Putting Employers "ON HOLD" while considering other offers

[Ihoplover]

Hi - hope to be interviewing in near future for possible new grad RN positions. Any tips re: how to graciously tell an employer you need a week or so to consider the offer (so you can consider others)???????????? OR in this economy if the job "feels" like a good fit - grab it! Thanks much everyone!:)

[caliotter3]

As many times as job opportunities turn into vapors of lost hope, I would seize a good offer. At that point you have a job and other offers should not come into play unless they are substantially earth shattering.

[lpnflorida]

Depending on where you live in this country will depend on whether a job offer will be offered or not. In many places right now new grads and old are having some difficulty in the job market. Ask others in your specific area what the market looks like.

Me, I like a bird in the hand . The only places I ever applied to where the only places I wanted to work. I do not have alot of experience in this as I have only had 2 nursing jobs in the last 30 years. The 3rd job I do not count as it was for a prn position, in all situations I was told during the interview whether I would be hired or not.

[Jules A, MSN]

I also have only applied places that I really wanted to work, one at a time, so when they made an offer I was ready to move. I did have one DON ask me if I was interviewing at other facilities and I honestly told her that I had plans to interview at XYZ if she didn't offer me this position and she called me the next day with an offer. I'd be hesitant to shop around if jobs are scarce in your area. Good luck.

[ontocrna]

I wouldn't take a position just to have a position. It looks terribly unprofessional to leave a position as quickly as you take it for a better one if you find yourself unhappy with your decision. It doesn't leave you great references in the wake behind you either. I have found that employers are more impressed if you ask what the position has to offer (retirement, insurance, vacation, sign on bonuses, health incentives, education reimbursement/professional development opportunities, magnet status or evaluation procedures, etc.) and reflect that you intend to weigh it against other options. (Wouldn't you want to hire a nurse that actively utilizes a strong decision making process?) I tell employers I am actively seeking positions and where and when those interviews are expected to take place so that every card is on the table. I let them know that I intend to follow through on applications that I've put out if interviews aren't actively scheduled as well. That lends well to giving the employer a time frame for the decision making process and it conveys that I follow through. I think honesty and exposing what it is you are looking for helps the employer to get the fit they need as well. I have an idea where I want to be in five years and I expose that plan to employers. I feel that is fair to everyone involved and professional. I've watched so many nurses land where they fall and then they wonder why they aren't happy where they landed.