To accept job offer or not?

[Surviving45]

I have had 2 interviews and 5 more coming up. I got a call with a job offer today. Do I accept it even though it isn’t the job I want? I need to work and it is a job. Should I accept, ask to start in a few weeks and go for the other interviews? Is that wrong?

I would. That would give you the confidence to go for other interviews. I was in the similar situation 18 months ago. I went for 3 interviews around the same time. I accepted the first offer, then the I was offered the other 2 as well. I then picked the one I like the most and politely declined the other 2. Hiring managers/recruiters do know that people don’t just apply for one job.

Yes accept it so you have something. Then you can turn them down if another job comes up that you prefer. But at least this way you have a job.

Thanks for your replies. It just feels a bit wrong but you are both right for saying to accept it. I will call the company later on and accept so pleased to be employed again 😊

Also in a similar position, but this is what I intend to do. Feel bad but businesses do what’s right for them without a second thought.

Yes very true a business wouldn’t think twice about withdrawing an offer if they had too. I have accepted and will continue going to the other interviews & see what happens. I feel so much better knowing that I have a job 😊

I’ve verbally accepted a start date today but still have two second round interviews this week and early next.

Congratulations on your offer! 🎉🥳🎉

Well done on your offer too. It is so complicated - we need jobs but someone said to me don’t settle just because you have bills to pay. However, there’s no guarantee for the potential interviews. I hope your interviews go well 🤞🏻

Exactly how I’m feeling! I think I’m settling with this role but actually the pay is ok, it’s super local and a steady away role but benefits are poor compared to what I’ve in the past.

One of the other roles I really wanted to start with but now I’m thinking it’s a lot of extra responsibility for an extra few K a year, but my pride would see this as a step forward in my career and has much better overall benefits.

Third role, salary not yet discussed 😬 but love the sound of the role. Progression in title / role but less line management then role 2!

Might all be irrelevant if I don’t get offered either of them anyway 😂

I even had a reference done and agreed start date as well. I went for second interview and was completely transparent with the recruiter that I had accepted one offer and got an agreed start date. It puts you in so much better position when you know you have a safety net. When the second interview done and they officially offered me the job, I negotiated a better package and asked them to speed up the process so I will get to start on the same date as my other offer ( at this point, I have already given notice for my old job). Good luck for your other interviews. I went along for the experience and ended up working my last job offer for 18 months.

I wonder, would you have to give notice if you verbally accept, only then to backtrack later? Would you be contractually obliged to work a notice period on verbally accepting a role? Or is that an industry specific thing?

A verbal acceptance isn’t contractual though, so notice wouldn’t be required/enforced.

Don't put your notice in until you've signed paperwork. I once had a verbal offer, and the next week, the company had a total headcount freeze, and I never got any paperwork or job in the end.

Definitely! You now have bargaining power.

I asked Google. Doesn't explicitly say verbal or written acceptance, just acceptance.@Surviving45 tread carefully!

www.gov.uk/job-offers-your-rights

"If a new employee changes their mind

If someone accepts an unconditional offer and then changes their mind, the employer can:

make them work out any contractual element of their notice
sue them for breach of contract"

I’m sure someone will be along to tell me I’m wrong but I’ve seen lots of people across multiple companies pull out after offer and no one ever follows it up in any way other than a disappointed groan that they are back to square one in recruiting.

Thanks @Lotusflowers83 & @Surviving45 I have both round 2 interviews yesterday, told them I both I already have another offer so put the ball in their court.

Job 1 has taken ages to get to this point, but they have now scheduled round 3 (and final round) for Monday so hopefully a) positive they want to see me again so quickly b) focused them to make a decision quickly.

Job 2 seemed less bothered, but the guy was quite laid back generally so no if that was just him or if they are not that interested in me 😂

Also received the offer from original job. There is no info re sick pay or any benefits etc. Is it reasonable to ask for clarification on this before signing? It has the pay, hours of work and says sick pay will be subject to SSP and ‘any qualifying company sick pay’ Notice period is one week during probation (fair and expected) but then says after this it will be in the T&Cs given to me on Day 1 🤷‍♀️

Definitely asked for clarification as you need to know what you are accepting.

i accepted job 1 but then got offered job 2 so have declined job 1 and accepted job 2 plus ask for a day wfh & shorter hours on 2 days which has been agreed.

I will continue with my other interviews next week & sees what happens. 1 interview has an amazing pension so if I get that one I am taking it & will call job 2 pull out & apologise as I do feel bad but I need to make the best decision for me.

good luck @Almost2026

Congratulations @Surviving45 ! Can I ask what type of roles/industry you are interviewing for? I’m finding it really hard to get interviews/ job offers at the moment, not sure if it’s just my local area or the wrong industry!

@Cloud44 I am applying for administration/coordination type roles and have sent over loads of applications. LinkedIn is really good to use 😊

@Surviving45 ah I’m actually considering looking at those type of roles. Are there lots of roles in your area or are some remote/working from home opportunities? I’m in the South West and the job market seems really slow this year.

Well I wouldn't want to be the one that tests it. Perhaps I'm just a bit risk averse when it comes to earning a living.

I don’t think any company would be bother, they will always have 2nd highest score candidate to fall back on.

I accepted my first job offer and then changed my mind since I got second offer. With the second job offer, reference was carried out and date was set and contract was signed, but I then received 3rd offer which was my dream job, I emailed the hiring manager explain I have a change of heart and I never heard back or had any issue with it.

@Cloud44 i am in th east & have been applied for a mixture of hybrid or fully remote. I do have a lot of experience. I have reviewed my CV a lot after feedback. Make sure you say how you have achieved things. I always make sure my cv & covering letter matches the job description.

@Lotusflowers83 congrats on your dream job. I think these days you have to do what is best for you at the end of the day. A business wouldn’t think twice about withdrawing a job offer.

I’m North but have found most of the opportunities have come via the agencies I’ve connected with. Some of the roles they don’t even advertise they just put the strongest applicants for each role forward.