How would you handle this? (potentially two job offers)

[Chronicworrier123]

Full context I was made redundant about 6 weeks ago. I started to interview as soon as it happened. Long story short, in the end I got an offer and one of the process is still ongoing. I'm due to start soon the offer I accepted , and it would (likely) clash with the unexpected on site final interview at the other place.

The companies are quite different and one is much bigger than the other and also considerable more £££.

I'm going to ask the company I'm still interviewing at to put their skates on but I'm unsure if telling them I'm starting a new job or tell them I'm going on holiday.

There's also the option of simply withdrawing

I wouldn’t suggest lying to them.

Which do you think you’d prefer?

Don't do anything until the potential date clashes and then revisit.

I actually don't know, if money is not part of the equation probably the one I've already signed. If we talk about job security and £££ then the other one.

Of course them knowing you have another offer is a good thing. Just make sure it's clear to them they are your preference.

I would just do what suits you best. Maybe delay the start of the new job if the other job is much better. I doubt the other company will speed up their process. Especially if they are the large one that pays more.

They've already delayed it by one week (their request).

To the PP I've read that telling them you have other offers sometimes gives them FOMO, but who knows!

You don't have any other offers though.

What as in the one still interviewing?

Start the new job

Interview for the second job, if offered an interview

If offered the second job, decide what to do at that stage

I've been offered the 5th interview but it's an onsite interview which means I'd have to take 2 days off my new job

Yup that's the one you don't have an offer on!

Yeah but to get an offer, I'd have to miss a couple of day at my new workplace!

If you're really interested in this second job, it'd be worth the effort, I think. You could always start the first job and let them know that you've got some hospital tests lined up for 2 days which you omitted to mention?

Unfortunately if be away from my desk by two days. So unless I plan to day I had to be admitted into hospital for them, don't see how!

OK. So tell them today that you have to be away for 2 days after you start the new job

Or walk away from the job you haven't yet been offered

Imo those are your only options

Agree.

Don't tell them you have two days in hospital. If you then get offered the second job it will be patently obvious that you were really out having interviews.

I would message new job now and say you will need two days off for personal reasons and could you arrange two days’ holiday with exact dates to be confirmed.

Or if you fear they’ll say no to holiday due to a full induction/training plan, say nothing and then find that you have a mystery sickness bug that wipes you out for two days.

This will still look suss if/when you resign but IMO better than lying about something serious enough that it put you in hospital.

I know people will say ‘who cares what they think, she’ll have been there a few weeks and she owes them nothing’ but I wouldn’t want to be remembered as the person who lied about being in hospital. It’s a small world, especially in certain sectors.

I’m in the same boat OP. Got a new job which I have to start as I need to get paid a salary. Job is fine and interesting. However, one of the roles I applied for in my search then approached me for a first interview, which I passed, and I’m now going for the second interview with the CEO/Board. Second job would do wonders for my career, plus it’s a 15 minute drive from home, so I wouldn’t be able to turn it down if offered.

I’ve contacted my new line manager in advance to pre-book a few days annual leave. Better to make them aware now that you have these dates coming up, than to surprise them when you start. It’ll look much worse if you don’t say anything until you start, more so if you then leave for second job if the industry is small.

This.
You accept and start first job and take 2 days annual leave.

Imo youd be CRAZY to decline the first job when there are no guarantees on the second one.
Anything can happen.

Also fascinated to know WHAT can take 2 while days at stage 5 of an interview....

I was assuming it was two days off work because she’d need to travel a distance and stay over the night before, @Lafufufu. Any two-day assessment centre type thing would surely have been stage 1 or 2.

Five interviews is mad anyway! I’ve never had more than three at director level.

It's the travelling. Depending on which office they want me, th flight leaves at noon + 3 hours drive. (The only direct flight is from Edinburgh!) Or it's the 12hr return trip to London (I could take night trains so that would make it only 1 day).

For better or for worse I also have to take my daughter to a hospital appointment (which I've told them about) so I think having a preplanned random day and just telling them now would definitely look odd.

In my field it's super common to have 4: HR, HM, HM's manager + team / culture fit.

The role I've accepted was HR, HM, task (that took me at least 22hrs to do), CEO

This one with the fifth would be: HR, HM, HM's manager, director of adjacent department, plus this mystery one.

This makes more sense.

Shit happens - just tell them

Your mum got a consultation app with a specialist in London and is scared to go alone

Your brother is getting married last minute mid week - hes an odd fish.

Your husband surprised you with short break and doesnt use his brain

Your sister needs semi last minute childcare

Any number of things...

Once you have the dates can you ask for annual leave. It would be short notice but you shouldn't be expected to explain why you want to book AL.

Yes I was actually thinking of using the one of "husband booked a mini break and forgot to tell me".

Tbh I'd say as little as possible about why you need the AL as if you dont get offered this other job, you'll presumably stay in this workplace and then have colleagues asking how your mum is/brother's wedding was/would you recommend the hotel etc etc... whereas if you say nothing then no one will ask you anything and just assume you don't talk about your personal life in the office which is fair enough.