Making Tough Decisons

Several people I have had contact with recently have been faced with a really tough challenge.  They were offered the chance to interview for multiple jobs simultaneously.  You would think this is excellent, considering have tough it is to get just one real live interview these days but there is a dark side to this.  What should you do if the first employer to offer a job is your second or third choice to work for?

The possible scenarios are as endless as the number of combinations one could throw together at a really good sandwich shop!  If an offer comes your way that is not your top choice, the first thing to do is tell that company you will get back to them within 2 business days as you want to consider all your options and properly review their opportunity.  Next, get on the phone and send emails to the other potential suitors, tell them you have an offer in hand, but really want to hear back before making a decision.  If they tell you they will get back to you the next day, wait for them but not more than 24 hours.  Should they say they are extremely interested in you but need a week or two to make a decision, you have some soul searching to do.

I saw someone tell the place that made an offer that they needed a week to weigh their options but the company went with someone else.  Unfortunately, the offer fell through from the desired company and the person was left with nothing and had to start looking around all over again.

Someone else I spoke with took the less desired job, tolerated some difficult situations and kept working hard.  About 6 weeks later, one of the more desired employers called and said their budget had loosened up and they wished to make an offer.  While my standard advice is to never switch jobs in less than six months, we weighed the options and this time it made sense and it has worked out quite well.

My advice is, if you need to work and you only have one really solid offer, take the job.  You might actually find yourself in a great situation!  If not, keep your options open and see what develops.  The worst thing to do in a difficult economy is turn down a job when all other options seem to be on hold.