Two interviews in a week

Deiwos · 9 Mar 2016 at 10:10

Hi all,

I'm looking for some advice on what to do. I interviewed yesterday for a job (Job A) and I expect to be offered it as I had previously done the job and only left due to a fixed term contract coming to an end 2 years ago. This one is only 4 days a week but it'd mean not having to do my current job which I hate with a passion and the boss is a nightmare.

I also have an interview lined up next Tuesday for a similar position (Job B). This is a full time contract and has better career prospects than the other one.

As I expect to be offered Job A from yesterday either today or tomorrow, what should I do? I've already told my old boss who interviewed me that I had the other interview as they told me they'd be seeking references for job B and my old boss is down as a referee so I didn't want her getting a shock post-interview. Should I accept the offer, not sign anything and wait on the outcome of Tuesday or should I try and delay giving an answer until after Tuesday when I know when I'll hear back about Job B?

Any suggestions greatly received.

drakioned · 9 Mar 2016 at 10:17

Delay giving an answer if you can do so sensibly and push job B to reply faster.

randal · 9 Mar 2016 at 10:18

Given that you're talking a day either side of the weekend, I'd probably try and hang it out until you had a better lay of the land.

zola25 · 9 Mar 2016 at 10:57

I'd agree with the above, delay the answer if possible. If Job A gives you a verbal offer, tell them you need to see the written offer and contract first which will buy you a couple of days.

Edit: It's easier to push Job B to give a quick answer if you can tell them you have another offer.

dowie · 9 Mar 2016 at 11:29

delay giving an answer

but don't tell them this:

zola25 said:
I'd agree with the above, delay the answer if possible. If Job A gives you a verbal offer, tell them you need to see the written offer and contract first which will buy you a couple of days.

you're just going to sounds weird if you cant communicate basic things such as initially accepting a verbal offer

Gaijin · 9 Mar 2016 at 11:57

There's a hundred and one things you can say. Say you'll think about it, that you need to speak to the wife/gf, that you need to work out how feasible the commute is, what the costs of working will be etc. etc.

Sure I doubt they'll be happy with a delay but I doubt they'd rescind the offer.

zola25 · 10 Mar 2016 at 20:07

dowie said:
delay giving an answer

but don't tell them this:

you're just going to sounds weird if you cant communicate basic things such as initially accepting a verbal offer

I'm basing this on personal experience - you may recall dowie as you offered much sound advice at the time. Basically I accepted a verbal offer, and then had to withdraw when the written offer differed from the verbal. I therefore thought this was a valid way to progress, but take your point. Perhaps accepting the verbal offer with a caveat of "subject to T&Cs" would have been more appropriate advice on my part.

Deiwos · 17 Mar 2016 at 13:41

Well, it turns out the dilemma wasn't necessary. I didn't get offered my old job but I did get the second one, the one I really wanted! Starting in 6 weeks time. Woop!