Dicey Job Hunting Situation

In My Humble Opinion
1

I have recently started looking for a new job, and my hunting has resulted in a problem most people would love to have. Here’s the rundown:

Yesterday I went on an interview for Job A. It went very well and the guy doing the interview seemed very impressed with me. Today he sent me an e-mail that indicated a job offer was imminent and would likely come about Monday or Tuesday.

Great success, right? Yes, but…

On Tuesday, I have another interview, this time for Job B. At this point, I may have an offer from Job A already in hand, or I may not. Do I tell the folks hiring for Job B that I am expecting to get, or already have, an offer for another job? And, if so, when do I tell them? At the end of the interview? After the interview in an e-mail/phone call? If I am forced to make a decision on Job A before I hear back from Job B, and then Job B makes me an offer, would I be wrong in accepting?

To aid in your advice giving, here’s a rundown of both jobs:

Job A: This job is based in Washington D.C., where I already live. It is with the online wing of a nationally-known media organization and though pretty respected, they did have a bit of controversy in the past couple years. The job is a mix of online production, editing and reporting.

Job B: This job is based in New York City, so I would have to move (my girlfriend appears willing to join me in this). It is with the online wing of an internationally-known, highly respected media organization that some would consider the top operation in my industry. The job is a mix of online production and editing, though I don’t know everything about it since I haven’t gone on the interview yet.

I prefer Job B, but I wouldn’t exactly shed any tears if I ended up with Job A.

Both jobs are better than my current job, which doesn’t suck and pays the bills. I just feel like I’m ready for something new that, frankly, pays better. I have worked at my current job since college, so I’ve never really had to weigh offers or anything like that, which is why I need some help. Questions? Thoughts?

2

Do not say one word about Job A during your interview with Job B.

3

First, what Ivylass said.

Second, if you can’t put job A off three days, you don’t want to work there anyway. If/when they offer you a job (and it’s by no means for sure–if it was for sure, they’d have offered it by now), tell them you will need some time to talk it over with your family and is it all right if you get back with them by the end of the week?

Hopefully, by Friday you will have the information you need to make an informed choice.

4

Rule # 1. Burn no bridges.

Since Job A is not your first choice, even if you get an offer from them on Monday, you are most likely not required to respond immediately. Do not tell them you are expecting another job offer. If asked, say you have to think it over/talk to your family/whatever. Worst case, they will increase the offer; you have nothing to lose waiting to see how the Job B interview goes.

When you go to Job B interview, do not tell them you have another offer. Tell them you know you are being seriously considered for another job (unless you’ve specifically been rejected for Job A). If you already have the offer, tell Job B you EXPECT you may get another offer soon, but that you’d prefer to work for company B.

Note: Do not say anything to either company that is an outright lie, or that suggests you are likely to jump ship in a short while. Nobody wants to hire somebody who might quit in a week. You could end up with neither job.

5

Well, not necessarily. But yeah, if a place wants you to start that immediately, they are generally desperate about something. They should expect that you would need to give 2 weeks notice to your previous employer.

Seems to me you don’t have a problem. Don’t string A along but there’s no reason you can’t interview at B.

Also, don’t try to play A and B against each other to get a quicker response. Just be like “well, I am looking at other places but I really like to work here”.

I’ve had interviewees try the “I’m in hot demand game” and I’m never like “oh…you’re interviewing at another company? Well let me fall all over myself rushing to a decision then.” If you’re that good, we’ll already be rushing to bring you on and if not, I give a shit about your other offer.