When meeting students for the first time during orientation, I often mention that some of the students will end up entertaining multiple employment offers and will need to evaluate them in order to determine which is the best offer to take. At that moment, I notice a few eyes glazing over or doubtful expressions arise that show me students have a difficult time believing this is possible at all, let alone a challenge that they themselves will one day face. The fact is…many students do! Maybe you are, or will be one of them. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
- Believe it is possible – When building momentum with a job search including determining a career focus, researching companies, targeting key staff members, generating in-person meetings, sending applications, having multiple interviews and even making it to the final round with more than one firm, it is quite probable that you could end up in this exact position. It is so much more inspiring having multiple companies interested in you, rather than sending out scores of resumes hoping just one employer will give you a chance. So be proactive and the chances are very possible you will find yourself in the very strong position of being able to decide which company you want to work for.
- An offer is not an offer….until it is an offer! – 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 in your hands to confirm you have an offer.
If you hear from a company representative, HR staff member or other staff members that your chances are good, “that is not an offer.”
If someone tells you they believe you are a fit in their company, “that is not an offer.”
If an interviewer tells you they are quite sure you will get an offer, “that is not an offer.”
If you feel like you have made an 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 not an offer.”
- When you have one offer and another final interview is approaching with a potential offer.
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/company. Don’t let your emotions take over here. You will need to think this through because some actions have more inherent risk than others. Here are a few tips to manage this.
If an upcoming interview will take place after the date you have been asked to accept a current offer, you have a few options. For Public Practice Recruiting, you have an offer deadline that will allow you the time and opportunity to make the best choice. Outside or PPR the following will more directly apply to you:
– Accept the first offer and enjoy your new role (no risk)
– Ask the company that you will be interviewing with to move their appointment up – if there is one. (some risk)
– Wait for the second company to reach out to you if it is within the acceptable window of the PPR offer period, or the period where you should get back to any given company that has made an offer to you [24-48 hours]. (some risk)
– 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)
– Ask the firm that has made the offer for extra time (be specific) to get back to them due to some personal matters you need to deal with. (true…but…highest risk). [This will not be facilitated during PPR when specific dates are in place for offering and accepting/declining offers.]
– According to the CPABC Recruiting Framework, and many people’s opinions concerning the proper ethics of recruiting, it would not be appreciated if you accept the first offer and then reject it when another offer is given. This is both an integrity issue as well as a decision that will put the firm you withdraw your acceptance from in a difficult position. Also, you may affect your reputation in the field and for future advancement. It is a small world!
- If you have multiple offers at one time. – Creating a pro and con list where you can identify the areas most important to you in your upcoming CPA experience/or as you seek to build your career path.
– Is it the prestige of a big 4 or national firm, or well-known brand?
– Is it the idea that you will be able to be involved with clients sooner than later?
– It is a small family your wanting?
– Is the large corporate structure where you want to develop your knowledge of the various service lines or global opportunities?
– Is it a matter of the people you want to work with?
– Is it a matter of location?
– Is it more about your quality of life and family?
– Is it about international travel for you?
– What are the terms of employment?
– What are the benefits?
Once you have determined the questions then you can rate the offers using a 1-10 scale on each topic and you can add cons on the other side which may include things like; they are too far away from home, don’t have the long term path that you are wanting to pursue or their travel options are not as interesting to you as the others. Once you get this all down on paper, it is easier to make a true comparison and a decision.
- Accepting and Declining Offers – Whether you choose to accept or decline an offer, both should be done in writing. If you choose to talk to a person because the relationship you have with them, a quick phone call is also a possibility, but it should be followed by a written acceptance or declining email or letter.
For further information regarding this topics and others, be sure to view the Career Toolkits on Canvas revised specifically for DAP students. There are many things to prepare you for future career activities and strategies. Also, be sure to participate in the Fall Career Workshop Series taking place from Sep-Nov, 2021. These seven workshops will prepare you for everything from career planning to salary and employment offer negotiation.
I wish you the best to luck and hope everyone that reads this blog has the problem of multiple offers!
Russell
Russell Garrett is the Owner of Protocol Business Solutions, a Certified Career Consultant and the DAP Career Coach. Russell will be delivering workshops for DAP students Sep 20 – Nov 29, 2021. For scheduled in-person coaching appointments with Russell, you will be notified of dates through the DAP Student Blog and by email. These in-person 30 minute appointments will be located in COOL where you can register for the time slot that suits you best. Simply search using “Garrett” to find open slots. Russell is also available to DAP students for random online coaching appointments set up through email requests. You can contact Russell at dapcareersupport@sauder.ubc.ca.
