How do I handle two interviews progressing at the same time?

I have two job interviews that are both progressing. Interview one is nearing the final stage. Interview two is about a couple of steps behind in the process- however interview two is the most desire position.

How would you suggest handling the process? I am concerned I will get a job offer from interview 1 before interview 2.

Is it possible to tactfully slow the process down on the first interview?

I would wait to worry about it once you get an actual in-hand offer. Until then keep interviewing and applying other places as well - the more options the better!

Once you get your first offer, if you anticipate that you may get a second one ask the first offerer to put everything in writing, including all of the costs of benefits, tuition reimbursement plan details, etc. Tell them you will review it and get back to them. This could buy you a couple of days potentially, as well as give you a place to begin negotiating.

Then make a call to employer #2 that you may get an offer from stating that you just receive a great offer, but that you're more interested in working for them. Tell them you have to make a decision within a few days and wanted to check in to see if you're still in the running.

Either way get everything in writing from any interested parties as a point to begin negotiation.

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The Career Lady
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Hi Chap...hopefully you got one of the jobs. For anyone in the future who reads this question...I suggest that if an offer is ever extended...NEVER tell them that you need to think about it. You always accept...you can always turn it down later. Keep in mind that when an offer is extended, you've just beaten out X amount of other candidates...by telling the new employer that you need to think about it, you're letting the air out of the balloon...they want to offer the job to somebody that is extatic to receive the offer. Continue with the other interviews and if a better offer comes to you...just explain to the first offer...as you know I've been interviewing with many companies and I just got a much better offer and I have to accept it...they will understand (they will also be dissapointed, because they obviously love you). I've seen too many times someone not accept the job because they were expecting another offer and they never got it...and they end up losing the original offer.
You also want to ask for more money...but there is a way to do that...that's for another post.

interviewthebest.com

I have had weeks of interviews ending in a single day where one of three offers were bound to drop into my lap. All dried up, to the suprize of the interviewers and myself. Take the advice of the second commentator and TAKE THE NEXT OFFER. There is bound to be a delay until they have a contract for you to sign. They will be sad to see you back out but you must not make a horse race out of it. Bird in the hand is the way to go.

Hi Chap...hopefully you got one of the jobs.I think there is no harm of having more jobs in hand at a time.My suggestion is go and win every option.After winning,it is in your hands that whether to accept it or reject.

Same situation. Interview 1 this week interview 2 next week. I really want 2 but getting better read from 1. Considering pulling my app at 1. Making a mistake?

Would your suggestion change if I told you I was already employed by company 2?

Is it acceptable to postpone a decision for logistical purposes? I'm getting a call today and I have another interview next week in another state, is it acceptable to put off the decision until next week due to logistics?

Also, is it acceptable to be honest and tell Company A that you have another interview scheduled and you'll give them a decision at the end of next week?
Any advice would be appreciated!

Chap442 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana said: I have two job interviews that are both progressing. Interview one is nearing the final stage. Interview two is about a couple of steps behind in the process- however interview two is the most desire position.

How would you suggest handling the process? I am concerned I will get a job offer from interview 1 before interview 2.

Is it possible to tactfully slow the process down on the first interview?

This is actually the problem you want but you will never get this to sync up.

You take the first job that you are offered. Period. If the "dream job" happens to come through, within the next 30 days, you quit the first job and take the other one.

The odds are that the "dream job" will never come through but this is how you handle it, in case it does.