Offer can be leveraged for job you really want

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Dear Joan:
I am a recent graduate with an interesting predicament. I have been doing an out-of-state job search for the last two months. I have been offered a one-year term position with a non-profit corporation, but am being actively sought out by another corporation in another state. I would rather work for the company that has not offered me a position as of yet. However, I must officially accept the position with the non-profit in a few weeks.

My question is two-fold. What do I do to encourage the other company to make a move? And what do I do if the other company offers me a job after I have officially accepted the other position with the non-profit?

Answer:
You're in a great position if you play it right. The non-profit job offer you have can be used as leverage to do a little nudging. It sounds as if the timing is off but you may be able to speed things up with the company if they know they are going to lose you.

Nothing makes you more attractive to a company than a competing job offer. It gives the illusion that you are a hot commodity that is in big demand. Because recruiting costs can be expensive, they won't want to see their investment go to waste.

This is not a time to sound arrogant or pushy, however. The best approach is to be honest, open and enthusiastic about working for them. Here's an approach to try. Call up your contact at the company and say something like this, "I'm usually not this forward but I'm in a situation that I wanted you to know about because it may have some impact on you. Another company gave me a job offer last week. They've given me until March 15 to accept their offer. It's a great job in a very good organization but I have to admit, I'd really rather work for your organization." Then give some reasons they will be happy to hear, such as their reputation or the opportunity for more responsibility. Don't give a reason related to better money or benefits.

Explain that you realize you may not even be a serious candidate for a position but that you thought they may want to know about this offer, in the event you were being considered. Then thank them for everything they have done for you and ask if there is anything else you can send them to help them evaluate you as a candidate. That should be enough to light a fire under them if they were serious about hiring you. The contact person will then go back and make things happen quickly, if you are someone they want.

Be prepared to talk about salary when you make this call. They may ask you how much you are being offered by the non-profit. They will use this information to see what it will take to get you. To prepare, consider salary, benefits and all non-monetary benefits and perks. When they ask, you'll be ready to explain the full value of the job. Don't bluff. They may ask you for the name of the organization, so you don't want to be caught exaggerating, or you could lose both offers.

If the company offers you a job after the decision deadline is past, you have a tough decision to make. However, don't think that you are locked in to the first offer you accepted. This is not the prom. The ultimate deciding factors should be which opportunity is best for your career? Which one will give you the best learning experience? Which has the potential for launching your career?

Because the non-profit job is only a year long, it seems that the job offered by the second company is a better situation. It has some long-term advancement potential and is with a "for profit" company, which is usually seen as more desirable experience because of the emphasis on results.

If you get the offer and decide to take it, the way to approach it with your current employer is to say something like this, "This is a wonderful organization and a great job but I've been made a terrific offer from a company I was interviewing with before I took this job. This has been a very difficult decision for me but I feel I must take this opportunity while I can. As you know this is only a year-long job, and I have no guarantee a job offer like this will be available when this one ends. I'll do everything I can to help my replacement so the transition is as smooth as possible."

These situations frequently happen in business. Organizations realize that you must do what is best for your career. They don't take it personally and they don't expect you to be loyal in spite of a better opportunity. They know that if you aren't completely committed to your job, you won't perform at your best. Besides, they know there are many other people who would love your job. They know you don't owe them a thing...except your honesty and full commitment until the day you leave.