Offered a job, but holding out for another?
Discussion
My wife has sat interviews with two different companies. Just the other day she got offered job 1 which she would be happy to take, but she is awaiting the outcome of the interview for job 2, which she would much prefer to take and hopes to find out in the next few days.
However she doesn't want to turn down job 1 incase she doesn't get job 2, but considers it impolite to keep job 1 awaiting her decision. She will also feel bad accepting job 1 and then going back on her word if she finds out a few days later that she has been offered job 2, but she is kind of forced to have to do just that.
So from the employers aspect, what is a reasonable amount of time to be kept waiting an interviewees decision? She thinks 48hrs maximum, or they may decide she doesn't want the job so they don't want her?
However she doesn't want to turn down job 1 incase she doesn't get job 2, but considers it impolite to keep job 1 awaiting her decision. She will also feel bad accepting job 1 and then going back on her word if she finds out a few days later that she has been offered job 2, but she is kind of forced to have to do just that.
So from the employers aspect, what is a reasonable amount of time to be kept waiting an interviewees decision? She thinks 48hrs maximum, or they may decide she doesn't want the job so they don't want her?
2 sMoKiN bArReLs said:
Blimey. As an employer if an employee doesn't jump at the chance I'm turned off.
I'd say 24 hours or less! (Usually instant is what I'd expect)
Most do accept almost immediately but the people I employ are in demand by other employers so not unusual for them to be in dialogue with others. I would rather they definitely want to work with me than just accept because I was first to offer.I'd say 24 hours or less! (Usually instant is what I'd expect)
Scrump said:
2 sMoKiN bArReLs said:
Blimey. As an employer if an employee doesn't jump at the chance I'm turned off.
I'd say 24 hours or less! (Usually instant is what I'd expect)
Most do accept almost immediately but the people I employ are in demand by other employers so not unusual for them to be in dialogue with others. I would rather they definitely want to work with me than just accept because I was first to offer.I'd say 24 hours or less! (Usually instant is what I'd expect)
I'd find something else to ask - that will buy some time.
For my last move I said I was giving up my bonus & would they pay me for it - that took a couple of weeks.
Maybe ask to meet someone else - or the team - or see the actual workspace. Anything really that says you want to make sure it's absolutely the right move for you.
For my last move I said I was giving up my bonus & would they pay me for it - that took a couple of weeks.
Maybe ask to meet someone else - or the team - or see the actual workspace. Anything really that says you want to make sure it's absolutely the right move for you.
LeadFarmer said:
However she doesn't want to turn down job 1 incase she doesn't get job 2, but considers it impolite to keep job 1 awaiting her decision. She will also feel bad accepting job 1 and then going back on her word if she finds out a few days later that she has been offered job 2, but she is kind of forced to have to do just that.
She shouldn't feel bad, that's life. In the past, I've had new starters accept the job but then get in touch a week or so later to say they've decided to accept another offer. If the email was pleasant and apologetic, which they always were, they always got a reply saying we fully understood and wishing them all the best for the future. It's her career, it's not a game. She needs to do whatever she needs to do to maximise the situation for her own benefit. Plenty of employers have offered people jobs, and then withdrawn the offer before the start date because circumstances in the organisation have changed. Often the new starter has handed in their notice in their old job!
The job market is like the housing market, you gotta look after no1. It's dog eat dog.
As an employer I want to make sure the job is right for the candidate just as much as the candidate is right for the job. So I'd give them time, but would also appreciate the openness. Honesty is important and often the world you operate in is small. We all have our own careers and our own drivers and that's great but it's best to be open so not to upset others.
If she is not comfortable with that approach what about asking to speak with the hiring manager and ask some further questions. Adds a delay and she also learns more about the role whether she takes it or not.
No harm in pressing the second company about being in other processes.
Most markets are in favour of the employee right now. Especially in my line or work which may bias my suggestions.
If she is not comfortable with that approach what about asking to speak with the hiring manager and ask some further questions. Adds a delay and she also learns more about the role whether she takes it or not.
No harm in pressing the second company about being in other processes.
Most markets are in favour of the employee right now. Especially in my line or work which may bias my suggestions.
TwigtheWonderkid said:
She shouldn't feel bad, that's life....
The job market is like the housing market, you gotta look after no1. It's dog eat dog.
That's trueThe job market is like the housing market, you gotta look after no1. It's dog eat dog.
a_dreamer said:
No harm in pressing the second company about being in other processes.
She's going to ring the second company on Monday and try and get some clarity. She's prepared to accept the first job and then give back word if the 2nd job gets offered, but she likes the guys who interviewed her and she's grateful for their offer, so doesn't want to mess them around.If she was honest and told the first company that she was waiting to hear about her another interview then they could quite rightly see themselves as second choice which could harm the relationship if she then accepted their job offer. If I was the employer I'd wonder if their heart was really in it, and of they would end up leaving if a better offer came along.
Not an easy decision.
I had 32 interviews for similar roles in different companies. The first let's call it Sesco offered me the job but they knew I had an interview a week later with Tainsburys. They were happy to offer it to me and even said you'd be silly not to interview at the other. In the end I took the Sesco job as the interview was far better and thr store GM was a car guy.
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