Dealing with multiple potential employers
August 15, 2011 8:36 AM Subscribe
How do you handle the timing issues when interviewing at multiple companies?
I'm currently looking for a new position after my company was acquired. In addition to the acquiring company, I am in various stages of talking to several potential employers in NYC and SF. In the past, I think I've been too quick to succumb to pressure to take the first decent offer, but this time I'd like to be a little more careful with deciding. How does one go about managing the timing in this situation - is it OK to say I'm waiting to hear from other places, or should I just say I need some time to think? How much time is reasonable? How could I hurry a company where there's mutual interest, but which hasn't been responsive? If one company pays for my travel to interview, is it ethical to see other companies while I'm there? It's a somewhat senior position, if that makes a difference. Any and all advice on this topic is welcome, thanks.
I'm currently looking for a new position after my company was acquired. In addition to the acquiring company, I am in various stages of talking to several potential employers in NYC and SF. In the past, I think I've been too quick to succumb to pressure to take the first decent offer, but this time I'd like to be a little more careful with deciding. How does one go about managing the timing in this situation - is it OK to say I'm waiting to hear from other places, or should I just say I need some time to think? How much time is reasonable? How could I hurry a company where there's mutual interest, but which hasn't been responsive? If one company pays for my travel to interview, is it ethical to see other companies while I'm there? It's a somewhat senior position, if that makes a difference. Any and all advice on this topic is welcome, thanks.
...or should I just say I need some time to think?
Any time you accept a job offer, you should be doing this. Even if you want the job, you need to review their salary, health plan, benefits, etc. to see if they match your needs. I have always taken a minimum of five business days after an offer has been made to tell them whether I accept it or not. If a company that needs to know right now, now, now!, they probably have other internal issues and, unless you're desperate, not worth your time unless they're really making it worthwhile.
posted by griphus at 8:50 AM on August 15, 2011 [2 favorites]
Any time you accept a job offer, you should be doing this. Even if you want the job, you need to review their salary, health plan, benefits, etc. to see if they match your needs. I have always taken a minimum of five business days after an offer has been made to tell them whether I accept it or not. If a company that needs to know right now, now, now!, they probably have other internal issues and, unless you're desperate, not worth your time unless they're really making it worthwhile.
posted by griphus at 8:50 AM on August 15, 2011 [2 favorites]
It really depends. As far as I'm concerned, "waiting to hear" equals "don't have an offer". The time to bring stuff like this up is when you have one offer on the table and another company has expressed interest beyond just interviewing you, but short of extending an actual offer. Something like calling you up to let you know that it's now between you and one other candidate, for example.
In that case, if you get a second offer while one offer is in limbo, it's fair to say you're very interested but could you have a week to think it over? That would be the point at which you would get back to the first company and explain, in turn, that you're very interested in *them* but you have an offer in hand and need a decision within the week.
And, of course, at the end of every interview, ask when you can expect to hear from them, and ask whether it's all right to get in touch with them if you haven't heard from them by that date.
posted by tel3path at 8:52 AM on August 15, 2011
In that case, if you get a second offer while one offer is in limbo, it's fair to say you're very interested but could you have a week to think it over? That would be the point at which you would get back to the first company and explain, in turn, that you're very interested in *them* but you have an offer in hand and need a decision within the week.
And, of course, at the end of every interview, ask when you can expect to hear from them, and ask whether it's all right to get in touch with them if you haven't heard from them by that date.
posted by tel3path at 8:52 AM on August 15, 2011
I think generally as long as you avoid activities or phrasing that makes it look like you're playing companies off against each other too much, you will be fine.
For example, bad email:
"Thanks for this offer - if it's okay I'd like to hold off on accepting this until I've got competing offers from the other firms I've been interviewing with in hand and I can compare them directly."
Good email:
"Thanks for this offer. Once I have reviewed the documents you've sent me I will be back in touch to let you know my decision by X."
