How To Tell an Interviewer You Have Another Job Offer

When interviewing for multiple jobs, it's important to consider each position prior to accepting an offer. If you've already received an offer from one employer but are still interviewing, you may be able to use that offer as leverage. Learning when and how to tell interviewers you have another offer can ensure you communicate this information in a professional way.

In this article, we discuss the steps for telling your interviewer you have another offer and why it may be a good strategy.

Advantages of telling an interviewer you have another job offer

Here are some advantages to telling interviewers you've been extended another offer:

It highlights your value

Telling an interviewer you have a job offer shows that another employer sees you as a valuable candidate and wants you on their team. You may be able to generate more interest and stand out more during the interview process, which can motivate the interviewer to place more value on you. The hiring manager might also prioritize the interview process for you, resulting in less turnaround time between interviews and an offer.

Related: How To Ace Your Next Interview: Tips and Examples

It may result in multiple job offers

Informing a hiring manager of an existing job offer might make them more likely to extend another offer to you. They may want to make sure they can add the skills and expertise that another business seeks.

It may result in better salary offers

If a hiring manager knows that you have an enticing offer already, they could make a better offer to try to persuade you to work for them. Even if you don't mention the salary in the existing offer at first, you still may be able to negotiate for a salary that's on the higher end of the range.

Related: How To Negotiate Your Salary (13 Tips With Examples)

How to tell your interviewer you have another offer

Here are some basic steps to help you tell an interviewer you have another offer:

1. Give yourself time to think

When you receive an offer, it's common to ask for at least one day and up to a week to consider the terms. This additional time is also helpful when you have more interviews scheduled with companies that interest you. If you receive an offer, ask the employer for a reasonable amount of time to consider it. You could ask how much time they're willing to give and then base your interviews with other companies on that time frame.

Read more: How To Ask for Time To Consider a Job Offer

2. Be professional

When explaining to interviewers that you have another offer, it's helpful to be professional and courteous, which can show how you would act in their workplace. You can tell them you currently have another offer and that you appreciate their understanding throughout the interviewing process. It might also be helpful to explain your interest in their company and why you still wanted to interview with them. This strategy shows that you performed research on the business and are excited to work for them.

Related: The Complete Guide to Researching a Company

3. Share what is necessary in early interviews

If you're in the first round of interviews, you only need to share that you have an offer. You can withhold details like the offering company, job title, salary and benefits. Your first interview is a time for both you and the interviewer to determine if you would be a good addition to the company, so briefly explaining that you have an existing offer is enough. You can share the details if the interviewer asks specifically for them.

Related: How To Decide Between Multiple Job Offers

4. Be transparent in the final interviews

If you have a second- or third-round interview scheduled, it might be helpful to give more details about the offer to help the hiring manager make a more informed decision. Be straightforward about the amount of time you have left before you need to make a decision. If you're more interested in working for the business you're currently interviewing with, let them know of your preference and if you're willing to negotiate.

Related: 15 Tips for Comparing Job Offers

5. Show gratitude

Thank the interviewer for their understanding throughout the process. Showing gratitude is another key way to display the kinds of traits you could bring to their workplace. When thanking them for their consideration throughout the process, you can also tell them again why you're interested in working with them.

Related: Follow-Up Email Examples For After the Interview

Tips on how to turn down an offer for another offer

Once you decide to accept a job offer, it's important to turn down any other offers you have received. Here are some tips for how you can do that successfully:

Promptly contact the hiring manager

As soon as you accept an offer and agree to the terms, contact the hiring manager whose offer you're declining. It's usually most courteous to call, but you can also send an email if it's their preferred method of communication. Responding as soon as possible shows that you're considerate and want to help them move forward with their hiring process. Maintaining professionalism is helpful should you want to work or connect with that company in the future.

Related: How To Leave a Job on Good Terms

Give a brief reason

Though not necessary, giving a brief reason for declining the offer is a professional courtesy. Many hiring managers appreciate receiving a reason for declining an offer because it can help them improve their own practices. If you accepted another offer because the benefits were better, for example, the hiring manager may be able to offer more benefits in the future, making them more competitive.

Wish them the best

Expressing your hope that the company finds the right candidate for the job or offering a similar positive statement is a good way to give closure and maintain a connection with the employer.

Related: Declining an Accepted Job Offer: How To Do It Gracefully

Example letter telling interviewer of other job offers

There are various approaches you could take in order to communicate to an employer that you have other job offers. Here's an example of an email that you could send before your first interview:

Dear Ms. Wilhelm,

I'm looking forward to my interview for the HR specialist position! I wanted to let you know that I'm also in the process of interviewing with other companies and recently received an offer for a similar role. However, I am still very interested in this job because I believe I could contribute more to your business's goals.

Please let me know if there's anything else I can do before our interview on Tuesday.

Thanks again,
Rohaan Gabol