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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To possibly do this? Work related.

18 replies

Whitershadeofpale · 02/09/2013 15:40

I had 2 job interviews on Friday, one that I really liked and one that I liked more than my current job.

The one that I really like won't be making a decision until Thurday or Friday. The other one has just offered me the job

Would it be awful to accept the offer but rescind if I was offered the one I like more?

OP posts:

sparechange · 02/09/2013 15:44

Can you negotiate a couple of points between now and Thursday to buy yourself a bit of time?
Think about it overnight, then go back tomorrow and ask for a bit more money/holiday/responsibility?
They'll probably think about it overnight, and you'll have 24 hours to get back to them.
And then if you haven't got the other job, you've also come across as assertive and a proactive to the other employer!

catinabox · 02/09/2013 15:46

No, I don't think so.

I think you could negotiate if you then get offered the other job.

Sallyingforth · 02/09/2013 15:49

I think that ploy might work for a day or two, but the other decision might not be until Friday. To try and put it off until then would make the OP look rather indecisive.
I would be inclined to accept the job. If the other one comes up later you could always change your mind about the first one. Unethical perhaps but they will have other candidates.

Tee2072 · 02/09/2013 15:50

Ask them for a couple of days to think about it, but don't string it out too long.

ILikeBirds · 02/09/2013 15:52

Having worked somewhere where people accepted jobs and then failed to turn up on the first day, accepting a job and then changing your mind before paperwork is signed is not that bad imo.

Original poster

Whitershadeofpale · 02/09/2013 15:58

I wouldn't just not turn up. I'd let them know as soon as I had the other offer and before I signed a contract.

OP posts:

LJL69 · 02/09/2013 16:01

I dont think you can do that. I think there may be something that makes a verbal acceptance binding (altho am in Scotland and it may be different here) but not 100% sure. How likely do you think an offer is of the other job? I would weigh it up based on that

ILetHimKeep20Quid · 02/09/2013 16:03

Well done!

Accept then cross that bridge when you come to it!

Pigsmummy · 02/09/2013 16:09

I am sure you can ask for a couple of days to consider offer, then accept saying that you want copy of the contract to look over, that should buy you until friday and make you look uber organised?

ILikeBirds · 02/09/2013 16:11

It can't be binding before you've even had sight of a contract.

Lavenderhoney · 02/09/2013 16:17

If you are dealing with an agency call them and say you have had another job offer and can they tell the other company you need to know soonest.

Do not under any circumstances tell the agency who the other company is, or what agency you are with. Say its confidential and you have been asked not to say.

If its one agency be careful as I was once in ths position and they said I didn't get the job I wanted most. I emailed the guy who interviewed me saying I was sorry not to get it, did he have any advice etc. he went ballistic as he had been told I didn't want it.

The agency were going for two commissions as the first job, the one I didn't really want had other candidates, but nt with that agency iyswim. The second, both candidates were with the agency.

Good luck!

Original poster

Whitershadeofpale · 02/09/2013 16:54

No agencies I'm afraid both direct. I think I'll bide my time and make a decision if I get offered the other job.

OP posts:

Patilla · 02/09/2013 16:57

Say you want to see a copy of the employment contract just to check there are no surprises

Lavenderhoney · 02/09/2013 19:03

Yes, they'll have to post you the contract, and even if they email it you must give yourself a couple of days or so to read it.

That will take you up to the end of the week, and you will be able to decide:)

beepoff · 02/09/2013 19:24

I think saying you want time to think about it to ensure you're making the right decision as you would like your next move to be long term shows you're taking it seriously but will probably buy you some time.

beepoff · 02/09/2013 19:26

Just to add:

it's in your interests to keep both companies as happy as possible

You never know when you might need a new job.

Accepting then rejecting will make you look bad.

Original poster

Whitershadeofpale · 05/09/2013 11:03

Well its happened. I have both jobs. I'm going to go with the second one I want more so need to email the first people and tell them that I'm not going to be taking up the job. Any suggestions for the best way to do this much appreciated.

OP posts:

mrsmalcolmreynolds · 05/09/2013 11:48

I would just very simply thank them for the opportunity and for their time during the process and say that although you would have been very happy to work with them you have decided to take up another offer.

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