How to handle multiple job offers: Advice from a recruiter

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes 

Receiving many job offers can feel both exciting and overwhelming. But trust me – it’s a great position to be in! 

As a Schneider corporate recruiter, I often encounter candidates who are juggling several different job offers. If you find yourself in this situation, use my six-step guide on how to handle multiple job offers to help you make a decision you feel confident in. 

6 steps to manage multiple job offers

1. Communicate with the hiring managers. 

When you’ve received several job offers, it’s a good idea to let each of the hiring managers know you’re considering various opportunities. This gives each employer a chance to adjust their timeline for a decision or even improve the offer if they’re particularly motivated to hire you.

At Schneider, hiring managers usually prefer to have these conversations over a phone call versus through an email. Whichever route you choose, just be respectful and appreciative of the hiring manager’s time and consideration.

For example, you could say something like:

“Thank you for the job offer. I want to be transparent and mention I’m considering another opportunity as well.”

2. Establish a timeline for your decision.

During this same conversation, you’ll want to work with the hiring managers to set deadlines for when they can expect to get your decisions by. Two to three days to decide is usually a reasonable timeline to request. You can also ask each hiring manager if they have a timeframe in mind.

If you think you need more time than the hiring manager suggested to consider the offer, request a small extension of a few business days. Avoid asking for too much time, though, as employers could move on to other candidates.

A good way to phrase this could be something like:

“I’d like a few days to consider this opportunity fully. Will it work on your end if I get back to you with a response by Friday?” 

3. List the details of each position.

It’s important to be organized as you’re figuring out how to choose between several job offers. Create a breakdown of each offer to understand what’s on the table.

Write down information like:

• Job title and responsibilities.

• Compensation and benefits.

• Start dates.

• Work model options (in-person, hybrid or remote).

• Work schedule.

Many companies, like Schneider, include most of this information in their job postings. You can refer back to each job post you applied for as you gather this information.

As you create these lists, you may find you have more questions or lack some of this information. As a Schneider recruiter, I’m always happy to answer any questions candidates have about the job as they compare their offers. All they have to do is give me a call.

4. Weigh the pros and cons of each offer.

Now that you have all the details of each job offer laid out, I highly recommend creating a pros and cons list for each job to help you visualize which one is best for you.

First, consider the offers individually to see if the:

• Compensation matches your expectations.

• Work schedule and work model suit your lifestyle.

• Role aligns with your career goals.

• Company’s culture is a good fit for you.

Next, compare each of the pros and cons lists you created. Focus on what’s most important to you to help you decide on an offer.

5. Negotiate if needed.

While comparing job offers, you might find yourself leaning toward one but find there’s something missing that could influence your final decision. If that’s the case, it’s worth reaching back out to the company to negotiate.

Employers often expect negotiation, especially if they know the candidate is considering multiple job offers. Be professional in your request and explain why you’d like to negotiate that particular part of the offer.

For example, you might say something like:

“I’m very excited about this opportunity, but I’m wondering if there’s room to discuss a hybrid work schedule versus a fully in-person one? A hybrid work schedule would be more beneficial to my lifestyle, as commuting to the office five days a week would impact some of my current commitments.” 

6. Make a decision.

Once you’ve made your decision, it’s time to communicate your choice clearly and professionally to all potential employers.

Accepting a job offer

A phone call is usually the most personal and professional way to accept a job offer. Express your enthusiasm and gratitude to show the employer you’re excited to join their team.

You can say something like:

“Thank you for offering me the (role title) at (company). After careful consideration, I’m thrilled to accept the position. I’m really looking forward to contributing to the team and starting on (start date). Please let me know if there are any next steps.” 

After this phone conversation, send a formal email to the hiring manager to document your acceptance. Include the details of the job agreement, including:

• The role you’re accepting.

• The agreed-upon salary.

• Any incentives (if applicable).

• Your start date.

Declining other job offers

Turning down job offers may feel awkward, but it’s an important part of the process. Approach it professionally and respectfully: You never know when you might cross paths with these recruiters, hiring managers or companies again.

You can decline a job offer over a phone call or through an email. Consider saying something like

“Thank you for offering me the (role title) position at (company). I appreciate the time and effort you and your team dedicated to the interview process and making me feel welcome. After careful consideration, I’ve decided to accept another opportunity that I believe is the best fit for my career goals at this time. I wish you and your team continued success." 

Even if you’re saying no to an offer, employers will remember your courteous approach. This might leave the door open for future opportunities.