How to Handle Competing Offers and Exploding Offer Deadlines

Competing offers are a good problem, but short deadlines can force important career decisions before you have complete information. This guide explains how to compare opportunities, ask for more time, accelerate another interview process, and decline an offer without damaging relationships.

Author: Ishaan Nair Updated 4 min read

Understand the deadline before reacting

An “exploding offer” is an offer that must be accepted within a short period or it expires. Before responding, confirm the exact deadline, any acceptance conditions, and whether the firm requires a verbal decision, signed letter, or both. Ask for the details in writing if they were delivered by phone.

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