When it rains it pours [job opportunities]
March 6, 2023 3:35 PM Subscribe
I was offered a position today, yay! BUT I am interviewing for another position within the same organization tomorrow... what's the best way to proceed with this, etiquette-wise?
When I was offered the position at Site A with the Organization I let told them that I have an interview with Site B at Organization tomorrow afternoon. I asked if I could have until Wednesday (.. yeah I don't know why I didn't give myself more time, either) to think about it and get back to them. I'm kind of nervous about this entire thing, what's the best way to proceed?
When I interview at Site B, do I tell them flat-out, I have an offer from Site A and I need to let them know by Wednesday? That doesn't seem fair to them, giving them one day to hire me. OR do I ask Site B what their timeline is, tell them about Site A's timeline... then ask Site A if I could have more time to decide?? Do I accept Site A... and maybe accept Site B (the position has the same title, but it pays better, but I'm not sure about it other than that... we'll see in the interview) after, thus burning my bridges with Site A?
There's no guarantee that I'll even get an offer with Site B, but... I actually think the odds are quite high (for reasons that aren't relevant to this question!!).
Anyway, how do I handle this without taking sooo much time that Site A rescinds their offer or something?! What's normal to do here?
When I was offered the position at Site A with the Organization I let told them that I have an interview with Site B at Organization tomorrow afternoon. I asked if I could have until Wednesday (.. yeah I don't know why I didn't give myself more time, either) to think about it and get back to them. I'm kind of nervous about this entire thing, what's the best way to proceed?
When I interview at Site B, do I tell them flat-out, I have an offer from Site A and I need to let them know by Wednesday? That doesn't seem fair to them, giving them one day to hire me. OR do I ask Site B what their timeline is, tell them about Site A's timeline... then ask Site A if I could have more time to decide?? Do I accept Site A... and maybe accept Site B (the position has the same title, but it pays better, but I'm not sure about it other than that... we'll see in the interview) after, thus burning my bridges with Site A?
There's no guarantee that I'll even get an offer with Site B, but... I actually think the odds are quite high (for reasons that aren't relevant to this question!!).
Anyway, how do I handle this without taking sooo much time that Site A rescinds their offer or something?! What's normal to do here?
Response by poster: I think it will mostly come down to the wage. Site B is higher, but modestly higher not truly significant. Site B is also closer to where I live, but not enough for it to be a deal-breaker for Site A. The job title is the same, but the work is a bit different, too.
posted by VirginiaPlain at 4:03 PM on March 6, 2023
posted by VirginiaPlain at 4:03 PM on March 6, 2023
CONGRATULATIONS on your firm job offer! This is a great problem to have. You did the right thing by asking for time. Always keep your options open. It sounds like site B is clearly better (as far as you know) so your strategy should be to try to get that job if you can, but hold on to your Site A job offer until you know Site B's decision.
Go to the interview and get a feel for Site B - see if you like the team, vibe, project, etc. better over there. If you hate it, then there's no complications, you just take Site A's offer, no fuss. But maybe you're going to love it, and then you can say, "This was great, I've really enjoyed meeting you and understanding the role. Can you give me an idea of your timeline - when do you think you'll make your hiring decision?"
If (and only if) they say they'll decide in a day or two, you say, "That's perfect! I received another offer yesterday - same company actually! Site A! - but after speaking with you I think this role is an even better fit for me. I'm so glad I'll have the opportunity to hear your decision before my response to Site A tomorrow." If they say it'll be a couple of weeks, then keep things to yourself. No point disclosing extra information to them when their timeline is so wide off the mark for your purposes. They may directly ask whether you have other offers or leads - tell them yes, but you much prefer this one. Don't say it's Site A, don't volunteer extra info unless they say they can give you their decision by Wednesday. Just express your enthusiasm for this job and go home.
....Go home and ask Site A for more money. "Thank you for the offer, I'm so excited to have the opportunity to work for this company. Would you be willing to consider a starting salary of $________, which comparable openings in the area are listing for candidates with my level of experience?" You should do this regardless of anything else. Negotiating for more pay is not only normal but *necessary*. It also buys you a little more time if you think you'll hear from Site B soon.
