When you are given a job offer, most employers will give you a decision date. What happens if you have other organizations you are talking to but have yet to receive an offer?

Here are some strategies you can use:

1. Contact the organizations who have yet to make an offer. Say something like this: “I have received a job offer from another organization. I wondered when you would know whether a decision would be made about the position with your organization?” This generally will generate a decision about a job offer.
2. If the other organization cannot give you a decision about an offer by the date needed, then contact the other organization about extending your decision date. Say something like this: “Would it be possible to have another __ week(s) to make a decision? I really like the offer, but I just need a little more time to think about my options?”
3. If the decision date arrives, and you still have not heard from the organization you will need to make a decision. It is unacceptable to accept a job offer and then go back on your word when you get a better offer. When you accept a job offer, you have in effect entered into a contract.
4. Should you go with the job offer when you haven’t heard from the other job possibilities? Generally it’s best to go with the job offer. If the other company really wanted you, it would have been more accommodating with your need to know. When the other possible jobs aren’t letting you know, that’s generally not a good sign.
5. There’s a phrase called “post-decisional regret” that describes people who constantly second guess themselves. Once you accept a job, you can’t continue to wonder whether you made the right decision. The fact is that any job can be a great one if you make it so. Successful people will often tell you they felt that fate was instrumental in their success. You have to approach every situation with the attitude that “it was meant to be that way”.

Throughout this entire decision, maybe struggle, it can really help if you have someone to coach you.

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