YAJT: How long is reasonable to consider a job offer?

[WhiteKnight]

I'm currently in the midst of my first real job search and I'm wondering how long I can wait before responding to a job offer. i.e. if I get an offer from one company but I'd really prefer to work at a different company how long can I delay and still be professional and courteous? Thanks.

 

[Starbuck1975]

It really depends on the culture of the company you are applying to...depending on your competitiveness as a candidate, they may give you all the time you need in making your decision...then again, if you wait too long, it could communicate indecisiveness or a lack of interest in the job.

Your best bet is during the interview process, ask the company how long you have to make a decision...most companies will recognize that you are probably interviewing for other jobs, and will give you a suitable window.

I went through the job interview process about 18 months ago...some companies required a nearly immediate response...others gave me a month to decide...sometimes you just have to take a gamble.

 

[WhiteKnight]

Originally posted by: Starbuck1975
It really depends on the culture of the company you are applying to...depending on your competitiveness as a candidate, they may give you all the time you need in making your decision...then again, if you wait too long, it could communicate indecisiveness or a lack of interest in the job.

Your best bet is during the interview process, ask the company how long you have to make a decision...most companies will recognize that you are probably interviewing for other jobs, and will give you a suitable window.

I went through the job interview process about 18 months ago...some companies required a nearly immediate response...others gave me a month to decide...sometimes you just have to take a gamble.

Wouldn't it be better to wait until they actually offer you the position?

 

[rh71]

I wouldn't put it in their minds that you're looking at a few places at the same time even though it's implied. If the final decision is between you and another guy, they have their reason to choose the other guy. If I were a hiring manager, I wouldn't want to pick the guy who's openly playing the field. I'd want the guy who decided he wants to work for us, but may need a couple days to "talk it over with the wife".

Anyway, my answer to the question would be 3-5 days max.

 

[D1gger]

As a manager who does a lot of hiring, I get nervous about anyone who says they need more that a day or two to decide. If I have another good candidate, I will offer the job to them rather than wait for someone who is obviously playing the field, or can't decide if he wants the job.

 

[MikeyIs4Dcats]

I'd say if you're coming out of school, you have more leniency as they may understand you have several interviews lined up. If it's a change later in your career, I'd say 3 days max for a local job, a week to 10 days if it involves relocation.

 

[WhiteKnight]

Alright, thanks for the input.

 

[jadinolf]

I'd say a couple of days.

 

[Starbuck1975]

Wouldn't it be better to wait until they actually offer you the position?

I was working under the presumption that the interview resulted in a job offer.

As a manager who does a lot of hiring, I get nervous about anyone who says they need more that a day or two to decide. If I have another good candidate, I will offer the job to them rather than wait for someone who is obviously playing the field, or can't decide if he wants the job.

A day or two is fairly aggressive, as any number of factors could play into a person's decision to accept a job offer. I interviewed with 5 companies not too long ago, all of them competing against classmates and competition from other top tier schools...and I was still offered a reasonable window of one to two weeks to make a decision.