with potential future employers.
The final decision
When it comes to making a final decision, don’t succumb to pressure from recruiters or hiring managers. Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions to help validate your decision, even after the interview has been completed. Keep lines of communication open with the hiring manager/recruiter, get the inside scoop from peers who have worked/currently work at each company, and even put pen to paper and write a pros and cons list to make an informed, calculated decision. It’s also worth remembering not to fall into the trap of accepting an offer purely based on salary. Culture, purpose, work-life balance, growth opportunities and the relationship you have with the hiring manager are usually more important in the long term.
At the end of the day, it’s important to follow your gut instinct...don’t second guess your decision and stay committed once you’ve made up your mind. The biggest takeaway from all of this is a simple one: be honest and transparent throughout the process. It’s always a good idea to keep the door open and support relationships as you never know what the future will hold, especially in a close knit community like Wellington.