Juggling interviews/offers

[Deedeedeedododidodo]

I’m currently interviewing for various roles. For reasons I won’t go in to if I’m offered one of them I have to make the move from my current job.

One company told me over two weeks ago that they are recommending to the company heads that they make me an offer. I don’t know what the offer will be if it comes but I should hear tomorrow. I was waiting for the outcome of another application but the company has just told me they want a fourth interview with me next Wednesday. I, personally, think I might be slightly under qualified for that role. I think I could quickly pick it up considering the experience I do have and I’ve tried to be up front with them about it, but I do have some concerns due to a lack of confidence. Other than that I would like to work for that company.

Anyway, if I get an offer tomorrow what do I do about the other interview? Can I keep the first company waiting for an answer until I know the outcome of the other one?

Might be hard to make them wait until weds. But you could certainly say you'll need the weekend to think. And then maybe on Monday you can negotiate a change in pay. Might take them a day to come back. Then it'll be a day before you get the actual contract. So you can probably drag it out til after the other interview. But how long after that before the other co will let you know? I mean, presumably there are other candidates who'll also be interviewing again, and quite possibly not on the same day as you.

So I think you should just decide which one you want more. And how upset you'd be if you waited for the 2nd one but didn't get it - and in the process lost out on the 1st.

Firstly, don't worry about being under qualified. If that company likes you they clearly think you're capable. As long as you're not about to go and perform surgery on someone or something, under qualification can generally be pretty quickly rectified on the job.

With the other job, you can definitely wait til late Monday to go back to them if they offer today. Find a query or two and go back to them and that will buy some time. You may have genuine queries anyway, there's usually something to clarify especially if hybrid working is involved.

You'll then need to be up front with the other job and let them know you have an offer on the table so you need a prompt decision. If you're polite about it they should be understanding.

Good luck, it's a good position to be in but I know it's tricky!

Surely in the real world, you'd accept the first offer (if acceptable t&c) and then by the time the contract paperwork arrives etc you'd have had the other interview and if offered that job, you let the first company down.
That happens all the time in my field.

Just be honest and tell them you have been interviewing for two posts and are waiting for an offer - you'll let them know next x day. There's no shame in interviewing at two companies - it may even get you a higher offer! Do not accept an offer and then 2 weeks later reject it - it's unprofessional.
I don't care how common it is in another industry, don't do it. Play it straight.

Thanks everyone.

So I did get an offer on Friday but at 5pm so I haven’t responded yet.

They told me the salary but nothing else- just if I want to take it then they’d then send me the contract and outline of benefits. It’s been a few years since I’ve gone through this- is this usual? Can I request the contract before deciding??

I emailed the other company, explained (I’d told them previously I was waiting for an offer from another company as they were leaving two week gaps between interviews and I’m on my fourth with them now) and asked if the interview could be brought forward. They thanked me for giving them the opportunity to do that (hopefully positive and they’re not out out by that) and will be in touch.

They told me the salary but nothing else- just if I want to take it then they’d then send me the contract and outline of benefits. It’s been a few years since I’ve gone through this- is this usual? Can I request the contract before deciding??

I'm surprised they've only discussed the base salary instead of the benefits as well, which do form your total remuneration package. At my last interview I had an open discussion about my salary, bonus, company pension package, holidays, healthcare benefits car contribution, etc.

It's the whole thing which helps you make the final decision I would have thought?

Once we agreed verbally what the total package would be this was then set out in the final contract, which I signed. 🌹

It’s a red flag that they haven’t given you full details of your employment. Ask for a chat with the person who made you the offer.

@Rutlandwater thanks but I think it was more to do with being in a panic about confirming the offer to me. The hiring manager made it clear from the start he wanted me on the team and it’s taken a few weeks to get clearance from the company. I did mention I was interviewing with other companies so they’ve been regularly checking in with me to make sure I haven’t accepted elsewhere. They finally got clearance late on Friday so I think it was just an oversight maybe in their rush to confirm.

I’ll email in the morning to ask for the contract and benefits so I can consider it in its entirety.

You might not get a contract - at this stage would we give an offer of employment but it contains all the T&Cs don’t be concerned about asking for more details - all good employers want a happy hire!