How to handle offers?

I have interviewed with several units and it went really well.

1) What should I say if I'm given an offer at one place, but am still waiting on other offers?

2) How long do I have to decide?

3) What is the best factor to consider when deciding?

Thanks!

I may be able to help with some "generic" advice about new job seeking/job offers.

Most offer letters will state a time/date they would like your reply. Most places that are looking for employees move quickly on offers, especially if the market is hot. Realistically speaking, any place that will offer you employment in a hot skill area will be more than happy to "take you", even if you take a little longer than they would like to "consider" their offer.

As to deciding factors, those are as individual as the person seeking employment, and one factor may outweigh others on a sliding scale. Some of the factors to conside are: salary, commute times, opportunity for advancement, educational opportunities, duties, management styles.... the list is LONG.

I had two job interviews this week and three more scheduled for next week. One of the companies I have interviewed with has already requested that I come back for testing and background checks. They were not happy, when I told them I could not come in until Thursday, but I am no longer limiting myself to just one opportunity after I was offered a contractural position in December, signed the contract, worked for six hours and the client would not let me come back, claiming that I had failed "the third interview", which was total B.S. As a result, I have no income and will probably lose my home February 1st and wind up moving in with my sister. One of the positions I am interviewing for on the 11th is not only a permanent one, but is also closer to her home. Where I am going to be living a month from now is going to weigh heavily on which job offer I accept, for it will do me no good to go to work someplace which is 100 miles where I will be living. I have learned the hard way jumping on the first offer is NOT the way to go, and you have to evaluate each one carefully as to its advantages vs. the disadvantages before you make a decision.

I have interviewed with several units and it went really well.

1) What should I say if I'm given an offer at one place, but am still waiting on other offers?

2) How long do I have to decide?

3) What is the best factor to consider when deciding?

Thanks!

1/2. I tell them I will need some time to consider their offer. The amount of time depends on when I expect the others to respond. One question I always ask in an interview is; "when do you expect to make a decision on the position?" I make it known that I have other offers that I am considering. I take as much time as I feel I need. If they want a snap decision that may be a clue that you don't want to work there.

3. This is a personal choice. You have to decide what is important to you.

I'm having a similar problem. I'm a GN (three weeks ago!) and am looking in NYC. There are a ton of hospitals here and there are major differences in not only commute time but whether the hospital has the supplies you need to do the job, serious fluctuations in expectations as well as some being more or less short staffed than others. And on top of all this - new grads are being given their first and second interviews in one sitting and being offered the job on the spot at many different hospitals. It's alot to wade through, so if anyone out there is wokring in NYC and could tell me about their job, feel free to PM me.

Thanks!

no longer a "sadstudent"