I recently interviewed for two positions at two
different organizations. I was informed that I will most likely be hearing from my second choice (at which I am one of two candidates being considered) late next week. The day after learning the above info., I was
invited to my first choice for a second interview that will be held the week AFTER I can expect to hear from my second choice. I do not want to turn down an offer the second choice in case I am not offered my first
choice, but there is the time overlap problem. Everyone I consult says to accept the second choice, then reneg if offered my first choice. I am not comfortable with that idea but of course I want to maximize my
opportunities. What do you recommend?
From: Nina Gordon, Recent Graduate, University of CA, Santa Cruz
ANSWER FROM BRIAN KRUEGER:
Hi Nina -
You have a classic job search dilemma. The timing rarely works
out in entry level job search. We assume the entire search will come to a grand conclusion with three or four offers to choose from at the same time, but that kind of timing rarely happens.
You are, however,
fortunate enough that the two events are close enough together that you can buy some time. First of all, almost any employer will give you a week to consider the offer if you ask for it. No reasons need be given, but if
they press, be honest with them--let them know that you had already made a commitment to another firm for an interview the following week and you want to complete your commitments before coming to a final decision. If I
was on the other side of the desk from you, I would gladly wait--and appreciate your honesty. I don't want you looking over your shoulder wondering "What if?" any more than you do. That should suffice. But
then the trick is to make your first choice employer aware of the timing constraints, but only after you have actually received your offer from Employer #2. Call Employer #1 to inform them of your offer (BTW, your stock
value will go up when you do this). This will also allow them to properly plan for making their decision and will forewarn you of any possible delays ahead of time.
And if you truly have to end up waiting for
Employer #1 beyond the Employer #2 time frame, you can always call to ask for a few more days. Do it politely, say you are still considering the offer, but would like a few more days to reply. If Employer #1 still does
not respond, you may have your answer by default. No employer should take more than 2-3 days beyond the final interview to make their decision. Unless, of course, they are playing the same game in reverse--waiting for
Candidate #1 to come in to interview the following week.
Good luck, do well. And make sure you don't lose the bird in the hand.
Do you have a question that you would like to have answered here in this forum? Send your question direct to Brian Krueger.
All job search information at this forum is provided by Brian Krueger, author of the book College Grad Job Hunter, the definitive guide for college grad job search. Used by permission of the author.
