Having another job offer is a strong position, but it requires careful and professional communication. Handling this situation correctly can lead to a better salary, a faster decision from a preferred employer, or simply a graceful exit.
Prepare Before You Communicate
Before you communicate, your first step is to analyze both opportunities honestly. Look beyond salary and compare factors like company culture, potential for growth, daily responsibilities, and work-life balance. A clear assessment of which role aligns with your long-term career aspirations is the basis for your next move.
With a preferred role in mind, define your specific goal. Are you trying to leverage the competing offer to negotiate a better package, prompt a faster decision, or simply decline one offer politely? Your objective will dictate your tone, timing, and what information you share.
If negotiation is your goal, determine your numbers ahead of time. Calculate your ideal salary and benefits package based on research and the competing offer. Decide on the absolute minimum you would accept, as this “walk-away” point gives you confidence to negotiate effectively.
Using an Offer to Negotiate a Better Package
A job offer demonstrates your market value. This negotiation is best had over the phone or video call, as it allows for a personal connection and immediate feedback. A real-time conversation helps convey your enthusiasm and reduces the risk of your message being misinterpreted as a transactional demand.
Begin the discussion by expressing genuine excitement and gratitude for their offer. Reiterate your strong interest in the role and the company. After establishing this positive frame, you can transparently mention the other offer. You could say, “I am very excited about this opportunity. As I consider the complete offer, I want to be transparent and let you know that I have received another competitive offer. My preference is to work with you, and I was hoping we could discuss the compensation to see if there is any flexibility.”
It is not always necessary to share the name of the other company or the exact details of their offer. Simply stating that you have a “competitive offer” is often enough to open the door for discussion. If they press for specifics, you can decide whether to share details, but avoid using the other offer as a rigid ultimatum.
If they match or exceed the competing offer, you can express your appreciation and confirm your acceptance. If they are unable to adjust the salary, they may offer improvements in other areas, such as a signing bonus, additional vacation time, or professional development funding. Should they be unable to make any changes, you must be prepared to revert to your initial decision.
Nudging a Preferred Company for a Faster Decision
You may have an offer from one company but are more interested in a role at another that has not yet made a decision. In this scenario, your goal is to gently accelerate their timeline, not negotiate salary. Your communication should convey high interest while creating a polite sense of urgency.
An email is often the most appropriate channel for this communication. It allows the hiring manager to process the information and check on the status internally. In your message, reaffirm your strong interest in their company and the specific role. You can then mention that you have received another offer that requires a decision within a certain timeframe.
For instance, you could write, “I’m checking in on the timeline for this role, as I’m still very interested. I’ve just received another offer with a decision deadline, but my strong preference is to join your team. Is there any information you can share about the status of my application?” This language is professional and respectful, positioning your request as a matter of transparency rather than a pressure tactic.
This approach shows that you are a sought-after candidate while emphasizing that their opportunity is your priority. It prompts the hiring manager to assess where you stand in their process and potentially expedite a decision. Be prepared for any outcome; they may speed things up, inform you that you are no longer in the running, or stick to their original timeline.
How to Politely Decline a Job Offer
Turning down a job offer correctly preserves your professional reputation and keeps future doors open. Be prompt, clear, and appreciative. Once you have made your final decision, communicate it without delay so the company can move on to other candidates. A timely response is a sign of respect.
An email is an acceptable method for declining an offer, as it provides a written record. In your email, express sincere gratitude for the offer and for the time the team invested in interviewing you. Acknowledging their effort shows professionalism.
When stating your decision, keep your reasoning brief and positive. There is no need to provide extensive details about why you chose the other offer or to make direct comparisons between the two companies. A simple and honest statement is sufficient. For example, you might say, “After careful consideration, I have decided to accept another position that I feel is a better fit for my long-term career goals.”
Key Mistakes to Avoid
Navigating a situation with multiple job offers requires careful communication to avoid damaging your professional reputation. Certain missteps can turn a position of strength into a career liability.
- Lying or exaggerating about an offer is a significant pitfall. Hiring managers often have networks and can verify information. Being caught in a fabrication will immediately disqualify you from consideration and could harm your reputation in the industry.
- Adopting an overly demanding or arrogant tone can be counterproductive. Remember that you are building a potential long-term relationship. Your communication should always be gracious and appreciative, framing your situation as a thoughtful decision-making process, not an ultimatum.
- Sharing too much confidential detail about a competing offer is another common error. Unless specifically asked, it is best to refer to it simply as a “competitive offer.” Revealing the other company’s name or specific compensation details can be seen as unprofessional and may put you in an awkward position.
- Avoid “shopping” an offer back and forth between two companies in a bidding war. While negotiation is acceptable, attempting to repeatedly leverage one offer against the other can make you appear indecisive and purely transactional. This behavior can lead to both companies rescinding their offers.
- Accepting a counteroffer from your current employer after you have already formally accepted a new role is highly discouraged. Reneging on a formal acceptance can burn bridges with the new company and damage your professional standing. It is best to make your decision and stick with it.