Too many offers?

One of the trickiest situations many candidates face is tough to call. You've been offered one job that is pretty good but you still haven't heard about another one that is the job of your dreams. I'm often reminded of those ubiquitous bookmakers ads on the television asking if you want to cash out now. Do you stick or twist? I think this is one of the ultimate moral dilemmas for many candidates, and I also think many recruiters and employers try and put them in an impossible situation. Often the candidate is told by the employer who has made the offer to make up their mind quickly, so they can take them out of the market. We all understand that, but the employer must also recognise this carries risks. The candidate could merely accept to keep you happy and continue with the other role. There is little practically you can do about. In a rising market with a shortage of quality candidates (there always is) what do you do? I guess it depends upon how much you need a job. If you are currently happily employed, under no pressure and the first job you have been offered is not quite right then is there any real discussion? Why move for something less than perfect. On the other hand, it also depends upon how likely you are to get the job of your dreams. Do you really have the right experience, are you really likely to be considered a strong candidate, is this just wishful thinking? Only you can decide that, by being brutally honest with yourself. But supposing both are pretty good choices then you are in a dilemma, and one that I have faced on a number of occasions in recent months with candidates. Now that you have been honest with yourself, I reckon you also have to be honest with both employers. And we have had this a couple of times recently. We have explained to the first employer that they have also been involved in a process for an exceptional role, as I said before "the job of their dreams". That process will shortly be coming to a close and they will accept or reject your offer once they know the outcome. We have then been equally honest with the second employer and explained the situation and asked for a decision as soon as possible. Most importantly, we have asked if the decision is negative that we know that soon as they do. The outcome in both instances? The candidate failed to get the job of their dreams in the first instance but the initial employer really respected their honesty, was prepared to wait and now they are working happily together. The outcome of the second candidate? We don't know yet, although both employers have again appreciated the honesty and it will come to its conclusion in the next few days. When you are moving into the, "grown-up" roles, you are expected to have grown-up conversations. Being open and honest with all employers makes life much easier, and if one of them refuses to play ball, then on their head be it. Good luck.