UK Job Offer Playbook · 2026
How do I handle two job offers at the same time?
Why this matters
Multiple offers are the strongest negotiation position you'll ever have. Most candidates either fumble them by playing the offers against each other clumsily, or default to the highest base salary without weighing other factors. The right approach can lift your eventual package by 10-20% AND ensure you pick the role that's actually right for your career.
Step-by-step playbook
1) Get both offers in writing with full details (base, bonus, pension, holiday, start date, notice). 2) Acknowledge each within 24 hours and ask the slower one for time: 'I have a competing offer that requires a decision by [date]. Could you confirm your final offer by [earlier date]?' 3) Score both on: role content, manager quality, team, growth path, base, bonus, pension, holiday, flexibility, location, culture, brand. Use a 1-10 scale or just rank. 4) Identify your preferred offer. 5) If preferred offer is worse on package, go back to them: 'I'm leaning towards joining you, but the [other role] is offering £[X] more. Is there flexibility to close that gap?' Be factual; don't lie. 6) Decide based on total fit, not just numbers. 7) Accept the chosen offer in writing. Decline the other politely (you may need them again).
Word-for-word script / template
Email to preferred employer template: 'Hi [Name], I wanted to update you on my situation. I've received another offer for a [role type] role at [type of company — keep general] which is offering £[X] base + [package]. My preference is to join [your company] — the role and team are exactly what I'm looking for. However, the gap to the other offer is significant. Is there flexibility to bring the package closer? Specifically I'd value [base/sign-on/equity/etc.]. I need to respond to the other offer by [date]. Could you let me know by [day before] if there's room to revise? Thank you, [Your name]'
What NOT to do
Don't: invent a competing offer; share specific other-employer names; let the slower employer drag you past the faster offer's deadline; accept verbally before written confirmation; play both employers against each other in escalating cycles (eventually one will withdraw); decide purely on base salary; burn bridges with the rejected employer (be polite — you may want them in 5 years).
Worked example
Tom had offers from two SaaS companies — Company A at £72k and Company B at £80k. He preferred A's role and manager but the gap was £8k. He emailed A factually citing the higher offer and asking for flexibility. A came back at £78k base + £4k signing bonus, closing the gap completely. Tom joined A, where the role grew faster than B's would have. By year 2 he was at £92k vs the £85k trajectory at B.
Recruiter pro tip
The single biggest mistake with multiple offers is rushing the decision. The second-biggest is treating salary as the only variable. Ask yourself: 'In 2 years, which company will have given me the bigger title, the better story, and the manager I respect?' That's worth more than £5-10k of starting base, every time. The right offer often pays itself back through compounding career value.
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