how do I juggle different employers’ timelines when I’m interviewing? — Ask a Manager

A reader writes:

I’m in the course of job-searching and one of the hectic components is the totally different timelines that organizations are on. Some get again to you in 16 hours (as was the case with a primary interview I had this week), some get again to you in a month (as is the case for a dream job I utilized to). Some, like mentioned dream job, are considerate sufficient to let you recognize their timeline for interviewing and hiring, which is useful. However with others, you haven’t any clue in the event that they need to rent in a month or in three months. I’m nervous I’ll be ready to listen to again from extra fascinating roles whereas probably getting job presents I’m much less enthusiastic about.

As an applicant, is there any approach to navigate the differing timelines of a number of organizations? How do I stability taking jobs as they arrive, versus holding out for a special job? Clearly, I don’t need to say no to any presents, however I additionally don’t need to preemptively take a suggestion if I’m nonetheless ready to listen to again a few extra excellent position. Can I ask for an employer’s hiring timeline? Is it dangerous to ask for an additional week or two to think about a suggestion? Is it okay to succeed in out to a corporation the place I interviewed to ask for an replace on my standing, if I’m provided one other position? And is there any world wherein it’s okay to just accept a job after which return on that if I’m provided a special one?

In fact, these are all contingent upon me getting by means of many rounds of interviews and getting job presents! However this timing stress is sort of as unhealthy because the job search stress itself, so I’d love your ideas.

You possibly can learn my reply to this letter at New York Journal as we speak. Head over there to learn it.