There is a lot of advice out there on this subject. I have read some advice online and heartily agreed and read other advice and thought “oh no do NOT do that!”.
So with the market being competitive in the change space and candidates finding they can receive multiple job offers I thought I’d give some simple tips. I do want to say this is just a fraction of advice I’d give. Of course each scenario is different, and I would like to think my relationship with my candidates is open enough to talk about all options (warts and all). BUT if you are dealing directly with a client about a job – having a checklist like below may help out 😊
Tip 1
What does the next role look like?
Even before you go out to job market –write down what is the next ideal role look like. What are the things that are negotiable (eg; salary or location or type of industry) and what are non negotiables (location or salary or hybrid working or sole change role or team or type of project etc). This can help you reflect once you do have multiple offers and helps you make an informed decision versus an emotional one. Think about your career growth. Will you be looking for a role that’s going to add value to your career long term rather than just the $$$? Is it a new industry you want to enter or expand your change management knowledge, or more exposure to c suite etc?
Tip 2
Transparency
Let the organisation(s) you are dealing with know if you have other live opportunities, and what stages you are at with each. You don’t have to give them any further information than that.
There are a number of reasons for this approach. If you are working with a recruitment agency, they can manage their client (in terms of getting feedback quickly etc) or if you are interviewing directly with a client – it shows honesty, and also that you have skills that are in demand. It’s a two way process – you are interviewing them as much as them interviewing you!
Tip 3
Pros and Cons
It sounds simple but write down some pros and cons. Re look at the list of things you wrote BEFORE going to market. Does one of the roles tick more boxes than the other?
Tip 4
Know your worth and ask for it at the beginning
Do your market research around your worth in the current market. Know what is a good day rate, a good FTC and a good perm salary for someone of your experience. This enables you to feel you have applied at the right level for a role.
As a recruiter if I talk to someone about a salary and present them I would expect them to be comfortable with the presented offer. There is a caveat to this of course: where as you are going through the process it becomes evident that the role is actually a lot more responsibility or senior than initial thought. And this has happened before!
So ensure you present yourself at the salary you would accept (and is realistic as you have done your market research) and don’t apply for those lower paying roles.
I know this is contentious with people. Others may say “throw your hat in the ring for anything and if it is not paying what you want, they meet you and then you can renegotiate!”.
Sure you could do this and it ‘may’ work out, but it also might not. It could backfire and really annoy a client.
So to avoid this – know your worth and do your research before applying.
Tip 5
Verbally communicate not email
When rejecting a role please do ensure you ring the recruitment contact. Do not just email. Of course, there will be one unhappy client as you are turning them down, but you can do it in a way that allows them to understand the why, and also keep your professional reputation intact.
Then Celebrate!!
As I said right at the beginning – it is an exciting time to get a job offer – let alone two, but by reading these tips and being prepared around your worth and what you want, will help make the right choice and hopefully elevate making things stressful.