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Original poster

What should I do?

16 replies

coffeelover1 · 21/02/2018 15:06

I could do with some advice. I am currently in full time work but have applied for a couple of positions (offering better salary and benefits). I have had a job offer come through for a job that is good but am being put under pressure (from the recruiter) to make a decision today.

I am hesitant to accept because I have a final interview with another company on Monday (and I like the company and job more).

The recruiter has told me that I must make a decision at the latest by the end of tomorrow otherwise the offer will be taken away. What should I do?

I don't want to loose the current job offer but would not want to accept it only to be offered the other job next week (which I would prefer). Any advice would be welcome.

OP posts:
QuiteLikely5 · 21/02/2018 15:07

Just accept it then change your mind?

EffingJeffer · 21/02/2018 15:12

As PP above says.

While not morally the right thing to do, accept the job, but if you're successful with the one you actually want, you can change your mind. There's no law saying that if you accept a position you HAVE to work there.

user1497299487 · 21/02/2018 15:14

Same advice as above, accept then see what happens on Monday.
You will annoy the company and recruiter if you accept and then withdraw but hopefully you don't work in a niche area.
Hope it is a real confidence boost!

Bluntness100 · 21/02/2018 15:14

Accept it. If needs must change your mind. But accept it. Don't lose it on thr off chance and don't tell the recruiter anything other than yes, thanks, when do I start.

Original poster
coffeelover1 · 21/02/2018 15:19

Thanks so much for the quick responses. I am in a state of shock. I honestly thought that I had not got the job that I have been offered and am even more shocked that I am being invited to a final interview by the other company.

I feel guilty messing the recruiter around.... I have not been given a contract to sign just a written and verbal job offer at the moment.

OP posts:
Original poster
coffeelover1 · 21/02/2018 15:26

Very quick update, the recruiter has just called me to ask if I had seen the email about the deadline. I have just said that I cannot talk at the moment but will speak to them at 6pm.

I just need a bit of time to digest but based on the recruiters attitude won't feel guilty for messing him around.

OP posts:
Piffpaffpoff · 21/02/2018 15:32

I did this. Took one job (and negotiated their initial salary offer up!) knowing I had a second interview for a preferred role later in the week. You might not get the other job so take this one for now. It’s an uncomfortable conversation to have, but you have to put yourself first.

GreenSeededGrape · 21/02/2018 15:47

He wants his commission. Tell him you have another offer you want to consider and will let him know on Monday.

That buys you more time and he'll go back to first company to negotiate more time for you.

You can't accept anything until you see the full offer (read agreements, seen benefits package etc) would be what I would say.

Original poster
coffeelover1 · 21/02/2018 16:06

Good advice GreenSeededGrape and Piffpaffpoff. I am not sure if the recruiter is making up the deadline or if the company have given him the deadline. They seemed quite laid back during the interview and I find it very pressured to make an instant decision on accepting the offer. I am going to ask for the full details of the offer in writing including benefits package and I hope that it buys me a few more days.

If I feel that the interview is going well on Monday I am going to tell the company that I have another offer on the table and would appreciate finding out the outcome as soon as possible. Is this a good idea or will I come off as desperate?

OP posts:
Original poster
coffeelover1 · 22/02/2018 12:15

I have managed to buy more time by asking for the paperwork. I have received it through and have asked that I be given the weekend to review everything. I really hope that the company on Monday make a quick decision.

OP posts:
Piffpaffpoff · 22/02/2018 13:41

That’s good. I wouldn’t ‘tell’ them upfront that you have another offer because they might feel that you are trying to push them but I’d certainly try to drop it in if the opportunity came up. For example, you could ask them what their timescale for making a decision is and then you could hopefully drop in the fact that you have another offer on the table?

Original poster
coffeelover1 · 23/02/2018 14:22

Quick update - I have had an email from company 2 saying that they want to cancel the Monday final interview and that the position is now closed and that they would like to thank me for the interest I have shown in the vacancy.

They could have at least called me! Angry They had asked that I prepare a presentation ahead of the interview, I am glad that I have not wasted any time on this (was planning on doing it over the weekend). Oh well, on the plus side, I can have a really enjoyable weekend now.

I am so glad that I listened to all your advice and still have the other position to accept. I would be kicking myself now if I had turned down the offer and had nothing.

OP posts:
purplemunkey · 23/02/2018 14:28

Glad it worked out for you.

My advice would have been the same. I accepted an offer whilst waiting for a final interview of a preferred role. Dealt with some back and forth - salary negotiation, flexibility etc - whilst I had the other interview and outcome. I was actually offered the preferred role but they couldn't meet the same salary/flexibility terms so I stuck with the original one after all. I was also very glad I hadn't turned it down!

Congratulations on the new job Smile

Original poster
coffeelover1 · 23/02/2018 14:32

Thanks Purplemonkey. I am really happy and do not want to come across as ungrateful. I am annoyed at company 2. After two interviews with them (one was face to face), I would have at least expected a phone call rather than a generic email to cancel the final interview. I already booked the day off work for this final interview (I can have a nice long weekend instead).

I just keep telling myself that if they already had someone in mind (which I am assuming is why they have suddenly cancelled the interview), I would rather save my time and fuel money than go to a final interview when they knew that someone else had already accepted the position.

OP posts:
Piffpaffpoff · 23/02/2018 15:08

Oooft, that’s frustrating. Look at it this way though - they’ve shown you how they operate and you don’t like it. So it’s a lucky escape in my book.

Enjoy your long weekend and very best of luck in the new job!

purplemunkey · 23/02/2018 15:55

Yes, that is annoying and I agree a phone call would have been more appropriate at this stage. Never mind, as piffpaff says you can look at it as a lucky escape - they're either very disorganised, indecisive or have funding issues (perhaps approval for the post was revoked?) or all of the above, in which case you don't want to work for them anyway!

Enjoy your long weekend instead Smile

Did you accept the first offer?

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