Turning down a job you've already accepted!

[russellwatson17]

Hi there,

I'm currently serving my notice period at my current employment due to start a new job on the 5th March.

I've accepted this job via e-mail and telephone but not yet signed a contract.

An opportunity has come up locally for what I would deem to be a more desireable post. The company are advertising for someone to fill a post quickly and I seem to fit every aspect of the criteria.

I know I'm jumping the gun a bit (haven't even submitted my C.V. yet!!) but if I were to be successful with this job interview where does this leave me with the new job I'm meant to be starting of the 5th March?

F.Y.I. im a surveyor / estimator in the construction industry.

Cheers!

[Blue62]

I'd get a move on if I were you. If you now want to decline the job so be it, you're not contracted to them yet (I presume) and better that you don't start rather than start and leave within a few weeks/months. I'm sure they'll be disappointed but that's all, no chance they'll get nasty.

[fido]

Bird in the hand etc. You can always resign if you get the new job.

[Deva Link]

russellwatson17 said:

F.Y.I. im a surveyor / estimator in the construction industry.

Does everybody know each other in that world - in other words, will you get (and keep) a bad reputation?

You also need to be careful you don't end up with no job at all. (and a bad rep).

Having said that, if things suddenly went tits up at the employer you're going to, they'd probably think nothing of withdrawing your offer.

[sleep envy]

Deva Link said:

Does everybody know each other in that world - in other words, will you get (and keep) a bad reputation?

yes, it's very incestuous

[Marf]

Start the new job, interview for the other one. Quit if you get it.

I quit 2 days into a job when offered a better one. Sure it's a pain in the arse for the company who's hired you but you've gotta look after number one!

[Blue62]

I guess you could always blame your unethical behaviour on a recruitment consultant who headhunted/tempted you into another position. They will probably pity you and turn their ire onto the scumbag recruitment community, expect to see a 'headhunting scum stole my new boy' thread any day now. YAWN.

[T5R+]

Interview for 2nd.

Start the 1st - you may actually love it.

If you secure the 2nd, you then have a decision to make.

[0a]

I was offered a job and told I had to accept it within 2 days. I was interviewing for another one at the time. I accepted verbally but, well, messed about on the contract.

When I got the second job I rang the company/consultant, both were unhappy but that's life. Nothing is done until you sign the contract. Even then you're unlikely to be pursued if you tell them you will not be working there.

[russellwatson17]

Cheers for the help!

I've got my interview for the 2nd job on Thursday now, fingers crossed!

[craigb84]

I'd be inclined to be open and honest with the company you don't want to work for should you get the job with this other company. You've got a month to go so I'd just tell them you've had a re-think and been offered a job that you really want elsewhere. Theyll have forgotten all about you within a few weeks. This industry is just too small to be p*ssinf people off.

[marcosgt]

You don't work for the company until you start - No worries.

BUT, a job is a job - I wouldn't risk NOT taking a job on the off chance of getting a better one!

Your choice.

M.