Comment by Lisa Howarth on July 18, 2010 at 8:25pm

When I was recruiting, I used to tell candidates in a multiple offer situation that this was a lot like a birthday party .. everyone comes to your birthday party with a present (i.e. each company comes with an offer), and by making companies wait it is like telling your party goer that their present doesn't quite look interesting enough to open, you're going to wait to see what else comes in the door.

This may work for the first birthday, but next year (i.e. next search) you'll be all on your own.

I don't think there is anything wrong with putting yourself out there, looking for the best opportunity - but you have to do it with integrity. Many candidates go to competitors just to get the paper offer that they can take back to their current company to demand a raise. In the end, it makes the prospective employer angry that they were used; it makes the current company feel like they have been put over a barrel.

So how can you be better than LeBron? Don't make a spectacle about it. Be honest with prospects - you're very happy with your current role, but are always open to interesting opportunities. Don't make a company put an offer on paper if you're not serious about taking it.

Now, if only I could make the millions Lebron does.

Comment by Dina Harding on July 18, 2010 at 10:53pm

Well said, Noel, and so true! Thank you for sharing this post with us. :D

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