Hedge on one job offer for another

Scenario: Got a good job offer from HR in a very professional company.I'm Waiting for the final result of another interview of a preferred job, expected in 3 -5 days

Question: How best to handle the first offer with something more than "I need a few days to think it over "

Thanks
Spin

This maybe a little dishonest but maybe say that you are going on holidays for X amount of days and that you will let them know when you return....

Be honest... No harm in letting them know they have competition.

Why not just accept the first offer, and then pull out if a better offer comes later?

As someone involved in hiring - would much prefer honesty than someone accepting a job and then pulling out. You would never get another opportunity with our company again by pulling out of a job offer, whereas if you took another job and it didn;t work out, then there would be no bad feeling.

Think about it, if you accept a job and pull out, then other canditates could have been told job was gone - whereas you say wait for a few days as have been for another interview, then we could hold the other canditates for a few days too.

Don_08 said:

As someone involved in hiring - would much prefer honesty than someone accepting a job and then pulling out. You would never get another opportunity with our company again by pulling out of a job offer, whereas if you took another job and it didn;t work out, then there would be no bad feeling. Think about it, if you accept a job and pull out, then other candidates could have been told job was gone -

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There are about a hundred holes in this arguement. If you tell other candidates that the job is gone before you've done reference checks, medicals and got a signed contract, then you need to review your own procedures.

The 'never get another opportunity' thing is an exaggeration too. Do you maintain a blacklist of candidates, or are you relying on people's memories? At the rate at which HR people move job, this might have an impact for 6-12 months, but 'never' is a very long time.

Don_08 said:

whereas you say wait for a few days as have been for another interview, then we could hold the other canditates for a few days too.

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If the first employer is pressing for a decision, then a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush - you're first responsibility is to yourself. Don't let the first offer slip away under any circumstances.

I'd view it as a matter of your own integrity. If you're happy to agree to take the job, then renege on that, that's fine. I wouldn't be, but maybe that's just me.

Thanks for comments

I've been a hiring manager in the past and have had people pull out days in to the job after a long search. very painful to the org. So I wont set out to leave anyone in the lurch like that or sully my own "rep" (small country)

My concern was letting the first employer with the impression that they are "second fiddle" and having to live with that if taking up the position.

On reflection without any clever excuses, the best thing might be to answer the offer (usually verbal at first) with thanks and a question ..."how long do i have to make my mind up" or better still "i trust it's OK to have a week to confirm my acceptance".

If pressed on my reason .. evasive ... "just need time to think it over" while thanking them and get them off the phone.

On taking up the position (first one) I'd put the acceptance delay down to another offer that say had a car or a better commute that no one can take personally .. but this job is a better one of course , nice place to work etc ;-)


Have I answered my own question ?

I wouldnt accept the first offer. Wait and see, ask them if its okay to have a few days to think about it. You really never know when youll meet that company again. I would take the advice in this poost about taking a few days/holiday etc to think about it.

Spinnaker said:

On reflection without any clever excuses, the best thing might be to answer the offer (usually verbal at first) with thanks and a question ..."how long do i have to make my mind up" or better still "i trust it's OK to have a week to confirm my acceptance".

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Make sure you have your position/response prepared should they answer 'No - we really need to know today'.

glowinthedar said:

This maybe a little dishonest but maybe say that you are going on holidays for X amount of days and that you will let them know when you return....

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If he's not going on holidays he's still being dishonest.

I'd say "I'll let you know on (insert a date) and stick to it". A week won't kill them no matter how much they say it will.

K ... Thanks Becky et al .....

In any organised company hiring plan there's always a few weeks of "fat" or leeway so...got it now; take affirmative control:

"Thanks for offer I will be thinking it over and will let you know before (+ 4/5 days)" Click.