And regardless of whether they agree to give you more money or not, accept the offer and start the ball rolling for your onboarding. If you eventually do get an offer from Site B, then you can figure out how to make the jump. DO make the jump! Please don't feel bogged down by guilt or obligation or misguided definitions of professionalism. A shorter commute and a larger paycheck and a better project - this is a no-brainer. The way to handle this in a professional and polite manner is:
Step One: Make sure your offer from Site B is signed, processed, and solid. Don't forget to ask for more money first!
Step Two: Tell your Site A supervisor face-to-face. Say, "As you know I had also interviewed at Site B. They just offered me the role. It's a much better offer with the same great company, I feel I cannot pass it up. I'm really sorry about causing inconvenience to the team. I'd like to put in my two weeks notice starting today." Exaggerate the difference in offer so it's easier for them to swallow your decision without taking offense. Express regret and apology, and emphasize your humanity: you're just trying to make a living. This conversation will be awkward, but it will also be over in 10 minutes. You will survive the anxiety! And again, please don't feel guilty etc. your boss will be fine, they have other candidates and they already know who they're going to hire. This is normal. Everyone's heard of new employees quitting because some other better offer came through - it's hardly unexpected when candidates have been interviewing at multiple places.
Step 3: Ask HR if you can skip the second background check, drug test, etc. It's likely that they have fewer hurdles you need to jump over when it's an intra-company shift. Break the good news to Site B supervisor that you've already been cleared.
posted by MiraK at 7:20 PM on March 6, 2023 [8 favorites]
Go to the interview and get a feel for Site B - see if you like the team, vibe, project, etc. better over there. If you hate it, then there's no complications, you just take Site A's offer, no fuss. But maybe you're going to love it, and then you can say, "This was great, I've really enjoyed meeting you and understanding the role. Can you give me an idea of your timeline - when do you think you'll make your hiring decision?"
If (and only if) they say they'll decide in a day or two, you say, "That's perfect! I received another offer yesterday - same company actually! Site A! - but after speaking with you I think this role is an even better fit for me. I'm so glad I'll have the opportunity to hear your decision before my response to Site A tomorrow." If they say it'll be a couple of weeks, then keep things to yourself. No point disclosing extra information to them when their timeline is so wide off the mark for your purposes. They may directly ask whether you have other offers or leads - tell them yes, but you much prefer this one. Don't say it's Site A, don't volunteer extra info unless they say they can give you their decision by Wednesday. Just express your enthusiasm for this job and go home.
....Go home and ask Site A for more money. "Thank you for the offer, I'm so excited to have the opportunity to work for this company. Would you be willing to consider a starting salary of $________, which comparable openings in the area are listing for candidates with my level of experience?" You should do this regardless of anything else. Negotiating for more pay is not only normal but *necessary*. It also buys you a little more time if you think you'll hear from Site B soon.
And regardless of whether they agree to give you more money or not, accept the offer and start the ball rolling for your onboarding. If you eventually do get an offer from Site B, then you can figure out how to make the jump. DO make the jump! Please don't feel bogged down by guilt or obligation or misguided definitions of professionalism. A shorter commute and a larger paycheck and a better project - this is a no-brainer. The way to handle this in a professional and polite manner is:
Step One: Make sure your offer from Site B is signed, processed, and solid. Don't forget to ask for more money first!
Step Two: Tell your Site A supervisor face-to-face. Say, "As you know I had also interviewed at Site B. They just offered me the role. It's a much better offer with the same great company, I feel I cannot pass it up. I'm really sorry about causing inconvenience to the team. I'd like to put in my two weeks notice starting today." Exaggerate the difference in offer so it's easier for them to swallow your decision without taking offense. Express regret and apology, and emphasize your humanity: you're just trying to make a living. This conversation will be awkward, but it will also be over in 10 minutes. You will survive the anxiety! And again, please don't feel guilty etc. your boss will be fine, they have other candidates and they already know who they're going to hire. This is normal. Everyone's heard of new employees quitting because some other better offer came through - it's hardly unexpected when candidates have been interviewing at multiple places.
