Bad timing!

June 18, 2004 7:54 AM

A job in hand... I graduated from Portland State University's School of Business a week ago, and I've had a healthy number of interviews since I graduated. I interviewed on Monday for a position I'm really interested in -- and unfortunately, they told me today that they wouldn't get back to me until after next week, since they're still talking to candidates as of today and the hiring manager is taking a vacation next week. In the meantime, I have accept/decline decisions that need to be in *before* then for other jobs that will pay just as much, but won't be as challenging, interesting, or use all of my skills. So, is a job offer in hand really worth two that are still off in the aether, or should I hold out for the one I really like?

It should also be said that my lease on my current place is up on July 8th (HA! I thought a month to find a job would be enough!) so I need to be working, relocated, and have a new place to live by that point... or shift my stuff into storage temporarily and go bunk with a friend while the job-dust settles.

The jobs I have offers for (an another interview in ... 1 hour) are sales jobs, while the other job is in the field I graduated in and am fascinated with (transportation operations management).

posted by SpecialK to work & money (7 answers total)

Couldn't you be a little, you know, duplicitous and go forward with one of the others and just drop out if you get the one you really want? Do you have to sign binding contracts?
posted by CunningLinguist at 8:06 AM on June 18, 2004

That's a tough ass dilemma, and one my wife had to deal with recently. The ultimate problem seems to be the risk of going from two or three potential jobs to zero jobs. Have you actually been offered the other jobs? Because you can usually hold off an offer for a week or so- the risk is offending your potential employer (Don't say "I'm holding out for something better.")

You could also call the hiring manager at the ideal job and try to get as much information as possible, are you in the top three? Can they guarantee a date of offer/decline? If you're honest and tell them your situation and that they are the first choice, you may get lucky. OTOH, you don't want to come off as cocky or pushy. Any inside information you might get would be useful.

It's a tough call.

(For the record my wife had to end up pulling out of one job opportunity to accept another. It turned out to be the right decision, but we weren't sure at the time.)
posted by jeremias at 8:11 AM on June 18, 2004

On the whole, a pleasant problem to have.

I was faced with something similar a while back - if the place that's already extended an offer really wants you, they'll be wiling to extend the deadline a couple of days. Feel it out in a tactful way and see what happens.

If an extension isn't a possibility, take the job in hand, and then give them two weeks notice if the better one pans out.

It's not a particularly nice thing to do, but when it comes to finding a job that will pay the bills and allow you to keep your sanity, it's worth it to think of yourself. We spend the majority of our lives at the workplace - there's nothing wrong with doing what you think will be best for you.
posted by aladfar at 8:26 AM on June 18, 2004

You could also call the hiring manager at the ideal job and try to get as much information as possible, are you in the top three? Can they guarantee a date of offer/decline? If you're honest and tell them your situation and that they are the first choice, you may get lucky. OTOH, you don't want to come off as cocky or pushy. Any inside information you might get would be useful.

I've done this in the past, and it's worked really well. You tell them that their place is where you really want to be, but have other offers. See what they say, and go from there. If they can't commit to anything or tell you you're a finalist, then dump them.

Also, most places will give you a week to decide upon receiving an offer, so you can stall the others a while.
posted by amberglow at 8:42 AM on June 18, 2004

I would take one of the other jobs then quit that job if you get the job you really want. It's somewhat unprofessional, but it's your life. This does happen from time to time.
posted by drobot at 8:54 AM on June 18, 2004

It really sucks to take a new job, and quit after 2 months of training, paperwork, and settling in are complete.

But accepting the job, and then quitting 2 days before you actually begin work, or 4 days after, isn't a very huge deal. It's frictious, and you can refuse any pay for those 4 days if you want to help smooth it over, but the most important thing is to land yourself in the job you really really want.

Remember that employers act in their self-interests, and so should you.
posted by scarabic at 4:55 PM on June 18, 2004

Remember that employers act in their self-interests, and so should you.
posted by scarabic

Exactly.
posted by Goofyy at 11:38 PM on June 18, 2004