The decision to disclose a competing job offer to a preferred employer is a common, though delicate, strategic maneuver in professional hiring negotiations. This communication is not intended as an ultimatum but rather as a professional courtesy to accelerate the hiring process with the company where you most desire to work. Informing a potential employer about an external offer helps to clarify timelines and demonstrate your market value. The goal is to encourage the preferred company to expedite its decision-making process, allowing you to compare opportunities and make an informed choice.
Why Disclose the Other Offer?
Disclosing a formal offer signals high demand for your skills, elevating your perception as a desirable candidate. This creates a sense of scarcity, prompting the hiring company to view you as an asset they need to secure quickly. The conversation shifts from a standard interview process to one of competing for a sought-after professional.
This strategic disclosure also provides leverage in negotiations regarding compensation or other benefits. When a company knows a candidate is actively being pursued with a concrete offer, they are more likely to present a competitive package to secure your acceptance. The primary motivation is to force a decision timeline from the preferred employer.
When Is the Best Time to Bring It Up?
Timing the disclosure correctly is important, as bringing it up too early can suggest a lack of genuine interest. The optimal window for communication is after you have completed the final interview stage and the company has expressed strong interest. The interviewer has invested time and resources in your candidacy, making them more receptive to expediting the remaining steps.
After the Final Interview, Pre-Offer
Disclosing immediately after the final interview, but before an official offer is extended, is the most impactful time. This action communicates a time-sensitive logistical issue directly to the decision-makers. You are giving them a final opportunity to move forward before you are forced to commit elsewhere.
During Salary Negotiation
If the preferred company has already extended an offer, the external offer can be introduced during the salary negotiation phase. You can use the existence of the other offer, without revealing the specific amount, to justify a request for higher compensation or better benefits. This frames your request as a reasonable market adjustment based on the value acknowledged by a competing organization.
When the Interview Process is Stalling
If you sense the hiring process at your preferred company is slowing down, an external offer can serve as a professional nudge. This is particularly useful if you have a looming deadline from the other company. Informing the interviewer about the time constraint can help break through internal delays and encourage them to prioritize the final decision for your candidacy.
Communication Strategies and Key Phrasing
When delivering the news, maintain a positive, appreciative, and professional tone, emphasizing your enthusiasm for the preferred role. Frame the external offer as a logistical challenge, not as a threat or a demand. The focus should be on your desire to join their team, while respecting the deadline of the other opportunity.
One effective strategy is to communicate via email first, then follow up with a phone call. In an email, you might write, “I was recently extended an offer from another organization, which requires a response by the end of next week.” Follow this with a statement of intent: “Given my strong interest in the [Role Name] position at [Company Name], I was hoping to discuss the timeline for your final decision, as this remains my top choice.”
During a phone conversation, the phrasing should be direct and transparent, centered on the company you are speaking with. You can say, “I wanted to let you know that I have received an offer from another company, and I have a deadline of [Date] to respond.” Then state, “I am sharing this because I am excited about the work we discussed here and would like to be considered for your team before I have to make a decision.” This approach reinforces your commitment while requesting a practical solution to a time constraint.
The goal is to present the external offer as a factor that requires resolution, not as a point of comparison for a bidding war. Avoid sharing specific details about the other company or the exact financial terms unless absolutely necessary for a counter-offer scenario. This maintains a respectful boundary and keeps the focus on the opportunity at hand.
Preparing for the Interviewer’s Response
After disclosing the external offer, you should be prepared for several potential reactions from the interviewer. The most common response from a highly interested employer is an immediate acceleration of their internal hiring process. They may promise a final decision or an offer package within a shortened timeframe, such as 48 hours.
The interviewer may request specific details of the other offer, particularly the compensation figure, to formulate a counter-offer. While you are not obligated to provide the document itself, you can share general components, such as the base salary and bonus structure, if you are seeking a counter-offer. If the preferred company is unable or unwilling to expedite the process, they may withdraw your candidacy, indicating they cannot meet your required timeline.
You must determine your absolute “walk-away” number before entering this conversation. This is the minimum acceptable compensation and benefit package you need from your preferred company to decline the external offer. Knowing this figure ensures you negotiate from a position of clarity and confidence rather than reacting emotionally to a counter-offer.
Handling the Offer Deadline
The deadline from an external offer drives the process. You must proactively manage this deadline by requesting a reasonable extension from the offering company. A polite, professional request for an extension of 48 hours to one week is generally accepted, as companies understand candidates may be evaluating multiple factors.
When requesting an extension, contact the recruiter or hiring manager from the offering company promptly and respectfully. You can explain that you are in the final stages of evaluating all your options and require a few extra days to make a fully informed decision. This request should not mention the competing company or your preference for it.
If the offering company denies the extension request, you must be prepared to accept or decline that offer immediately. Do not attempt to accept the offer with the intention of later reneging if your preferred company comes through. Accepting an offer creates a professional commitment, and withdrawing it later can damage your reputation within the industry.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A significant mistake is issuing an ultimatum, such as stating, “If you don’t make me an offer by Friday, I’m taking the other job.” This aggressive approach can be perceived as manipulative and may cause the preferred company to withdraw your candidacy. The tone must remain collaborative, focusing on the shared goal of an informed decision.
Lying about the existence of a formal offer is a severe error that can instantly destroy trust and lead to the withdrawal of a job offer if discovered. Maintain integrity throughout the process by only disclosing a written offer you truly have in hand.
Avoid disclosing the exact dollar amount of the external offer unless you are using it as a negotiation anchor for a counter-offer. Sharing too much detail can limit the preferred company’s offer to only slightly exceeding the known figure, potentially leaving money on the table. Appearing desperate, boastful, or overly secretive can also undermine your professional standing.