Interviews, job offers - clashing?

Noctu

Hi everyone,

I've got a second interview for one job on Friday and a seperate job interview on Monday.

I'd prefer the Monday job, however think there is a good chance of me getting the Friday job.

So, really what I'd prefer to do is to go to both interviews, see if I get the Monday job, and if not, take the Friday job (if it's offered of course!)

However what if I'm offered the Friday job on the spot, or before I find out about the Monday one? What is the generally accepted thing to do? Is it rude to accept the Friday job, then pass it up a week later or something for another job?... but what else could I do in this situation?

Thanks for any advice

Idiophreak

It's more than acceptable to tell the friday job that you'd like to think about it over the weekend and will get back to them on monday or tuesday. People do it all the time, don't worry.

therealdessie

When you're in a position like this (you lucky thing!) it's perfectly acceptable to say that you'll make a decison once you have a firm offer in writing. This gives you around a week's wriggle-room.

staindude

And the offer in writing stops them changing their minds!

Last year I was offered over the phone, a different job to the one I applied. The most hours they could give me was 30 a week so I asked to think about it over the weekend. When I phoned back on the Monday it was no longer available.

Bismarck

Noctu wrote: »

Hi everyone,

I've got a second interview for one job on Friday and a seperate job interview on Monday.

I'd prefer the Monday job, however think there is a good chance of me getting the Friday job.

So, really what I'd prefer to do is to go to both interviews, see if I get the Monday job, and if not, take the Friday job (if it's offered of course!)

However what if I'm offered the Friday job on the spot, or before I find out about the Monday one? What is the generally accepted thing to do? Is it rude to accept the Friday job, then pass it up a week later or something for another job?... but what else could I do in this situation?

Thanks for any advice

I wonder how many people have been offered a permanent job on the spot? I know I haven't....though with temp jobs, I have.

I've a similar position....

had one interview last week that went well and I had the "tingly/feel good feeling" about it...though I have been wrong....and I got an interview for a more local job tomorrow.....I spoke to the first job people today and an offer letter's in the post...hurrah!

However, I've still got an interview for this completely separate job tomorrow...it's a council job so I can't see them making an instant decision so I'm spared the OP's problem...BUT I'm trying to get myself psyched up for this next interview...

So...there is hope out there!

therealdessie

Yes it's hard to get motivated for the subsequent interviews when you're confident about the first one - but sometimes you find you like the later ones even more and kick yourself for not being properly prepared.

And then of course, sometimes they all fall through Still - a letter in the post is good!

chocolatechipcookies

Bismarck wrote: »

I wonder how many people have been offered a permanent job on the spot? I know I haven't....though with temp jobs, I have.

I've a similar position....

had one interview last week that went well and I had the "tingly/feel good feeling" about it...though I have been wrong....and I got an interview for a more local job tomorrow.....I spoke to the first job people today and an offer letter's in the post...hurrah!

However, I've still got an interview for this completely separate job tomorrow...it's a council job so I can't see them making an instant decision so I'm spared the OP's problem...BUT I'm trying to get myself psyched up for this next interview...

So...there is hope out there!

I've been offered a job in one day.

Noctu

Thanks for the input everyone

The reason why I think I might get a job offer quickly (if at all) for the Friday one is the fact that I've already completed the first stage of interviews including a questionnaire thing - my mum knows one of the other managers there, who said that basically if I've got through the questionnaire thing, it's just a case of making sure you have a good personality more than anything.

This (Friday job) is just a part time supermarket job though - the Monday job is part time admin at the town hall which pays much better and which I'd reaallly prefer.

So would it be appropriate to counter any verbal offer with an offer in writing - even though it's "just" a PT supermarket job?

Bismarck

therealdessie wrote: »

Yes it's hard to get motivated for the subsequent interviews when you're confident about the first one - but sometimes you find you like the later ones even more and kick yourself for not being properly prepared.

And then of course, sometimes they all fall through Still - a letter in the post is good!

Problem is that I wanted to negotiate terms but it doesn't look like I'll get the option if I'm not careful.

The process itself has been rather odd. I emailed my CV on a Wednesday, had dismissed it as a non-starter when I heard nothing ans then I got the letter on a Monday asking me to interview in the Wednesday.

All they've had is my CV...no application form or anything...it's a vague job spec too so I'm really in the dark about their policies...if I get a job offer in writing is that the finished offer as they're concerned? I don't intend to reply until after tomorrow's interview for a different job....but then again, it ticks most of the boxes and I can't really judge any more until I start.....

Zazen999

Hi
In my experience, when people are holding out for 2 jobs; they can accept both in principle and confirm once an offer is in writing. This holds both open for you.

It is not unusual for a recruiting manager to get the call 'I'm sorry, but I had another offer that offered me a better wage/future/progression/benefits' etc.

I wish you all the best in the interviews.

therealdessie

Bismarck wrote: »

All they've had is my CV...no application form or anything...it's a vague job spec too so I'm really in the dark about their policies...if I get a job offer in writing is that the finished offer as they're concerned? I don't intend to reply until after tomorrow's interview for a different job....but then again, it ticks most of the boxes and I can't really judge any more until I start.....

That sounds... odd. Are you sure about this place? In any case the written offer is usually "firm" but if you feel there's a bargaining position there's no reason why you couldn't negotiate and see what their "best offer" is.