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“Business A probably knows key personnel in businesses B, C and D. It safeguards your reputation as a professional, as an employee, if you treat each offer in a professional and courteous manner.”
Talk about timing
OK, so what if you get offered a job you want, but also have an interview lined up next week for a job you really want?
You can’t always control timing, Ferguson says. But you can try.
“If you’ve got a job offer, you need to ask: what is the timeline for making a final decision? Second, you need to ask: if I need an adviser to review the contract or the agreement, how long do I have to do that?”
Having that information lets you know whether you need to push for a quick decision at your next interview.
“You can say: I’ve had an offer. I’ve got the contract under consideration. I need to let them know by this date. What is your timeline? Because I am really keen on this role.”
The good news is that this jobseeker’s market has tended to speed up recruitment processes, Ferguson says.
“Employers can’t take the time they used to take to assess, make an offer, or negotiate. They have to move a little bit more quickly.”
The jobseeker’s market has sped up recruitment processes.Credit:Getty Images
What if I change my mind?
If you’ve accepted a job offer and then change your mind, what you do next depends on whether you’ve signed a contract, Ferguson says.
“If you’ve signed a contract, you need to get the right professional advice before you do anything. If you haven’t signed a contract, I like people to call and have a first-hand conversation, to say I’ve made a different decision or I’ve changed my mind.
“An employer will value the courage and professionalism you show by contacting them directly and having an open conversation with them.”
What about leaving my current job?
Let’s face it: your current boss is unlikely to be overjoyed when you hand in your notice. But good bosses will accept that they only have you for a limited amount of time, and will support you in your onward journey, Ferguson says.
“The generally accepted stat says we have 17 different roles in a lifetime, and five to seven careers. The reality is that staff are in transition.”
If you’re professional in your communication with your employer, hopefully they will let you go with good grace, and you will move on as an advocate for their business.
For more advice on how to advance your career visit SEEK Career Advice.