Stupid question about applying for different jobs

[meringue33]

Say you’re applying for Job A and Job B but Job B is the one you really want.

Job B has an interview two weeks after Job A. What do you do if you get offered Job A?

Withdraw from Job B.

Or withdraw from Job A before the interview, in the hope of getting Job B.

Accept job A, interview for job B.

Yes, this.

Depends how competitive your field is, in mine it would be common to say you had another interview and would confirm after that. It's not nice as an interviewer to hear that but it's very common

yes - very much this

Accept job A's offer but tell them you can't start for another few weeks (until you have been to the interview for job B and heard back with the outcome) so at least you have something lined up if job B doesn't work out.

I've done this before, and I say that as someone who's worked in recruitment for years, so I know it's a pain in the arse for companies when applicants do this as the recruitment process can be lengthy (some people will say it's very selfish) but you have to put yourself first at the end of the day.

Thanks everyone. Would an employer really wait two weeks to appoint?

for those saying accept Job A, would you actually sign the contract or just verbally accept and then stall for a bit until you heard about Job B?