As griphus noted, if they're panicky and desperate to have you such that they can't wait a couple of weeks, either a) You're amazing, in which case negotiate for a higher salary or b) they're dysfunctional and/or suffering some kind of crisis, in which case you'll probably be better off elsewhere.
One thing to never do, though, is decline an offer until you have another one in hand. Don't decline based on something that might happen in a couple of weeks, odds are it won't happen and you'll be left high and dry.
posted by Happy Dave at 8:59 AM on August 15, 2011 [3 favorites]
For example, bad email:
"Thanks for this offer - if it's okay I'd like to hold off on accepting this until I've got competing offers from the other firms I've been interviewing with in hand and I can compare them directly."
Good email:
"Thanks for this offer. Once I have reviewed the documents you've sent me I will be back in touch to let you know my decision by X."
As griphus noted, if they're panicky and desperate to have you such that they can't wait a couple of weeks, either a) You're amazing, in which case negotiate for a higher salary or b) they're dysfunctional and/or suffering some kind of crisis, in which case you'll probably be better off elsewhere.
One thing to never do, though, is decline an offer until you have another one in hand. Don't decline based on something that might happen in a couple of weeks, odds are it won't happen and you'll be left high and dry.
posted by Happy Dave at 8:59 AM on August 15, 2011 [3 favorites]
Recruiter with 20 years experience talking.
"waiting to hear" equals "don't have an offer"
That's right. You don't have a timing issue until you have an offer. Which is not to say you shouldn't be prepared by asking the questions you're asking.
If one company pays for my travel to interview, is it ethical to see other companies while I'm there?
Common? Yes. Ethical? Probably not. Try this instead: "Mr. Employer, I appreciate the opportunity to come to interview. Why don't I cover the cost of the airfare, and if you make an offer that I accept, I will submit that cost for reimbursement?" This approach will win points with the employer for demonstrating a level of interest/commitment above that of other candidates, and give you the ethical flexibility to interview with whomever you wish.
Take the initiative (most candidates don't) to request information in advance that you know will play into your final decision. E.g., benefits summary, lead time for offer response, etc. This may sound very ballsy. Justify your requests by saying that you want to be prepared to respond promptly if an offer is made.
Be very conscious about which employers give you a "we'd like to have you join us" energy vibe, and how that manifests in terms of their answering your questions and encouraging you to ask more. This workplace can often prove to be a more long-term desirable one even though another one "looks" better for one reason or another.
Lastly, if you do get an offer and you know in your heart of hearts that you're going to say Yes. Say Yes immediately. Don't have a think fit. The employer has just told you the equivalent of "I love you. Will you marry me?" The last thing he wants to hear is "Gee, let me think about it." You will never enjoy a deeper reservoir of goodwill than if you reply with a prompt, and excited, Yes.
posted by John Borrowman at 9:26 AM on August 15, 2011 [3 favorites]
"waiting to hear" equals "don't have an offer"
That's right. You don't have a timing issue until you have an offer. Which is not to say you shouldn't be prepared by asking the questions you're asking.
If one company pays for my travel to interview, is it ethical to see other companies while I'm there?
Common? Yes. Ethical? Probably not. Try this instead: "Mr. Employer, I appreciate the opportunity to come to interview. Why don't I cover the cost of the airfare, and if you make an offer that I accept, I will submit that cost for reimbursement?" This approach will win points with the employer for demonstrating a level of interest/commitment above that of other candidates, and give you the ethical flexibility to interview with whomever you wish.
Take the initiative (most candidates don't) to request information in advance that you know will play into your final decision. E.g., benefits summary, lead time for offer response, etc. This may sound very ballsy. Justify your requests by saying that you want to be prepared to respond promptly if an offer is made.
Be very conscious about which employers give you a "we'd like to have you join us" energy vibe, and how that manifests in terms of their answering your questions and encouraging you to ask more. This workplace can often prove to be a more long-term desirable one even though another one "looks" better for one reason or another.
