Possible job offer, what to do?

DBGage

I had a 2nd interview with a company on Tuesday, I was told I would be contacted maybe next week or the week after. However I received a phone call yesterday afternoon, I was driving so didn't answer. It was the manager of the company and he wants me to call back.

Here's the thing I have another interview Wednesday with potentially a better job, so I need to delay the other employer.

But I don't know what the missed call was about, I have no idea regarding salary for this other job so I was considering waiting for the offer letter. I don't want a direct phone call at this stage for them to catch me off guard with a salary offer that I'm not happy with.

I feel he's calling to do this so I feel pressured into making a decision.

This other job I'm going for interview is £19,000 a year, I don't think this 1st one will touch that.

In the 2nd interview they said they would send an offer letter so not sure what to do.

brightonman123

call back, soind keen, ask for written confirmation..

then see how 2nd i/view goes!

josie.d

If you are offered the job, and then offered the other one, and you've already started working for the first one, you can always switch, but would need to give the required notice. If you haven't already started, you could retract your acceptance.

DBGage

I called him up and he offered me the job which is of course great. He said the HR Department would have the offer letter done by Wednesday but he wanted me to start on Wednesday also. So I said I would need a few days to review the offer letter instead. He sounded ok with that.

With the other position I'll have to see how quickly they move along with the application process.

Am I right to hold off starting the job before receiving and reviewing an offer letter?

DBGage

Anyone?

Am I right to hold out for the offer letter before starting?

How many days can I delay on accepting?

Newwashingmachine

Definately wait and review the contract before you accept the first job.



If the first offer is a reasonable and good offer accept it but say you can't start for a week or so as you have some sort of commitments this will give you time to see if you get the offer at the second job.

Wait to see how your interview goes for the second job.

If you get offered the second job and you prefer it withdraw your first offer.

coinxoperated

Find out payscales and benefits (look at annual leave, pension schemes, etc etc) for role offered to you. Wait to see how the interview goes for the other job. They may ask if you have been applying to other companies. Tell them you have been offered a role with a different company, but theirs appeals to you much more. They may be a bit quicker in recruiting you if they want you!

DBGage

An update of the situation is:

I have the offer letter and I have said I will come back to them with a decision by the end of the week, I'm hoping this gives me enough time with the other position. However the offer company is hounding me for a response sooner. They proposed a start date of the 22nd of April which is fine, they seem more than desperate to tie me into the job.

I may sound resilient but I want to ensure I get the best position for me and my family, not just hop onto the first thing that comes along.

Is it normal for employers to rush you on a decision for an offer?

johnnythefox

I was in a similar situation, and the job I was waiting to hear back from never got back to me. Then the job I had an offer from asked if I wanted to start "next week", I said yes, when? and they replied "not sure exactly when yet, sorting the office space out." That's the last I heard from them.

Luckily I got a different job the week after.

I know you want what's best for your family, but the job you have an offer from is probably better than no job at all. It might be annoying to find out after you accept it that you could be in a better position, but don't forget you could be in a worse one too.

I say start on the 22nd. Don't sign contracts until then. If you hear from the other place in the meantime and it's better, go with them.

DBGage

Can I retract an acceptance letter? He wants a reply this Thursday but start date on the 22nd of April.

If I can retract my offer that may give me enough time.

Daedalus

DBGage wrote: »

Can I retract an acceptance letter? He wants a reply this Thursday but start date on the 22nd of April.

If I can retract my offer that may give me enough time.

Legally no. Once a contract is signed you are bound by it, that includes the notice. If notice is less than the time till start date you are fine and just had in resignation. (practically same as withdrawing acceptance).

If notice is more than time till start date, you are contractually obliged to work those days and failure to do so is a breach and leaves you liable. Of course you are liable for very little/nothing.