goon wrote:
If someone offers you a job, is it quite normal to delay a response and do you risk having the offer rescinded?
There's 3 roles that I've applied for, I've been called up for an interview with my 3rd choice, an initial telephone interview with my 2nd choice, and simply 'invited' to fill out a more in depth application with my 1st choice. Counting chickens before eggs, but what do you do if the 3rd choice were to offer you a position before the process for the other two have come to a close? Is it better to just accept the offer and then proceed with the other applications while I see out my notice period?
I think you can delay as long as it's reasonable. I've had this a few times and in the end my experience has been that some level of transparency is always good, and you can tell your 3rd choice that you would like to delay a decision to think about it - you can say you're considering other offers although it depends on the industry etc. - and then try to nudge 2nd and 1st choice saying you have an offer but you really like them so when you can expect an answer. Usually people are excited that you have other offers so it confirms their choice you are a good candidate.
What I would not do is accept and then say no later if something else pops up. That just pisses people off (including me when I hire), and if it's a small industry you don't want that associated with your name.
Also remember that in the end it's a good dilemma to have, and don't lose sight of that. Good luck!