Lastly, if you do get an offer and you know in your heart of hearts that you're going to say Yes. Say Yes immediately. Don't have a think fit. The employer has just told you the equivalent of "I love you. Will you marry me?" The last thing he wants to hear is "Gee, let me think about it." You will never enjoy a deeper reservoir of goodwill than if you reply with a prompt, and excited, Yes.
posted by John Borrowman at 9:26 AM on August 15, 2011 [3 favorites]
Response by poster: First, thanks for all the great advice so far. Second - to elaborate a little more on the actual situation I'm afraid of, now that I have more info:
Company A wants to fly me across the country to meet with the team. To me this is serious interest.
Company B is in my current city, and even though this is/was a contract-to-hire position, it seems the chemistry is good and they have been tossing out very attractive salary numbers.
All things being equal, I prefer Company A, and I'm afraid company B will make me an offer before I fly out to see company A. And there are also companies C , D & E in the mix at earlier stages, although only one of them is really attractive to me.
posted by bashos_frog at 10:34 AM on August 15, 2011
Company A wants to fly me across the country to meet with the team. To me this is serious interest.
Company B is in my current city, and even though this is/was a contract-to-hire position, it seems the chemistry is good and they have been tossing out very attractive salary numbers.
All things being equal, I prefer Company A, and I'm afraid company B will make me an offer before I fly out to see company A. And there are also companies C , D & E in the mix at earlier stages, although only one of them is really attractive to me.
posted by bashos_frog at 10:34 AM on August 15, 2011
Your MeFi profile identifies as a software engineer. In this hot job market when you are seeking a job as a software engineer you are a valuable commodity, not a supplicant. Businesses will be working hard to entice you (the customer to buy their product (the job). If they want to hire oyu, you are in control.
I'm not saying be a jerk: be ethical and polite and honest. But because you're so valuable, the moment a company decides to hire you they will rush you. "We need you to take this offer right now". This tactic is almost always a ruse; they're not going to withdraw the offer if you don't take it immediately. They want you to start quickly, of course, and want you to be excited about the job. But you're the valuable commodity here, it's your perogative to wait. A little, a week or two, don't try to drag it out for months.
The contract-to-hire thing at Company B means you can stall them. Just stop answering conversations about salaries and conversion to hire and let that simmer until you're ready. Get serious with Company A and go out there immediately. If C, D, and E are interested in you then tell them now "I'm in a contract to hire position at a different company and things are moving relatively quickly; can we talk now?" Recruiting inside companies can go at a glacial pace; you need to light a fire under them.
posted by Nelson at 11:01 AM on August 15, 2011
I'm not saying be a jerk: be ethical and polite and honest. But because you're so valuable, the moment a company decides to hire you they will rush you. "We need you to take this offer right now". This tactic is almost always a ruse; they're not going to withdraw the offer if you don't take it immediately. They want you to start quickly, of course, and want you to be excited about the job. But you're the valuable commodity here, it's your perogative to wait. A little, a week or two, don't try to drag it out for months.
The contract-to-hire thing at Company B means you can stall them. Just stop answering conversations about salaries and conversion to hire and let that simmer until you're ready. Get serious with Company A and go out there immediately. If C, D, and E are interested in you then tell them now "I'm in a contract to hire position at a different company and things are moving relatively quickly; can we talk now?" Recruiting inside companies can go at a glacial pace; you need to light a fire under them.
posted by Nelson at 11:01 AM on August 15, 2011
I have always had recruiters ask me if I'm interviewing at other companies or any other timing issues before even coming in for an interview. Maybe it's industry specific, but the tech recruiters seem to always been aware that they're unlikely to be the only company you're talking to. As part of that, they will make sure that you have all the benefits, etc, information that you might need as soon as possible.