Step 3: Ask HR if you can skip the second background check, drug test, etc. It's likely that they have fewer hurdles you need to jump over when it's an intra-company shift. Break the good news to Site B supervisor that you've already been cleared.
posted by MiraK at 7:20 PM on March 6, 2023 [8 favorites]
I don't really have any advice, but I've been reading your job-related questions and I just wanted to say congratulations!
posted by Ragged Richard at 8:37 AM on March 7, 2023 [3 favorites]
posted by Ragged Richard at 8:37 AM on March 7, 2023 [3 favorites]
I've been reading your job-related questions and I just wanted to say congratulations!
Ditto! Whoo-hoo!
Everyone's heard of new employees quitting because some other better offer came through - it's hardly unexpected when candidates have been interviewing at multiple places.
Can't stress this enough. After your long drought, you may feel some special obligation to Site A. Don't. They'd cancel the offer in a second if the funding went away.
posted by praemunire at 9:06 AM on March 7, 2023 [1 favorite]
Ditto! Whoo-hoo!
Everyone's heard of new employees quitting because some other better offer came through - it's hardly unexpected when candidates have been interviewing at multiple places.
Can't stress this enough. After your long drought, you may feel some special obligation to Site A. Don't. They'd cancel the offer in a second if the funding went away.
posted by praemunire at 9:06 AM on March 7, 2023 [1 favorite]
Go home and ask Site A for more money...Negotiating for more pay is not only normal but *necessary*.
Sorry, asking for more money is not "negotiating." Negotiating is give and take. If you want to take something you should have something to give (and, no, it's not merely accepting the offer). Think hard about the number that would make you say yes, immediately. Let's call that $Y.
Your response to Site A is a gracious "Thank you for your offer of $X. I would like to join at a salary of $Y. if you can do that, I will drop all other job search efforts and start on [DATE]."
This is a powerful message to employers who are eager to fill their positions (which is most of them).
posted by John Borrowman at 12:29 PM on March 7, 2023
Sorry, asking for more money is not "negotiating." Negotiating is give and take. If you want to take something you should have something to give (and, no, it's not merely accepting the offer). Think hard about the number that would make you say yes, immediately. Let's call that $Y.
Your response to Site A is a gracious "Thank you for your offer of $X. I would like to join at a salary of $Y. if you can do that, I will drop all other job search efforts and start on [DATE]."
This is a powerful message to employers who are eager to fill their positions (which is most of them).
posted by John Borrowman at 12:29 PM on March 7, 2023
Remember to compare the benefits package to see if offer B is really the better one.
posted by Omnomnom at 12:33 PM on March 7, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by Omnomnom at 12:33 PM on March 7, 2023 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Well, I had the interview with Site B and let me tell you, interviewing IS so different when you know you have other options/another offer. I actually wasn't really impressed with the answers they gave me at Site B to my questions (and, oddly, refused to expand on the duties of the position until the END of the interview, there were a few odd things...). This led me to accept the job at Site A an hour after the interview at Site B.
(They're both unionized positions within the same Organization (the pay for each position is actually the same, because I misread the salary band for the position at Site A--salary isn't negotiable) and benefits are the same. The only real difference are the duties and worksite, which, I wasn't really feeling at Site B. I already work for the Organization in a casual role and have worked for them before permanently, so none of that stuff is really a surprise to me.)
posted by VirginiaPlain at 2:32 PM on March 7, 2023 [7 favorites]
(They're both unionized positions within the same Organization (the pay for each position is actually the same, because I misread the salary band for the position at Site A--salary isn't negotiable) and benefits are the same. The only real difference are the duties and worksite, which, I wasn't really feeling at Site B. I already work for the Organization in a casual role and have worked for them before permanently, so none of that stuff is really a surprise to me.)
posted by VirginiaPlain at 2:32 PM on March 7, 2023 [7 favorites]
Yay! I'm so glad this finally worked out for you!
posted by jenfullmoon at 4:16 PM on March 7, 2023 [3 favorites]
posted by jenfullmoon at 4:16 PM on March 7, 2023 [3 favorites]
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