Figuring out how to successfully juggle multiple offers is one of the best problems a job seeker can face. In an ideal situation, all offers will be on the table at the same time, and only after interviews with all prospective employers are completed, so you can make an informed choice between them. In the real world, however, n offer may come earlier in the search process, before you have fully explored all your options. The question then becomes how to keep the earlier offers open while finishing up your job search process.
Know what you want
Before you send out your very first resume, you should take the time to clarify your job search goals. That way, you will have a better idea of which kinds of positions would best move you toward your desired career destination. With that in mind, as offers come in, you can determine which are worth pursuing. Then you can feel comfortable immediately letting go of any which are not a good fit for you. Do not just grab the first offer that comes along because it may not be the best for you—even if the money is good. On the other hand, if the offer is exactly what you have been seeking, take it; there is no advantage to playing hard to get.
Do not pursue or hang onto an offer which you know you ultimately would not want to accept, solely to use it as a bargaining chip vis-à-vis your current or other employers. That tactic can backfire and make you look greedy. Furthermore, do not accept an offer on the theory that if you get a better one you simply can change your mind and reject it. There can be legal ramifications in breaking a contract in addition to possibly ruining your reputation in the tightly-knit legal marketplace. It also can make the firm which you chose over the first prospective employer question your integrity, which is not a good way to start your working relationship.
Monitor progress
For the best chances of having your offers on the table concurrently, send out all inquiries as close in time as possible. Monitor your progress so that all of your prospects are either being weeded out or proceeding at approximately the same pace. Keep your overall timing in mind when arranging initial and follow-up interviews. You often can create a little leeway by taking a day or two to provide writing samples or references versus emailing them right away, or speed things up by arranging an interview for tomorrow versus a few days from now.
Be open with your interviewers throughout your search regarding where you are in your process, and how your other prospects are progressing. Let them know of your time constraints. Most prospective employers will assume that if you are an attractive candidate for their hiring needs, others will also be interested in you, as well. In fact, having some competition may make you an even more desirable candidate in their eyes. It is not necessary to disclose the identities of their competitors, however, even if they ask. Do not invent competition or time constraints as that strategy can backfire. The prospective employer may cut you loose with the justification that they cannot move quickly enough and do not want to interfere with your chances with your other (fictitious) job prospects.
An offer in hand
Once an offer is on the table, and you have determined that it is one that you want to seriously consider but other prospects with potential remain pending, you need to carefully manage your timing. Let the offering employer know that you are very pleased and flattered to have received their offer and that you want to give it serious consideration. State that you want to have all the facts on the table before making this important decision so that you are sure that it is the right one for both you and them. You can legitimately delay giving an answer by requesting a copy of the offer in writing, asking for clarification of its terms or expectations regarding advancement, requesting a meeting with the benefits administrator to go over details of the package, or asking to meet more people at the firm.
When you receive an offer which you believe you might want to accept, immediately cut off the process with all prospective employers who are less appealing to you. At the same time, inform all of your remaining prospects that you have an attractive offer on the table, but that you continue to be interested in their opportunity. Ask them where they are in their hiring process and for an assessment of where you stand in comparison with any other candidates they have under consideration. If you are not high on their list, that will give you a better idea of how to proceed. Let them know when you must respond on your existing offer, and ask if they can accommodate your timing by completing the interviewing process as soon as possible. Understand that they may not be able to move fast enough for you. Then you will be forced to give up either the offer in hand or the possibility of others coming to fruition.
When must you respond?
Ask any employer who has made a potentially desirable offer what their timing is, whether there are other candidates on hold pending your decision, and when they absolutely must have your answer. Let them know your best estimate of when you will have completed your search process with all prospective employers and when you think you can have an answer for them. Keep the lines of communication open. Give them your answer just as soon as possible and definitely on or before your agreed-upon date.
If it looks like you will need even more time, you may need to ask for an extension on the offer. This is a perfectly acceptable practice, but should be done with tact and care. Let the offering employer know as soon as possible about your new time constraints. Emphasize your interest in continuing to consider their offer, and set a new date. Understand the potential employer’s time pressures, as well, as they may need to withdraw your offer in order to pursue other candidates.
Stay focused
When juggling multiple job offers, keep your job search objectives in mind. If you are looking for something in furtherance of your ultimate career goals, you will be able to make a solid choice and not be distracted solely by dollar signs or other less important factors. As soon as you have the information you need to fully evaluate the offers, make your decision and communicate it to all parties immediately. You will then be in the enviable position of starting your new job knowing that your choice was the best the market had to offer.