So what I would do in your position is call company A and tell them something along the lines of "hey, I really like you, but I think I'm about to get an offer from company B and I will need to respond to them by date XYZ. can we work within that time frame?"
posted by lyra4 at 11:02 AM on August 15, 2011
So what I would do in your position is call company A and tell them something along the lines of "hey, I really like you, but I think I'm about to get an offer from company B and I will need to respond to them by date XYZ. can we work within that time frame?"
posted by lyra4 at 11:02 AM on August 15, 2011
"hey, I really like you, but I think I'm about to get an offer from company B and I will need to respond to them by date XYZ. can we work within that time frame?"
This is good.
they have been tossing out very attractive salary numbers
What does this mean?
Nthing what Nelson suggests. It may sound counter-intuitive, but consider forestalling money discussions at Company B by saying, "Hey guys, I appreciate your interest. I'd like to make sure this really is the opportunity for me before we get too far down the road in talking about money."
Employers NEVER hear this from candidates. They'll probably be temporarily buffaloed. The thing is, once the actual offer goes on the table the clock starts ticking and the pressure is on for an answer.
posted by John Borrowman at 11:40 AM on August 15, 2011
This is good.
they have been tossing out very attractive salary numbers
What does this mean?
Nthing what Nelson suggests. It may sound counter-intuitive, but consider forestalling money discussions at Company B by saying, "Hey guys, I appreciate your interest. I'd like to make sure this really is the opportunity for me before we get too far down the road in talking about money."
Employers NEVER hear this from candidates. They'll probably be temporarily buffaloed. The thing is, once the actual offer goes on the table the clock starts ticking and the pressure is on for an answer.
posted by John Borrowman at 11:40 AM on August 15, 2011
Response by poster: they have been tossing out very attractive salary numbers
What does this mean?
It means that although we're not at the offer stage, the recruiter was pressing me for a salary range. I told them I expected to get paid fairly, and put the ball back in their court. He came back with a number, asking if it was reasonable to continue. The number was very competitive for me.
posted by bashos_frog at 6:04 PM on August 15, 2011
What does this mean?
It means that although we're not at the offer stage, the recruiter was pressing me for a salary range. I told them I expected to get paid fairly, and put the ball back in their court. He came back with a number, asking if it was reasonable to continue. The number was very competitive for me.
posted by bashos_frog at 6:04 PM on August 15, 2011
The employer has just told you the equivalent of "I love you. Will you marry me?"
Actually, they have just told you the equivalent of "Hey baby, I'll shag you till the next chick comes along."
You don't have to jump to their finger-snap to communicate enthusiasm. You also don't have to go all pickup-artist with a jealousy plotline who is about to find himself alone in the VIP room going "what happened?"
Instead, you're torn between two offers. Agonized. Conflicted.
posted by tel3path at 6:32 AM on August 16, 2011
Actually, they have just told you the equivalent of "Hey baby, I'll shag you till the next chick comes along."
You don't have to jump to their finger-snap to communicate enthusiasm. You also don't have to go all pickup-artist with a jealousy plotline who is about to find himself alone in the VIP room going "what happened?"
Instead, you're torn between two offers. Agonized. Conflicted.
posted by tel3path at 6:32 AM on August 16, 2011
This thread is closed to new comments.
Yup, this is OK. It is, however, also OK for a company to say, we need someone really soon, so we're going to move on. But don't freak out about that - in my experience, if they bother to come up with an offer for you, they can usually wait 1-2 weeks after that. The same could go for your industry.
You can't reliably expedite a company's decision, but you can let them know that someone else is waiting for you to respond to an offer. Sometimes, this gets them to work faster, other times it doesn't matter.
If one company pays for my travel to interview, is it ethical to see other companies while I'm there?
Sure, as long as you give that company priority on your trip. It's not really reasonable for them to expect you to turn down other opportunities just because they happened to be the first to fly you out, especially in an employer's market, which is what the situation is in most industries right now.
posted by ignignokt at 8:46 AM on August 15, 2011