Multiple offers! What! Is that even possible?!

Well, past recruiting has proven that many students have found themselves in a place that is both rewarding and challenging…when it comes to deciding who to start their career with. After doing the research, networking, preparing compelling applications and interviewing, more than one firm has taken things to the next level by showing elevated interest and/or making employment offers. Now what?

Here are some things to keep in mind as you enter the final interview phase of Fall CPA recruiting and into the offer stage:

1. You do not truly have an offer….until an offer has been received in writing!

An offer is an official piece of correspondence by letter or email that is clear concerning the position, the terms of employment and the salary. You must have this to confirm you officially have an offer and then have a signed offer to confirm the position itself.

If you hear from a firm rep or staff member that your chances are good, “that is not an offer.” It is not unusual for firm reps to let people know that they like them and that their chances are good. This way they can help the candidate know they are really in the running for a position so that the student may later decide to accept and offer if and when one comes.

If someone tells you they believe you are a fit in their company, “that is not an offer.” There are many things that determine fit, but mostly it has to do with connecting well with various staff during the different levels of the recruiting relationship. Being a fit is not truly confirmed until a candidate gets an offer, and even more so, works with the team awhile to actually prove the fit that is imagined by both the firm and the student.

If an interviewer tells you they are quite sure you will get an offer, “that is still not an offer.” Although a firm staff member may like you, there are still many people involved in making a final decision. As much as you might like to “hang onto the words” that an offer is pending, you has best continue performing at your best on every possible occasion until the offer is signed, sealed and delivered. When that time comes you will know for sure.

If you feel like you have made excellent connection with firm reps to the point where you are texting and meeting them socially, you might feel really special and positive, “that is still not an offer.” So, don’t let the generous words of a staff member lull you into believing your employment there is a done deal until it truly is.

So, to sum it all up, only an official offer is an offer!

2. When you have one offer and another final interview is approaching with a potential offer.

There are times when you have an offer and know that another firm may be getting back to you soon. Sometimes and firm you are waiting on may even be your favourite firm and its not wonder you would be hopeful for them to follow through and may their offer official.

Be sure to look at this realistically and understand that until the second offer officially comes, you only have one offer. This is especially difficult for people when the upcoming interview is with their favourite firm. Don’t let your emotions take over here. You will need to think this through and manage this well to succeed when this challenge arises. Here are a few tips to manage this. Some have more inherent risk than others.

3. If an upcoming interview will take place after the date you have been asked to accept a current offer, you have a few options.
Option 1 –  Accept the first offer and enjoy your CPA candidate experience (no risk)
Option 2 – Ask your favourite company that has invited you to an upcoming interview, and that you think may end with an offer, to move their appointment up, using personal reasons for moving the appointment. (some risk)
Option 3 – Tell your favourite company that you have an offer from another company and you would really like to meet with them earlier if possible because they are your favourite company and you really want to work for them. (elevated risk)
Option 4 – Ask the firm that has made the offer for extra time (be specific on how much) to get back to them due to some personal matters you need to deal with. (be truthful…but know…this option has the highest risk)

Note: These scenarios are also applicable if you have already interviewed with the second company and you are waiting to hear if you may get a second offer.

3. If you have multiple offers at one time.

Creating a pro and con list of each company where you can identify the areas most important to you in your upcoming CPA preparation experience. Is it the prestige of a big 4 firm? Is it the idea that you will be able to be involved with clients sooner than later? It is a small family experience your wanting? Is the large corporate structure where you want to develop your knowledge of the various service lines? Once you have determined the questions then you can rate the offers using a 1-10 scale and you can add any cons on the other side which may include things like; they are a long commute away from home, they have not been clear regarding the long term career path that you are wanting to pursue or their travel options are not as interesting to you as other firms.

Once you get this all down on paper, it is easier to make a comparison and a decision.

You might wonder if this is even possible, but I can tell you that every year I have had the privilege of coaching students through this challenge. I hope everyone that reads this has the problem of multiple offers!

Best of luck,

Russell

Russell Garrett is the Owner of Protocol Business Solutions, a Certified Career Consultant and the DAP Career Coach. He also collaborates with the Business Career Centre to support BCom career initiatives from time to time. For those of you planning to go through CPA Recruiting in the Spring, be sure to attend all the CPA Spring Recruiting Workshops which will be posted on COOL for you to register. Russell will also be delivering and entire Spring Career Series cover ring everything from career planning to negotiating a job offer. Russell is also available to DAP students for online coaching appointments set up through email requests and for in-person coaching appointments posted in COOL which can also be registered for there. As well, you can contact Russell at dapcareersupport@sauder.ubc.ca. for career questions when needed.