How to Juggle a Job Offer With a New Opportunity to Interview

When it rains, it pours and it couldn't be more true when it comes to job interviewing. If you've been looking for a job and all of the sudden you get one job interview, immediately it seems like you land three others. Well, it's no surprise this can happen once you get a job offer, too. According to a piece on AOL Jobs there are ways to handle this exciting situation with tact and professionalism. For starters, nothing should stop you from interviewing. Even if you have a job offer, what's a simple conversation? Even if you've already accepted the offer, you can always make new contacts and explore new opportunities. As per the piece, you may want to let the second company know you've already received one offer. Then you can ask about their own timing with the hiring process. Miriam Salpeter writes, "If you believe it is worth interviewing for the new opportunity, you can try to request the organization that has made you an offer to give you more time to consider joining them." That said, buyer beware. Companies can rescind offers at any time so if you drag your feet they may start to question your interest, not to mention your loyalty. Do you really want to risk the offer by another possible one? Most job seekers will weigh the risks in terms of the other company -- is it the first interview or are you in the final stages? Are you looking to get hired now or perhaps make new connections to build relationships down the road? She points out in the piece: "You'll want to assess your standing in being offered this role. Do you have the sense that you are a perfect fit, and they've been searching for someone with your skills for a long time? Or, are you more likely one of many people who are well suited to the job?" If you have to make a decision with the first company before hearing back from the second one, decide what's worth most to you. If you truly think the second company has a better opportunity and that it's likely you'll land it, you can let the first company know you're interviewing - maybe they'll concoct a more desirable offer. (Or maybe they'll cut you loose. You never know.) Salpeter says in the piece if the first company boosts its offer after knowing another company is actively pursuing you, your best bet is to finalize negotiations with the first company "or assume you may lose the offer altogether unless you are the perfect candidate they've been waiting to meet. Only you can decide if it is a risk worth taking."

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How to Juggle a Job Offer With a New Opportunity to Interview

Vicki Salemi

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Vicki Salemi