A client recently asked me this question, and it is a question I often get in one form or another:
"I have an offer in hand, but I'm still in the hiring process with another company I'd much prefer to work for. It's the holidays, there's so much happening, and I don't want to miss out. Am I being greedy?"
First, let's reframe that. You're not being greedy. You're being strategic in your approach to managing your career. It is more productive to consider ways to navigate this question with clarity and confidence.
Holiday Hiring Challenges: A Time for Strategy
The holiday season often creates unique challenges for job seekers. Companies may rush to fill roles before the new year, while candidates juggle competing priorities, timelines and the anxiety of job search.
Instead of fixating solely on the offers themselves, let's ask some critical questions that can bring clarity to your decision-making process. These questions will not only help you weigh your options but also encourage you to reflect on your priorities, values, and long-term goals:
What's the best way for me to tell a potential employer my situation to without jeopardizing my chances?
How can I figure out if my career goals truly align with the job offers I'm considering?
How important is company culture to me, and how should it influence my final decision?
What can I do to manage the anxiety I'm feeling while dealing with competing job opportunities?
What might be the long-term impact if I accept an offer before finishing interviews with another company?
Thinking through these questions can help you approach your decision with clarity and confidence.
December Hiring Trends: Why Staying Active Can Give You an Edge
Contrary to popular belief, December remains an active time in the job market for non-seasonal roles.
The hiring rate in December 2023 was 3.7%, which is within the typical range of 4.0% to 4.5% seen throughout 2022 (BLS, 2023).
Interestingly, December can be a less competitive time for job seekers, as many pause their job search during the holidays, giving proactive candidates an advantage (CareerBuilder, 2023).
Some industries, such as healthcare, which added 53,600 jobs in November 2024, and government, which added 33,000 jobs, continue to grow during this period, while others, like retail, may experience declines—losing 28,000 jobs in November 2024 after showing little change over the prior 12 months (BLS, 2024).
Additionally, while some companies delay final hiring decisions until January due to budget considerations, December often serves as a prime time to build interview pipelines for Q1 hiring (SHRM, 2023).
Making the Right Move for You
Here's how I advise clients to navigate situations like this:
Be Clear on Your Career Goals
(Yes, I always find a way to bring your target into every conversation—because it matters!)
Before you make any decision, revisit your career goals. Which offer aligns better with your long-term vision? If one company excites you more than the other, ask yourself why. Keeping your end goal top of mind keeps you on track.
Communicate Strategically
If you're still in the running with a preferred company, let them know your situation. Use language that shows respect and enthusiasm, like:
"I wanted to share that I've received another offer, but I'm very excited about the opportunity with your organization. Is there any way to expedite the timeline for a decision?"
You always want to demonstrate professionalism while showing your genuine interest.
Balance Risks and Rewards
Fear of missing out can lead us to take rash actions, but it's important to weigh the risks. How will that impact you if you decline one offer and the other doesn't materialize? Conversely, if you accept an offer and later decide to pivot, how might that decision affect your professional relationships or reputation?
Consider Company Culture
Don't underestimate the importance of company culture in your decision. Beyond salary and title, where will you feel supported, motivated, and valued?
Manage Anxiety and Trust Yourself
Competing offers can create a lot of pressure. Pause, breathe, write down your options, and trust that you're capable of making the best decision for you.
Strategic, Not Greedy
At the end of the day, this is about being intentional, not greedy. Your career impacts every area of your life. It is crucial to manage these opportunities in a way that suits you.
What would you do in this situation? How do you handle competing job offers during the busiest time of the year? Let's keep the conversation going—share your thoughts and experiences with me.
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