Job offer anxiety is real – here’s how to deal with it

Let’s face it: job hunting is rarely an easy task. Even after you’ve scoured the job boards, polished your CV and smiled your way through three rounds of tasks and interviews, the hunt for a new role can still leave you feeling scared to commit, overwhelmed by choice and insecure about your decision. If this sounds at all familiar, you’re not alone. Last year, Mental Health UK’s Burnout Report found that those aged 25–34 were most likely to report high stress due to fears of job security or redundancy (45%). 

In the current job market, where corporate ghosting is rife and great roles feel increasingly hard to come by, it makes sense. So, when you do finally land an exciting offer, why do so many of us feel a sense of dread?

According to Connar Luckford, student success lead at Target Jobs, this insecurity is particularly common in those starting out in their careers or when switching between industries. In an era where ‘lilypadding’ is growing in popularity, especially among Gen Z workers, more of us are strategically job-hopping with purpose. As you rapidly build your skillset, your CV begins to glow even more. What follows is often an array of job offers, often tinged with – you guessed it – anxiety.

And if you’re lucky enough to be offered multiple jobs, it’s time to start clinking champagne flutes, right? But then the questions start: can you accept two offers at once? How do you politely decline an offer without burning any bridges? If you’ve already said yes, is it too late to withdraw? 

Relentlessly weighing up the pros and cons of each offer can feel never-ending and futile, allowing your anxiety to run wild and your sense of self-doubt to spiral, so Luckford has shared his top tips to help you navigate job offers the right way. 

Avoid the temptation to be greedy

Accepting two job offers may appear like a safety net, but it can seriously harm your reputation and simply prolong the inevitable decision you’ll have to make. Remember, negotiations are made before the handshake, not after, so any attempt to re-evaluate perks or salary can appear false and opportunistic. 

Don’t rush, but also don’t disappear

Those of you with avoidant attachment styles may want to curl up in a ball, hibernate from the world and go back to your pre-interview life when confronted with multiple offers. As tempting as it is to go silent, always send a short appreciation email. It is not the time to play hard to get. No more than a few working days after the offer, let the recruiter know you’ve received the offer, thank them, and politely ask for a little time to review it.

Be honest, not evasive

Clear communication in your professional relationships is just as important as in your personal ones. If you find yourself wanting to withdraw after initially accepting an offer (eg your dream company has finally got in touch), don’t panic – unless you’ve signed a contract. If you haven’t, phew. As long as you explain that your situation has changed in an honest and respectful way, most employers will value your professionalism.

“You need to be honest about what you actually want,” Luckford says. “If the new offer seems to be life-changing, you can still accept it, but be upfront and apologise to the first employer. Professionalism lasts longer than discomfort.”

Think long-term

Every connection shapes how you’re remembered, so don’t go scorching the earth as soon as you reject an offer. Your professionalism travels just as far and fast as industry gossip about bad behaviour does. This means a well-handled ‘no’ over ghosting your employer can still leave a lasting good impression that your future self will thank you for.

Don’t overshare 

Showing you’re in demand is fine; arrogance is not. High on the promise of success, it may be tempting to name-drop companies, but avoid it at all costs. “You can mention you have received another offer that you want to accept because it is better aligned to your goals and needs, but don’t go into much more detail than that,” Luckford confirmed. 

Always read the fine print

Don’t check out just yet. Always double-check those specifics (start dates, salary and progression chances) to avoid unwanted surprises when it’s too late. This is especially important for entry-level roles to avoid feeling stuck and allow for advancement. Last year, a major global survey stated that of workers who felt unsatisfied in their jobs, 26% cited a lack of career progress as the primary reason. So, activate detective mode and start digging.

Images: Adobe