Accepting Multiple Job Offers 

by Sheila Curran, printed in Duke Magazine 

Question:
I’m looking for increased responsibility and have been offered a job that sounds really interesting and pays more money. The trouble is, it’s in a city to which I don’t want to move.  I’m also about to be interviewed for a job that has many of the same advantages but is in a better location.  Since the first job is a definite, I’m thinking about accepting it, and subsequently turning it down if the second job comes through. What do you think?

Answer:  When the bottom dropped out of the employment market several years ago, job search ethics seemed to go out the window.  Employers reneged on offers, and candidates returned the favor by accepting multiple job opportunities.  It is highly unlikely in this improving economic climate, however, that an employer would renege on their job offer to you.  They will, however, expect that if you commit to them verbally, or in writing, you definitely plan to join them.  They will stop recruiting for the position you’ve accepted, and will tell other candidates that they have not been selected. If you accept a position with the first company and subsequently decline it, there may be ramifications, particularly if you choose to remain in the same field. People talk, and you don’t want that kind of negative press.So, what to do about your situation?  First, try to buy as much time as you can to make a decision on your offer.  You should be able to stretch this out a couple of weeks. Second, call the hiring manager of the second position, let them know that you need to make a decision on another offer, tell them you believe their position is a better match, and see if they can interview you sooner.  If this strategy doesn’t work and you’re left deciding between a definite offer and simply a “possibility”, talk to as many people as possible who work for your potential employer to see if you can allay your worries about location. (The Duke directory can tell you if there are any other alumni working there.) In the final analysis, if it still doesn’t feel right, politely decline.  The economy’s improving, and so are your opportunities.