Multiple Commitment: How to Opt for Multiple Jobs?
Multiple applications increase the chances
Unless you happen to be an unsolicited candidate, you will probably be applying for multiple positions at the same time . Because it is never clear which employer might choose one.
One prefers a different candidate, the next one has a lengthy selection process, and the third may invite you to a job interview . In order to shorten the waiting time for oneself, but also to avert a threatening unemployment , the wide spreading of applications is an effective means.
How nice if your applications then fall on fertile ground and you receive a written commitment to a job. But what if you also receive an oral promise for your dream job? Or pending further job interviews ? It is completely understandable that you want to win the optimum for yourself. But you are in a bind :
For which job to decide yourself? It always resonates with the concern of choosing the wrong place , getting annoyed afterwards, having missed a great opportunity.
And finally, how should you behave towards your potential employer ?
Decision Making Methods: What to do if you have a multiple commitment?
The pros and cons list
Make yourself a list! Clarify your options, weigh up: Which factors speak for which position? Consider the following criteria:
What exactly makes the job appealing, what tasks, what career opportunities do you have there? Can you imagine working longer in this job? If an employer offers opportunities for development, for example through further training , this will increase the added value considerably.
What is the working climate? If you have a good idea of both the composition of the age structure, for example, but also the diversity of people, this can be an indication of a pleasant working environment.
Will you work in an open-plan office or have your own office? Some people need excitement and constant exchange with others, and others appreciate the opportunity to quietly work their way silently. Depending on which type you are, you should also take this into account.
What is the salary ? Think about a minimum in advance, which you definitely do not want to fall short of and a maximum. The latter can be important because excessive salary demands can be an exclusion criterion for companies.
What options do you have for organizing work ? Maybe you can work at an employer in the home office or he offers flexitime.
Is there a time limit ? Depending on how risk-averse you are, your decision may also depend on the question of whether the less attractive job is, for example, unlimited, as opposed to the favored one.
Is there perhaps attractive compensation ? Cash benefits such as a company car, training courses or even subsidies to the kindergarten should be incorporated into your decision-making.
How far is the commute ? Do not underestimate the time you spend on the highway. Long working distances can affect the quality of life. It may look different, for example, if you commute by train and can work from there.
Do you need to move to another location ? For some people, the idea of leaving their familiar surroundings and breaking off social contacts is an abomination. Others see their challenge in tackling something new.
What kind of infrastructure is there in the village? What is the public connection to the traffic? Are there schools, kindergartens, hospitals, cultural institutions? Maybe you prefer the quiet country life rather than the big city hectic.
What does the housing market look like there? If you need to move to a big city, you should also include this aspect in your financial considerations. In some places, rents have skyrocketed over the last few years. Depending on which position you choose, a financial lead can quickly melt away.
Before you can answer all these questions, you must also be aware of where your priorities lie. For example, if a good infrastructure is important because you need a kindergarten nearby, your choice will obviously be significantly influenced by this aspect.
The good advice
They discuss the topic with family and friends . These people know you best and can therefore best assess which criteria are the most important to you. It may even give you an aspect that would not have occurred to you.
Regardless of any new impetus , it is a good idea to highlight the topic, for example, if these people could be affected by your decision. This may be the case if the distance changes and the children have to change schools because they have to leave their hometown.
The social networks
There are several ways to obtain information about the employer. In addition to the company's own website, some companies offer an employer check. A rating portal like Kununu can also provide information on whether an employer is eligible.
Access all the networks that come to your mind - are you perhaps a member of your university's alumni club ? Is it a big employer for example in the insurance industry and colleagues from the sports club know him? Activate your contacts and get feedback.
Different tactics: how to deal with a multiple commitment
Variant 1: There is a signature-based employment contract
You get a promise from one company , but still waiting for the promise of another whose job would interest you much more. You have not signed yet.
It depends on two things: Is the commitment verbal or in writing ? Verbal commitments are great, but unfortunately worth little. As long as you have nothing in hand, one company can still cancel and take another applicant. Not the fine kind, but happens.
If you have a written commitment from company A and you have to sign the contract of employment , you are likely to be in trouble: On the one hand your future employer expects an answer, on the other hand you still want to check your chances with company B.
There are different ways you can behave.
openness
You call company A and play with open cards. You are grateful for the offer, but let your potential employer know that you are still in the application process. You ask for some time to think. Of course, you can not expect four but a maximum of two weeks off here.
Disadvantage: The employer is offended, withdraws his offer.
commitment
One possibility would be that you choose company A for the time being. Normally, sending the contract documents needs a few days - in the time company B could sign up. Ideally, you then only have to sign with your preferred employer.
The other option is a cancellation. Within the probationary period , a notice period of two weeks applies to both parties. If Company B has not contacted you by then, you can theoretically sign with Company A and cancel it before the job starts, if the starting position changes by then.
Disadvantage: You do it once and never again. It leaves you quite disloyal and jumpyappear. You will not get a foothold with this employer. In addition, moving in a manageable industry can have adverse consequences for your other applications.
delaying tactics
You already have the contract, but you have not signed it yet. They get sick, answer e-mails and calls only with a time delay . This will give you time, and may also ask the employer of your preferred company to make your decision as soon as possible, as you must comply with a commitment period . Usually, employers know that an applicant is applying for more than one job and should understand it - especially since you signal that he is the favored employer.
Variant 2: Depreciation in the probationary period
They have signed but are in the trial period and there is another promise. This place seems much more appealing to you.
As in the case above, both you and the employer have the opportunity to resign within two weeks without giving any reason during the probationary period . Theoretically, you have the option to leave your temporarily secure job and move to another job. However, as in the example above, this will adversely affect your reputation .
Option 3: The better offer is coming soon
You have a commitment to a one-year job that you are very interested in. At the same time you have other promising applications open.
Of course, it always depends on how much you rate a position. If, in the case of the temporary job, you have a job that is important to you, a commitment is near.
At the same time, of course, you also have to think about the future. In order to keep the other employers well-disposed, you should cancel there by phone .
The likelihood of your documents being kept for one year is rather low. However, with reference to your current temporary position, you can signal that you are still interested in employment and would like to be available later. Maybe after finishing your new job there will be a chance for one of the other employers?
Multiple Commitment: How To Drive Best
Part of all considerations should be that you put yourself in the shoes of your employer : How would you like to be treated?
Remember how big or manageable the industry is? If you bully somebody, it can take revenge later . You always meet twice…
It should be clear that dealing with a potential employer is about respectful togetherness . This includes a minimum of liability.
Extreme are never advisable. Depending on the starting position, a healthy mix of openness and restraining tactics is recommended . This means that you do not sign a contract immediately, but you do not unnecessarily stretch the decision-making process.
Instead of lying , you should consider which points may make the other employer seem more attractive to company A: For example, are they more flexible working hours ? Then theoretically there is still the possibility to renegotiate at Company A , maybe you both find a satisfactory solution.
It is important that the employer of company A never gets the impression that he is only the second choice . This is not particularly flattering and puts a strain on the employment right at the beginning. You do not do anyone a favor.
However, if you choose the recommended mix, you will come across authentically and that will eventually pay off.
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