Receiving a job offer while in the running for another position is a complex scenario. It’s a validation of your skills, but it also introduces a delicate communication challenge. The decision to disclose one offer to a potential employer can influence the outcome of your job search, demanding professionalism and tact.
Potential Benefits of Disclosing Another Offer
Informing a company that you have a competing offer can accelerate their decision-making process. Hiring managers operate on their own timelines, but learning that a preferred candidate might be off the market soon can provide a push. This may prompt them to finalize internal discussions and extend an offer more quickly.
Sharing this information also serves as proof of your value in the job market. It shows your qualifications are in demand, which can lead to a more competitive initial offer. An employer who knows you have other options may be more inclined to present their best package upfront.
Approaching the conversation with transparency can also start the employment relationship on a foundation of honesty. Communicating your situation professionally demonstrates integrity and shows you are taking your career decisions seriously.
Potential Risks of Disclosing Another Offer
Telling a potential employer about another offer carries certain risks. The information could be misinterpreted as a tactic to leverage a higher salary, creating the impression that your motivation is financial rather than genuine interest. This can frame the negotiation in a transactional light, souring the rapport you have built.
There is also the possibility that the company may withdraw you from consideration. Some organizations have firm policies against bidding wars and may opt to focus on other applicants. Hearing about another offer might lead them to assume you prefer the other role and are simply using their company for leverage.
The timing of such a disclosure is also delicate. If you mention another offer too early in the process, before they have fully assessed your fit, it may be seen as presumptuous. This could lead them to deprioritize your candidacy in favor of others who appear more committed.
Factors to Consider Before You Tell Them
Before you decide to share the news of another offer, honestly evaluate how much you want this particular job. If the company you are communicating with is your top choice, and the existing offer is a backup, then using it as leverage is a strategic move. If you would be equally happy with either opportunity, the risk of the preferred company withdrawing might not be worth taking.
The nature of the other offer is another significant factor. You should only mention an offer if it is a firm, written proposal. A verbal assurance or a hint that an offer is forthcoming does not carry the same weight and could damage your credibility if the offer fails to materialize.
Consider the relationship you have developed with the hiring manager and the company culture. If your interactions have been positive and open, the hiring manager may be more receptive to the news. Conversely, if the process has been highly formal and impersonal, a disclosure might be received less favorably.
How to Professionally Inform an Employer About Another Offer
Timing is a key element; the ideal moment is often after the final interview stages but before a formal offer has been extended by the company you prefer. At this point, they have invested significant time in you and have likely formed a positive impression, making them more motivated to act. Disclosing too early can appear arrogant, while waiting until after they make an offer can seem manipulative.
When communicating, email is often the most effective method. It provides a written record and prevents the potential for misinterpretation that can occur in a phone call. An email gives the hiring manager time to process the information and discuss it internally without feeling put on the spot.
Your language should be professional, respectful, and transparent, not demanding. Frame the disclosure as a matter of professional courtesy. For example: “I want to reiterate my strong interest in the [Job Title] role. In the spirit of transparency, I feel it’s important to let you know that I have received another offer. They have requested a decision by [Date], but my preference is to explore this opportunity with you before making a final commitment.”
This phrasing emphasizes your continued interest. Continue by reinforcing your enthusiasm for their specific opportunity. Add a sentence that highlights what attracts you to their company, such as, “I was particularly impressed by [Specific aspect of the company, team, or role].” This shows you are genuinely invested in their position.
Navigating the Possible Outcomes
They make a competitive offer
If the employer responds by expediting their process and extending a competitive offer, you have successfully navigated the situation. Take the time to thoroughly evaluate their proposal, comparing salary, benefits, growth opportunities, and company culture against your other offer. It is acceptable to thank them for the offer and ask for a day or two to make your final decision.
They stick to their timeline
An employer may acknowledge your situation but inform you that they must adhere to their established hiring timeline, which may not align with your deadline. In this case, respond graciously and express your understanding. You might say, “Thank you for letting me know. I understand your position.” This leaves the door open and maintains a positive relationship. You will then need to make a decision on the existing offer or risk losing it.
They withdraw you from consideration
An employer may choose to withdraw you from the process after you disclose another offer. While this can be disappointing, handle it with professionalism. Send a brief, polite email thanking them for their time and consideration. This outcome can be informative, as it may signal that the company’s culture or decision-making style was not the right fit for you.