Many of you are thinking-"Yeah RIGHT! I should BE so lucky!" The truth is that these things can sneak up on you without any advance thought, so it's best to have a plan in place to handle it.
Here's some things you are probably not considering.
First.
Whatever company makes you an offer is very excited to do so.
After the grueling gauntlet of resumes, phone interviews, in-person interviews and reference checks (and you thought the process only stunk for you) they've finally found someone whom they really love, in fact everyone in the organization really loves.
They proudly call to make you the offer (and after they ask for your references, you can assume the next time you hear from them will be to make you the offer or take you out of the running.
) and you say...
Well...
I'm actually waiting for another offer...
but I AM interested in your company.
Ohhh-what a buzz kill! First, have a better answer prepared.
A generic "Can I have a few days to consider this offer?" will be fine.
Employers-at least before you start working for them-are not stupid.
They'll read between the lines and figure out that you're weighing another offer.
They won't be thrilled, but they'll be OK.
Second, respect their timeline.
You should not expect them to wait more then 24 hours for your answer.
Any more than that and you're pushing it.
They need to move on to other candidates.
They do like you, but they have a spot to fill and it's causing hardship on the company to have it open.
They still want you, but they need to be prepared to move on.
Third, go back to the other potential company and let them know that you have received an offer.
However, let me define potential company-a company with whom you've had at least 2 in-person interviews.
Less contact means that either they're early in the hiring process, or they're just not that into you.
Once you tell them that you have received another offer, the ball's in their court.
Either they'll ask for another day to pull themselves together, or they'll appreciate your call and tell you that you should accept it.
If company #2 wants more time, make sure they know about your deadline with company #1.
Hopefully they can expedite the process to the point where although they may not make you an actual offer, you are very confident that they will within a few more days.
If push comes to shove, you can accept the position from company #1, then later decline it before you actually start to accept a position at company #2.
Company #1 will not be happy, but if you feel strongly that #2 is a better opportunity for you then you can accept it.
It does happen, so don't feel like you're the only person to ever do it.