How interested are you in this “second choice” opportunity, really? I recommend that you work through the virtues and negatives about that opportunity as a stand-alone first. If you have to accept the other offer as a result, that will likely be ok with us if you can’t postpone your decision.Īssess 2 nd Choice Employer Opportunity Independently. But we may not be able to deliver on a decision before you have to give the other employer a response. Meaning:You are a strong contender for this job and just might get it. People are on vacation so scheduling has been tough. Response/Code: Let me see what I can do to move the process forward.Don’t do anything until you meet a few more people asap. Meaning:We think you may be The One and want to be competitive on compensation so we don’t lose you. Response/Code: Thanks for this update, let me see if I can get you in to see Executive #1, Executive #2 and Executive #3 by the end of the week.Meaning:You’re not going to get this job. Response/Code: I wouldn’t recommend that you wait for our process to be complete because it may be while.Meaning: There’s not enough buy-in for your candidacy to speed up the process so we are not going to – and if we lose you…we lose you. Response/Code: Feedback is positive so far but we’re relatively early in our process.And we are not going to expedite the interview process to accommodate you. Your shot at getting this job is modest at best.
Meaning: How do we feel about your candidacy? Eh.
So deciphering that code is required for accurate bearings. As you analyze your responses, it’s important to note that hiring managers and HR professionals can sometimes speak in code – mainly to avoid an unpleasant exchange. The response you receive to your message will convey the 1 st Choice Employer’s interest level in your candidacy and whether they’ll push to complete the process by your deadline. So I wanted to know if the same level of interest is mutual and whether the company would be able to make a hiring decision before the 27 th. My level of interest in your opportunity is high and at this stage of my search, it’s my preference above all others. The CEO has asked for a decision by February 27 th. I’ve had a recent development in my search and have received an offer from another company. I wanted to follow up on the status of your interview process for your General Counsel role. I think there could be a great fit so let me know where you are in your process and level of interest in my candidacy.” With this said, after meeting with you and your team my interest level is high in your Product Counsel/Of Counsel role. I just received an offer from Company/Firm XYZ and they have given me until next Thursday to provide a response.
So what to say? Below are two sample messages: It signals that if they do move on a dime, their efforts will be rewarded. It’s also appropriate and recommended that you express your level of interest in their opportunity. This notification is important because it provides the other employer with the opportunity to expedite their processes if their interest in bringing you on board is high. Assuming that you have been transparent about your other job pursuits (highly recommended!), this communication should be pretty painless. You’ve just received an offer so it’s wholly appropriate to notify your other suitor with an update on your status – and inquiry as to their status of your candidacy.
Below is the approach and analysis to arrive at your answer. In order to determine the best decision to make for your situation, you will need more information…from both employers. So what’s the best way to handle this situation? Make a play for your first choice? Or…just take the offer? In your situation, you’ve received an offer for your second choice role while your preferred opportunity is a few lengths back.
Sometimes the predicament is benign, but other times bad timing can greatly influence the direction of a career. And no matter how hard a candidate may try, “timing issues” often arise after the first suitor crosses the finish line. No two noses are exactly in the same place at the exactly the same time. Interviewing for multiple jobs with multiple employers has the structure and feel of a horse race.