how a lot time can I ask for to contemplate a job supply?
A reader writes:
I’ve been conducting a low-key job seek for months with out a lot motion, and immediately inside the previous couple of weeks I’ve what looks like severe curiosity from two totally different firms. I’m close to the top of the interviewing course of with each of them however, from what I can inform, one in every of them is shifting way more rapidly than the opposite. I’d be prepared to contemplate accepting a suggestion from both of them, however to this point I’m extra within the one we’ll name Firm A. And naturally, Firm A is the one which’s shifting extra slowly – so I’m fearful about getting a suggestion from Firm B and needing to offer them a solution earlier than I’ve heard again from Firm A.
I don’t wish to flip down Firm B simply out of hope Firm A will come by way of with a suggestion, as a result of in the event that they don’t I’d glad go to work for my second alternative. However I additionally don’t wish to settle for Firm B’s supply if I’ve an opportunity at working with Firm A.
How do folks navigate this? I assume I can’t inform Firm B that they’re my second alternative or that I must put them on maintain whereas I anticipate a solution from a special employer. And I do know I can’t inform Firm A to hurry up their timeline (and actually they talked about that a part of the rationale for the delay is that they’re ready to interview a finalist who’s been in a foreign country and thus unavailable).
If Firm B makes a suggestion earlier than I’ve heard from Firm A, how a lot time can I ask for to assume it over earlier than I begin to look uninterested? Is per week or two unreasonable? And if I do get a suggestion from them, is there any means I can contact Firm A to elucidate the state of affairs or will that appear like I’m attempting to pit them in opposition to one another?
Final, I assume, what if I settle for Firm B’s supply after which Firm A lastly comes by way of with their very own? Can I again out of the primary supply with out ruining my repute in my small business or is that by no means achieved?
I do know I’m getting forward of myself! For all I do know, nobody will make me a suggestion and all this fear will likely be for nothing. However I’d really feel higher if I knew the best way to deal with it.
You’ll be able to learn my reply to this letter at New York Journal in the present day. Head over there to learn it.