Skip Sturman, Director of Dartmouth Career Services
Question: I recently received a job offer which appeals to me but I won’t hear about other jobs I’ve applied to for several more weeks. How should I handle this situation?
Answer: First, congratulations. Any good job offer is to be prized in these tough economic times. Second, you can always ask the employer by which date they need a firm commitment. If sincerely interested in the position, be sure to convey that interest and your enthusiasm while determining whether or not you need to sign on the dotted line right away. Many employers are willing to negotiate a date by which they need a firm decision from you but these same employers- especially in tough economic times- have little incentive to wait indefinitely while you pursue other offers. Above all, DON’T prematurely accept an offer with the intent of continuing your job search until a better offer comes along. Reneging on job offers leaves a bad taste in everyone’s mouth and could come back to haunt you in subsequent job searches.
Question of the Week is featured every Thursday. Want your question answered by a member of the Career Services staff? Email your question to schewe [at] dartmouth.edu
Sarah Schewe
