How do I use one offer to make myself more attractive for another offer?
Today, I received an offer to intern at a regional research boutique (not my dream job, but something's better than nothing). The recruiter asked that I contact him to work out offer details (start date, pay, etc.), and I feel obliged to contact him soon given that final exams are done at the end of next week.
I have one other internship prospect that I am much more interested in (investment banking position at a regional boutique). Last Wednesday, the recruiter told me that he was looking through resumes and would get back to me shortly for interviews.
My plan is to send the recruiter an email explaining that I have an offer on the table and would like to know where I stand in their recruiting process. I think by saying I have another offer, I'll appear more attractive.
My question to all you WSO'ers is: how do I word the email? Should I say I have an offer at a regional research boutique, or should I be more vague and just say I have an offer for a finance position? My concern is that equity research won't carry much weight (maybe even hurt me), so it might be in my best interest to leave it a mystery.
What are your thoughts? Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!





i'm thinking that leaving it
i'm thinking that leaving it as a mystery may just seem like you're lying/faking things, so i would just be very upfront about it
true
i'm thinking that leaving it as a mystery may just seem like you're lying/faking things, so i would just be very upfront about it
Very true. I guess anyone could "have another offer lined up". I'll probably leave the firm's name out though. Good idea?
Yes.
I think the best thing to do is let it be known that you have a deadline. Of course, you're telling them this because they are your top choice, and you should make it known. Some would say disclosing the name isn't smart, but if asked, I wouldn't hold back. Remember, let them know they are your top choice and that's why you are letting them know.
Just my 2c. Best of luck.
Alphaholic is right. Be sure
Alphaholic is right. Be sure to be professional and not cocky, but send the recruiter a polite email and tell him / her that you have an offer deadline coming up but would appreciate the opportunity to interview with XXXX firm because they are your #1 choice. I wouldn't say who the offer is with unless the recruiter asks.
Usually recruiters get swamped but will reply to emails like this due to your deadline, especially if you're a good candidate.
Thanks everyone for the
Thanks everyone for the suggestions!
First, I'd recommend that
First, I'd recommend that you call rather than e-mail. This will allow you to be more vague initially and then to provide details if the recruiter presses you.
Second, only call if you think that the regional research boutique is somewhat close to the level of the regional boutique at which you are pursuing the investment banking position. The regional boutique at which you are pursuing the investment banking position isn't going to want to hear you call up and tell them you have a job offer from the local gas station and you need to get back to them.
Third, you can start off vague and then provide more details if the recruiter presses you (e.g. you can simply start out with the fact that you have another offer that you need to respond to by "x" date and if the recruiter presses you then you can reveal the position and name of the firm). FYI, the recruiter will almost certainly want to know the date by which you have to get back to them.
Finally, make sure to emphasize to the recruiter that their firm is still your top choice and that if they were to extend you an offer, you would accept. This will make you a more attractive candidate because they will know that you really do want to work for them and also they will know that you aren't just trying to get a job from them to use as leverage against somebody else.
Good luck!
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