Job offer from second choice, should I wait for first choice or accept it?

[itscoronationday]

I was fortunate enough to receive a job offer from my second choice following an interview on Monday. Today, I had an interview with my first choice. They gave some positive signs during the interview (made reference that HR would be in touch with an assessment which is the next round, joked that they didn't want to wish me luck for my other interviews and finished it by saying 'speak soon'). I did mention in the interview that I had other interviews lined up this week, but that they were my first choice (I wanted to honest).

The assessment I'm 99% sure I would pass, it's a standard thing in my industry and it's used more to identify your strengths and where is best to place you unless you're at entry-level. It's likely that the assessment will take me a week, and then up to another week for them to review.

I'm not sure what to do. The two companies are quite different. They are the same role, but one seems like a more laid back 'fun' company with lots of socials, the other is a smaller department but part of a larger company so you work with fewer people, but still have the benefits of a larger company.

I've always just responded to job offers with a resounding 'yes!' Do I ask for more time to consider it, or just accept that the stars aren't aligned and accept the offer?

You contact your first choice, tell them that you have been made an offer but theirs is your preference so would it possible to get an update on their decision-making process (is there any wat of expediting your assessment?)

Then contact the 1st company, say how great it is and ask them to send over details of the offe (terms of employment, benefits package etc) so you can review it.

I've had salary negotiations and am waiting for paperwork so have managed to stall my second choice, they have given me an offer I'm really happy with but still worried about preferring the other company.

I've made good progress on my assessment this weekend, but I have a couple of things I need to clarify for it so have to wait for a reply before I can make any more progress on it.

If your second choice push you for a decision I would accept the offer if you are happy with the terms etc and agree a start date. But still continue the interview process with your first choice and if you do get offered that job you can pull out of the one you accepted earlier. If not you have one secured.

I would say to second choice that you are really pleased with the offer, excited by the opportunity but you want to ensure you see any other processes through to the end, so you can ensure that you are making an informed decision.

Yes you could accept the other offer then carry on but it's not right normally speaking. Some people wouldn't bat an eyelid at doing that whereas others wouldn't feel right at all. It depends where you stand on it.

I forgot to add... Also contact first choice company - let them know you have received an offer - but that they are your preference and you were wondering when you will be hearing on next steps etc.

I work in recruitment and this is a very common situation. As long as you are not in an industry which is flooded with applicants, and they really like you then this normally works.