How to Handle Multiple Job Offers
Having multiple offers is a position of leverage
Source: Career experts
Reasonable time to ask for when comparing offers
Source: Hiring managers
Always decline offers professionally — it's a small world
Source: Networking wisdom
First: Congrats (This Is a Good Problem)
Having multiple offers means you've done something right. You have leverage, optionality, and the ability to choose what's best for you.
The key is to handle this professionally so you maximize your outcome without burning bridges.
Step 1: Buy Yourself Time
When you receive an offer, you don't need to answer immediately. Ask for time to review.
EMAIL TEMPLATE (Offer #1):
Hi [Hiring Manager],
Thank you so much for the offer to join [Company] as [Job Title]. I'm very excited about the opportunity and the team.
I'd like to take a couple of days to review the details and discuss with my family. Could I get back to you by [specific date, 2-3 days out]?
Thank you for understanding.
Best,
[Your Name]
Most companies will give you 48-72 hours minimum. Some will give you a week. If they pressure you to decide immediately, that's a red flag.
Step 2: Accelerate or Delay Other Processes
If you have other companies in the pipeline, reach out to speed them up or slow them down.
To Speed Up Company B (Your Preferred Choice):
Hi [Hiring Manager at Company B],
I wanted to update you on my job search timeline. I've received another offer with a deadline of [date], but [Company B] remains my top choice because of [specific reason].
Is there any way to expedite the process on your end? I'd hate to lose the opportunity to work with your team.
Best,
[Your Name]
To Delay Company A (While You Wait for Company B):
Hi [Hiring Manager at Company A],
Thank you again for the offer. I'm very interested, and I'd like to take a few more days to carefully review the details and ensure this is the right fit for both of us.
Would it be possible to extend the decision deadline to [date, 5-7 days out]?
I appreciate your patience.
Best,
[Your Name]
Step 3: Compare Offers Objectively
Don't just look at salary. Compare the full package.
Make a comparison spreadsheet with these factors:
- Base salary: The obvious one
- Bonus/equity: What's the total comp (not just base)?
- Benefits: Health insurance, 401k match, PTO days
- Work-life balance: Hours, flexibility, remote policy
- Growth potential: Career trajectory, promotion path, learning opportunities
- Company stability: Is this a growing company or a sinking ship?
- Team/culture: Did you like the people you'd work with?
- Commute/location: How much time and money will you spend getting there?
- Role clarity: Is the job well-defined or chaotic?
- Your gut feeling: Which one excites you more?
Step 4: Use Leverage to Negotiate
If you have multiple offers, you have leverage. Use it.
Scenario 1: Company A Offers More Money, But You Prefer Company B
Hi [Hiring Manager at Company B],
I'm very excited about the opportunity to join [Company B]. I've received another offer at $[X], but I'd strongly prefer to work with your team because of [specific reason — mission, team, growth, etc.].
Is there any flexibility to adjust the base salary closer to $[Y]? I'm confident I can bring significant value to the role.
Best,
[Your Name]
Scenario 2: Both Offers Are Similar, But One Has Better Benefits
Negotiate non-salary perks like remote work, more PTO, or a signing bonus.
Step 5: Make Your Decision
At some point, you need to decide. Here's how to think through it:
Choose Company A if:
- The comp is significantly better (20%+ difference)
- The role is a better fit for your skills and career goals
- The company is more stable or has better growth prospects
- You genuinely liked the team and culture more
Choose Company B if:
- Your gut tells you it's the right fit
- The mission or product excites you more
- The work-life balance is better (and that matters to you)
- The learning and growth opportunities are stronger
Step 6: Accept the Offer (Professionally)
ACCEPTANCE EMAIL:
Hi [Hiring Manager],
I'm thrilled to officially accept the offer to join [Company] as [Job Title]! I'm excited to get started and contribute to [specific goal or project].
Please let me know the next steps for onboarding. My start date is [date], and I'm happy to complete any paperwork ahead of time.
Looking forward to working with the team!
Best,
[Your Name]
Step 7: Decline the Other Offers (Gracefully)
This is where most people mess up. Never ghost a company. Always decline professionally.
DECLINE EMAIL:
Hi [Hiring Manager],
Thank you so much for the offer to join [Company] as [Job Title]. I truly appreciated the time you and the team spent with me throughout the interview process.
After careful consideration, I've decided to accept another opportunity that's a better fit for my current career goals. This was a difficult decision, and I have tremendous respect for what [Company] is building.
I hope we can stay in touch, and I wish you and the team all the best.
Best,
[Your Name]
Why this matters: Industries are smaller than you think. The hiring manager you turn down today might be your future boss, investor, or referral source. Don't burn bridges.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ghosting companies: Always respond, even if it's a no
- Playing companies against each other aggressively: "Company A offered me $X, can you beat it?" feels transactional
- Accepting an offer, then backing out: This burns bridges permanently
- Dragging out the decision for weeks: Companies will rescind offers if you take too long
- Choosing based on salary alone: A toxic job with high pay is still a bad decision
- Forgetting to ask for written offers: Get everything in writing before you resign from your current job
Special Case: What If You've Already Accepted One Offer?
If you verbally accepted Company A and then got a better offer from Company B, you can back out — but it's risky and should be rare.
Only do this if:
- The new offer is significantly better (30%+ comp difference or dramatically better fit)
- You haven't started the job yet
- You're okay burning the bridge with Company A
If you do back out, call (don't email) and apologize sincerely. Offer to help with the transition. But know that you've likely burned that bridge forever.
Final advice:
Multiple offers are a blessing, but they're also a test of your professionalism. Handle them with integrity, transparency, and gratitude. The way you decline an offer says as much about you as the way you accept one.