I recieved an offer for a company (Company A) this week. I like the job, but there is one I am holding out for (Company B). I have a second interview with Company B on Thursday. Is it appropriate to let them know I need to know about the situation ASAP because I have some "other offers on the table". First time in this situation, need help!!

3/20/2007 8:07:53 PM

Whatever the question, the answer is usually oral sex.

Remember that as you head out into the real world.

3/20/2007 8:10:02 PM

Depends on how qualified you are.... Looking at things from the other side of the table - I wouldn't want to be rushed into making someone an offer and would likely tell them to go ahead with those other offers on the table. Any employer who is serious about you will give you relatively quick feedback if they're interested.

3/20/2007 8:14:50 PM

My qualifications - Just got off a 7 month stint as a recruiter.

I would let the interview on Thursday know you have a job offer, they are your first choice but you don't want to give up a sure thing to chase down another job. Try to get them to tell you where you sit and what is left in their process. For all you know(unless you did not mention it) there might be 1-2 more interviews before the offer stage.

Once you find that out, lay everything on the table(offer, dollars, company, etc) and try to move the interview up to Wednesday(this is not uncommon, do not be afraid to ask). After that, you have to figure out what to tell the first company, vague is better, they know the deal. Let them know you are "very flattered by the offer and would like to"
1) Think about everything to make the best decision
2) Talk it over with your family/bf/husband
3) Finish a 2nd interview that you already gave your word to go to. (This probably won't go over well.)

The key is to talk to the 2nd company and make sure if you interview on Thursday you will get an answer Thursday afternoon, otherwise, you have no clue how long you have to hold off the first offer.

3/20/2007 8:26:30 PM

Company A should be willing to give you a timetable additionally. That should allow you to ask Company B for an answer within that timeframe.

3/20/2007 8:40:25 PM

now I am having a tough time deciding between the two jobs!! but that is a whole 'nother thread.

3/20/2007 8:49:13 PM

if you are having a tough time, take the sure thing.

3/20/2007 8:57:27 PM

^ That sums it up. You don't want to screw around and risk losing both opportunities. Chances are, though, that Company A mentioned or expects at east a couple of days for you to decide whether to accept the offer. What level position is it, internship or full-time?

3/20/2007 9:07:03 PM

both are entry-level full time positions

3/20/2007 9:10:25 PM

[Edited on March 20, 2007 at 9:17 PM. Reason : .]

3/20/2007 9:10:27 PM

I would expect that with a full-time position they would be more "professional" about the offer process. You should be able to explain to the first job that you need a couple of days to think about the offer and talk it over with family. I would offer to accept or decline their offer on Friday, and hope to make an awesome impression and have a quick offer from the second interview. If not, go back to the sure thing and accept their offer as soon as possible on Friday.

[Edited on March 20, 2007 at 9:20 PM. Reason : .]

3/20/2007 9:17:11 PM

I just had this exact situation happen to me this week. I had offers from some companies, but the one I really wanted had not replied to me in about a week and a half. One of the companies that offered me a position basically said they were going to start interviewing other people in case I turned them down. So I emailed the company I wanted an offer from and basically said that they were and are my first choice and while I did not want to rush their decision I would be really helpful to know one way or the other within the next week.

It must have worked, because they said they would let me know soon and I got the offer from them today.

3/20/2007 9:29:44 PM

sometimes the employer will ask do you have any other offers. That is what they have asked me the past few interviews I have had.

3/21/2007 9:49:03 AM

Quote :

"everything typhicane said"

3/21/2007 9:55:48 AM

Quote :

"I would let the interview on Thursday know you have a job offer, they are your first choice but you don't want to give up a sure thing to chase down another job. Try to get them to tell you where you sit and what is left in their process. For all you know(unless you did not mention it) there might be 1-2 more interviews before the offer stage. Once you find that out, lay everything on the table(offer, dollars, company, etc) and try to move the interview up to Wednesday(this is not uncommon, do not be afraid to ask). After that, you have to figure out what to tell the first company, vague is better, they know the deal. Let them know you are "very flattered by the offer and would like to" 1) Think about everything to make the best decision 2) Talk it over with your family/bf/husband 3) Finish a 2nd interview that you already gave your word to go to. (This probably won't go over well.) The key is to talk to the 2nd company and make sure if you interview on Thursday you will get an answer Thursday afternoon, otherwise, you have no clue how long you have to hold off the first offer."

This is pretty much how you should work it...

I've worked in HR and as a recruiter as well, and all they want if for you to be up front and honest as soon as possible. Both companies would be morons to think you aren't interviewing/getting offers elsewhere. The trick is notifying them in a timely fashion and making it work to your advantage.

3/21/2007 10:50:27 AM

don't know what kind of job your offer was for, but for me, I've always been able to get a week to consider a job offer...

if that's the case, you have the weekend to consider how your Thursday interview went, and which company you would really rather work for.

3/21/2007 11:15:22 AM

Quote :

"2) Talk it over with your family/bf/husband"

Don't say "I need to go ask my parents". bf/husband/"family" maybe, but DO NOT say parents. This is your life, your job - you'll sound like a pussy if you still have to ask your parents about stuff.

3/21/2007 11:19:35 AM

Just dont stay with Company C, where you are now, if you still are. The company sucks and you can do better than that.

3/21/2007 11:56:56 AM

Quote :

"don't know what kind of job your offer was for, but for me, I've always been able to get a week to consider a job offer..."

Then you are a c-level executive or no one else wants the jobs you get offered. I was placing 100K System Engineers and they had 2 days at most. Then my clients moved to the next person. They hire people who want to be there, as a part of their company. Taking too long will kill any offer. 1 week is retarded, either you want to be there or you do not, but they will expect you to make a choice sooner than that if you are interviewing with them.

3/21/2007 12:07:09 PM

But places will give you a timeframe of when they need an answer though.

Yes, some want more immediate answers, others are more less hurried. Either way, you should know when they expect an answer.

3/21/2007 12:22:34 PM