The Dark Side of Offer Letters: How Candidates Are Gaming the System to Get Ahead

I don’t know how we got here, but here we are. And it’s time to face some uncomfortable truths.

There was a time when getting an offer letter felt like winning. After weeks (sometimes months) of interviews, follow-ups, ghostings, and nerve-wracking silence, that email popped in: “We’re excited to offer you the role.”

It was a relief. A celebration. A moment of clarity.

Now? For some, it’s a tool.

A tactic.

A negotiation chess piece.

Let’s me tell you what’s really happening in the market right now: more and more professionals are accepting offer letters not as a commitment, but as leverage. Some never intend to start the job. Others are using it to spark a bidding war.

It’s not just a red flag for employers. It’s also a slippery slope for the candidates themselves.

When the Offer Isn’t Really the End Goal

Here’s what you’re seeing more of:

• Candidates accepting a role while still interviewing elsewhere.

• Using an offer to pressure their current employer into a raise or promotion.

• Shopping the offer to other companies for better packages.

• Stalling on signing. Hoping a “dream job” will land in the meantime.

It’s not strategy. It’s roulette.

There’s a fine line between being empowered and being reckless. What we’re seeing now is a kind of career opportunism that doesn’t just burn bridges. It silently damages reputation, confidence, and long-term alignment.

An offer letter isn’t a lottery ticket. It’s an agreement with weight.

What’s Causing This Behavior?

I’ll be real: this didn’t come out of nowhere.

The past few years have shattered trust in traditional career paths. Layoffs blindsided loyal employees. Promotions were paused indefinitely. Companies promised flexibility, culture, or purpose. Then delivered micromanagement, burnout, and silence.

People are navigating their careers with eyes wide open now.

Some of them are doing what they believe they HAVE to do to protect themselves. That doesn’t make it ethical. But it makes it understandable.

When trust breaks down, manipulation moves in.

Also, let’s not forget, there’s also the dopamine hit. Getting an offer letter feels like proof: I’m valuable. Even if you’re not sure it’s the right fit. Even if your gut says “wait.”

The Risks Candidates Don’t Talk About

You might think you’re being smart by stacking offers or pitting companies against each other. But here’s what no one warns you about:

Your name gets around.

Talent acquisition folks talk. Recruiters talk. Hiring managers remember.

You lose credibility.

When you say yes and then bail, it’s noticed. Maybe not immediately. But it’s logged.

It creates internal chaos.

Companies ramp up onboarding, set up accounts, pause other candidates. And suddenly, you pull out.

It chips away at your own clarity.

Too many choices, too many negotiations, too many half-yeses. You start to question your own alignment.

The career game isn’t just about winning offers.

It’s about winning clarity.

So Let’s Talk About Negotiation, But With Integrity

Okay. So what if you do get multiple offers? What if you’re in demand and you do want to negotiate well?

Here’s how to play it smart without falling into the catfish category:

1. Be transparent (without over-disclosing)

You don’t need to spill every detail, but it’s okay to say:

“I’m currently considering multiple opportunities and want to make a decision that aligns deeply with my long-term goals.”

2. Ask for time, not favors

“Would it be possible to have until [X date] to make a final decision? I want to ensure I can give you a clear and thoughtful response.”

3. Don’t weaponize offers

It’s one thing to let Company A know you’ve received another offer. It’s another thing to bluff a fake offer or make Company B “bid” for you like it’s an auction.

4. Stay in relationship

Even if you decline, say thank you. Be respectful.

You never know when you’ll cross paths again.

This is still a small world. Your word travels faster than your resume.

Real Talk: Why Some Candidates Are Doing This Anyway

If you’re someone who’s done this, or is tempted to, trust me you’re not alone.

This is a messy, unpredictable job market. But if you’re trying to build a career you’re proud of, this game-playing will eventually backfire.

Because here’s the truth:

If you’re accepting offers just to feel wanted, you’re not moving forward.

You’re filling a void.

You deserve to make strategic, confident moves. Not reactive, impulsive ones driven by scarcity, fear, or confusion.

Want a counteroffer? Ask for one directly.

Want better pay? Build your value case.

Don’t use another company’s time and resources as bait.

If it feels like a game, it probably isn’t your next right move.

For Employers: How to Spot Red Flags Early

If you’re an employer or a hiring manager, there’s some tell-alls that may come in handy. Companies aren’t powerless here either. There are subtle cues that someone might be offer-stacking or not fully committed:

• Vague answers about timelines or intentions

• Reluctance to sign within a reasonable window

• Avoiding questions about alignment or long-term vision

• “Too perfect” candidate behavior with little authenticity

And while you can’t prevent every flake-out, you can make your process more human:

• Follow up quickly. Don’t let the energy fade.

• Be honest about expectations. Transparency invites it in return.

• Create space for real questions. Make sure they feel safe asking them.

Final Thought: Clarity Over Clout

There’s a version of you who knows what you want. Who doesn’t need to manipulate the market.

Who leads with clarity, not chaos. Be that version.

Accepting an offer should feel like peace, not pressure.

You don’t need to out-game the system.

You need to out-align with yourself.

If you’re done with the games and want real career conversations that shift your future, apply for my 1:1 Mentorship (You can Book a Free Clarity Call Here) or grab the Career Conversations Bootcamp (packed with actual career conservation scripts that work!).

And if you want to explore my style with a FREE Resource, download The Career Clarity Blueprint: 5 days to Promotions, Pay Raises & Career Shifts.

I can teach you how to negotiate like a leader, not a gambler. And how to own your worth without burning bridges to prove it.