What's the best way to delay a job offer?

[ConstipatedVigilante]

I'm looking for jobs and internships for this summer and next year (I'm finishing my junior year in college). I got a job offer the other day from a place that I applied to and had an interview with earlier this week. It's a good place, and a good job for me, but I'm still interviewing for other jobs that are more in-line with my career goals. Is it acceptable to tell them that I'll let them know my decision within 2 weeks? I really want this job if I can't get the internships that I'm applying for, so I want to be as respectful as possible.

 

[SunnyD]

The best way is to accept the offer, then continue interviewing for other positions while you make money. 😛

 

[PingSpike]

Given the length of time you're talking about and the current economy, I'd say the smart play is to accept the the job offer and risk burning them if you find something better. I don't think you can reasonably stall for more than a few days.

 

[paulney]

It's not uncommon for people to accept an offer, even start working on a job, while still interviewing with others, then get up and leave as soon as they receive a better offer. I've seen it a couple of times. Definitely leaves a bad taste in the mouth for others, and given that Silicon Valley is a small place (you'd be surprised - the word gets around), I'd exercise discretion when doing this.

 

[alkemyst]

It's not uncommon for people to accept an offer, even start working on a job, while still interviewing with others, then get up and leave as soon as they receive a better offer. I've seen it a couple of times. Definitely leaves a bad taste in the mouth for others, and given that Silicon Valley is a small place (you'd be surprised - the word gets around), I'd exercise discretion when doing this.

QFT...this is the whole philosophy where people buy locally then order online cheaper.

They 'rent' the store bought item free and then just return it when the new one comes. Worst are those the purposely break the item.

Don't do this to an employer. If you are worth it, just tell them if you can have a couple weeks to make a decision. Being honest that you have another offer is no different than them telling you they are still interviewing.

Life is a risk, don't be a bitch about it.

 

[EagleKeeper]

If you have other interviews already lined up; then tell the offering employer that you have other interviews committed to over the next 2 weeks.

Explain that you feel that you have an obligation to follow through with those that put forward the effoirt to talk with you.

However, do not schedule any additional interviews outside a two week window.

And when you have the interviews, explain that you already have an offer and you would appreciate a quick determination if the company wants you onboard.

 

[Farmer]

Don't do this to an employer. If you are worth it, just tell them if you can have a couple weeks to make a decision. Being honest that you have another offer is no different than them telling you they are still interviewing.

QFT.

If you are worth it to them, you are worth waiting a few weeks for.

If they just need an extra body, they might rescind the offer, but would you have wanted to be an extra body?

 

[Paladin3]

If you have other interviews already lined up; then tell the offering employer that you have other interviews committed to over the next 2 weeks.

Explain that you feel that you have an obligation to follow through with those that put forward the effoirt to talk with you.

However, do not schedule any additional interviews outside a two week window.

And when you have the interviews, explain that you already have an offer and you would appreciate a quick determination if the company wants you onboard.

This is very good advice and will quickly tell you about the morality and professionalism of your prospective employers if any of them should flip out.

 

[sjwaste]

If you have other interviews already lined up; then tell the offering employer that you have other interviews committed to over the next 2 weeks.

Explain that you feel that you have an obligation to follow through with those that put forward the effoirt to talk with you.

However, do not schedule any additional interviews outside a two week window.

And when you have the interviews, explain that you already have an offer and you would appreciate a quick determination if the company wants you onboard.

This is what I would do. CC is giving you a good lesson in professionalism here.

Two weeks is not an unreasonable amount of time to keep an offer open, either. For an internship, depending on how competitive it is and how apart you are from the others they considered, may change what they can do. But for the most part, two weeks is very reasonable. If they can't do it, they won't pull the offer just because you have the audacity to schedule other interviews, they will simply tell you that and ask you to figure out what you want to do. At least, anywhere that you'd actually want to work will do that.

Presuming they do keep the window open, you can even go as far as to call the people you are interviewing with in 2 weeks and ask them if it's possible to move up the date since you have an offer open for two weeks but are still interested in their opportunity as well. That gives them enough time to interview you and extend an offer (or decline) in 2 weeks.