I am currently scheduled to have 3 onsite visits with 3 jobs that are all very interesting.
This is all serendipitous. They all sort of just happened at once.
My 3rd pick onsite interview is in 2 days.
The other 2 jobs are more desirable to me, they take place the week after.
If choice #3 decides to offer - how do I stall to see what happens with the other 2?
I've been a software contractor for years and often end up in a similar situation - interviewing for several roles and you're waiting on your preferred choice before declining another offer.
When I was younger I would have told a white lie in this situation because I would have felt awkward saying to a recruitment person that I had another preference or turning down an offer after all the work to get to that stage.
But I've learnt that it works out better if you're honest. Even if you end up taking the 3rd ranked job they will appreciate your honesty with them. Also it means should something happen (like you need another round with job preference 1 or it's postponed) you can go back and tell them honestly why it will be even longer before you make a decision. You will not the be the first or the last person who will have turned down a job at the final offer stage. It happens more than you think.
You're not doing anything wrong. You're not gaming anyone to get a better rate. Recruitment is a process where they know they're competing with other employers to get that employee as much as potential employees are competing for the job.
There is nothing unusual about this.
The general 'policy' in these situations is to be open about it. There is no duplicity.
Tell each interviewer you have other interviews scheduled and when they can expect an answer from you (if neccessary). You could safely add: "Will that work for you?", because a week delay isn't much.
You do not have to disclose what the other interviews are about or with who.
The situation with company 3 you described in your comments, is not very relevant. This is a new negotation with them.
