It’s recruiting season for college seniors. In the rush to snag the best offer from the best company, candidates schedule multiple interviews and end up moving down the path toward hiring for multiple companies. As a result, they could be in a position to evaluate several offers at the same time. This is a great position to be in, but it needs to be managed carefully.
When faced with an embarrassment of riches, a highly sought-after candidate might be more focused on getting and accepting an offer from the company of their choice and less focused on managing how they communicate to hiring managers or human resources recruiters as they move forward in the recruiting process.
Below are several scenarios I’ve recently experienced and some selected tips on how to handle them.
What do to if asked about interviewing with other companies
It surprises me that some candidates don’t want to admit that they are interviewing with other companies. Seniors and recent graduates are expected to interview with other companies. It is appropriate for them to be transparent and say that they are.
If asked about specifics, candidates can share the types of positions and companies they have targeted. If someone is asking about how their interviews are going they may be assessing the candidate’s level of interest and commitment. This allows a candidate to highlight that they are interested in a certain field or a certain industry. For example, “I’ve applied to companies in the financial services industry because this is where I believe I can use my analytical skills best.” Or, “Because I’m interested in product marketing, I’ve focused my job search and interviewing on packaged goods companies.”
What do to if asked about other offers
When candidates are asked whether they have another offer, they often “freeze.” In my experience, if there is a firm offer on the table already, it’s best to share that if asked directly. Candidates should be prepared for a follow-up question about why they are continuing to interview. Remember that a recruiter’s objective is to create a pool of candidates who are qualified and likely to accept an offer. They don’t want to waste time and resources chasing a candidate they will never get, so it’s important to have a good reason why you are pursuing another offer when you already have one.
If the company is one that you have ranked higher on your target list, you should say so. For example, “Yes, I have an offer for a similar role, but, I am enthusiastic about the possibility of joining your team and you are my top choice. Can I ask your timeline for a decision?” You can share the timeline that you have been given to make a decision. There are no guarantees that they will accommodate that timeline, but it is better to be upfront about the decisions you have to make.
What if the salary is a disappointment
It is up to the candidate to research what a typical starting salary is for a given role and industry. Candidates need to be aware that compensation includes multiple factors including benefits, signing bonuses, annual performance bonuses, and relocation reimbursement. Compensation can be impacted by multiple factors including location, competition, and company performance. In a situation where the offer is below what is expected based on research, it is appropriate to ask if any adjustments can be made and make a proposal. However, be prepared to be told that this is not possible.
If the company is unwilling to negotiate on salary, candidates could ask about benefits, and explore whether there is the possibility of negotiating a salary increase at their first performance review based on a strong performance. Businesses are well aware of the salaries they need to be competitive for the best candidates. They also have policies that impact not only their new hires but also their existing staff. For this reason, they may be unwilling to make adjustments.
What about turning down an offer
Candidates need to consider that a company that is not their first choice now could be their first choice in the future. Any offer should be declined in such a way that if in the future, a position opens up that they are interested in, they would feel comfortable applying, and the company would be delighted to hear from them. Their response should be prompt and professional. An example response is: “Thank you so much for this opportunity. After careful consideration, I’ve decided to accept a position that aligns more closely with my career goals. I’m grateful for your offer and hope our paths cross again in the future.”
Seek counsel when you need it
Not surprisingly there is more than one way to respond to each of these scenarios and the responses I’ve provided were developed based on an assessment of each of these individuals’ situations. Candidates often need advice and guidance to navigate through these touchy situations.
At Command the Interview we provide support to our clients throughout the interview process – from getting the interview to getting and accepting the offer. Our mission is to help our clients get the job of their dreams and accelerate their careers. Do you know someone who needs help with this? If so, reach out to us at kerrie@commandtheinterview.com.