In-demand Australian workers receiving up to eight job offers at once

With in-demand Australian workers receiving up to eight job offers at once, experts say “you’re crazy” if you don’t take into account one major factor. And it’s not money.

Aussie jobseekers are receiving up to eight offers of employment at any given time, creating anxiety over which role is best to accept.

Research by recruiter Robert Half shows 86 per cent of office workers are now receiving multiple job offers when looking for a new role, and experts say those in other sectors are experiencing similar demand.

Talent NSW managing director Matthew Munson has heard of candidates receiving as many as eight job offers and says most would expect to get at least two.

“They’re not necessarily getting just external offers either – they’re also getting counteroffers from their original employer (when they attempt to resign to take up a new role),’’ he says.

Be selective

Candidates can minimise the angst caused by multiple job offers by vetting companies early and submitting no more than four applications at any one time, Munson advises.

He says flexible work conditions and a company’s values and green credentials are increasingly important to workers and can easily be discovered before even applying for a job.

New research shows 86 per cent of office workers are receiving multiple job offers.

When it comes to choosing an offer to accept, Munson suggests prioritising companies that commit to including professional development within the employment contract, thereby guaranteeing future career growth

“If you’re not asking for that type of (career development commitment) right now, then you’re kind of crazy because candidates are in such high demand (they can negotiate their terms),’’ he says.

Walk the floor

With many job interviews occurring online or off-site, Munson says candidates cannot underestimate the benefits of visiting the workplace.

“It’s really important, where possible, to do at least one face-to-face interview and to get a tour of the office,’’ he says.

“You can pick up a lot about an organisation by walking the floor that you will never get just by interviewing via Zoom.’’

Blinded by salary

The research reveals more than two thirds of workers use salary to decide between job offers – but Robert Half director Nicole Gorton says it’s important to take a long-term view.

“Don’t be blinded by an immediate pay off,’’ she says.

“Be mindful that one offer with a higher starting salary could be outweighed by another offer with more promising career growth prospects, which might lead to an even higher salary.’’

Take your time

While employers are keen to quickly fill vacancies, Gorton says candidates should not be pressured into rushed decisions.

“Accepting a role is a major decision so it’s not unreasonable to request a few days to contemplate your options,’’ she says.

“That said, you must also balance your thinking time with the importance of maintaining interest and not giving the impression you’re dragging your feet.

“When you arrive at your decision, always be gracious to the employers whose job offers you decline and take the earliest opportunity to politely explain why the offer did not meet your needs.’’

Nimmi Jahan has a deal-breaker when it comes to job offers.

Flexible work hours a drawcard

If a company cannot provide flexible work hours, any job it offers is quickly rejected by career changer Nimmi Jahan.

Jahan is undertaking a master’s qualifications in human resources to allow her to move away from work in finance.

While she has considered several approaches from recruiters for finance roles, she says the ability to fit work around study is a priority.

“I am looking for flexibility, particularly around start times and finishing times, and even lunch breaks, so if I need some time to make (study-related) phone calls or do lectures then I can do that,” she says. “It’s also for exams. Will my employer be OK and be supportive (by providing time off) during my exams, or perhaps give me a half-day (for exam preparation)?

“I will always tell them upfront that this is what I’m studying and I would like support to work flexibly.”

Jahan says long-term career prospects are also important, as is a diverse workplace. She says while she prefers to consider HR-focused roles, having already done a diploma in human resources, she will take on finance positions if she can transition later.

“When you want to change your career and you are still getting approached for roles in finance, it’s hard not think, ‘Wow, the money is good, I could do it’,” Jahan says. “So I also look at whether this is a space that I can see myself in for the next 10 years. Not in the job but still in the same company.”

Originally published as In-demand Australian workers receiving up to eight job offers at once