Double job offer

Author
Discussion

Acehood

Original Poster:

1,326 posts

174 months

Sunday 10th October 2010
quotequote all
So after a long period of not working due to illness, I've been applying to jobs left right and centre.

I've had a few interviews and now have one job offer. The job sounds alright but not entirely exciting or interesting. It does seem to have a lot of career potential and the initial pay isn't too bad.

I also had a phone interview a few days ago and they want to see me for a proper interview next week. The job really suits my skillset and sounds great. I think they're pretty interested in me and will likely offer me the job. It's slightly more money than the first offer but is also a lot further to commute. I think the extra money would effectively be cancelled out. I may enjoy the 2nd job a bit more though.

The first one is with a large 'blue chip' company and the 2nd one is a smaller company that makes a large profit (~2million / year or something I think they said). Past experience of working for small companies, they're fine until they go tits up and make you redundant! Large companies tend to be more reliable.

What is the etiquette on mentioning existing job offers at an interview? Should I say anything or keep quiet? My thinking is that I may be able to use it to get a bit more money from the 2nd job .. maybe not though?!

Any advice appreciated.

Quick summary:

Had a job offer - smaller commute, slightly less money, not a very interesting job but lots of career opportunities
2nd interview for another job - longer commute, bit more money, quite interesting job but maybe not as much career development/reliability.

otherman

2,191 posts

165 months

Sunday 10th October 2010
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Don't even know why you're asking

a)

fido

16,799 posts

255 months

Sunday 10th October 2010
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1.

Targarama

14,635 posts

283 months

Sunday 10th October 2010
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Don't say a word, its really not on IMO and will just turn off any prospective employer unless you're a top saleman companies are fighting over. Get the second job offer before worrying any further, then decide. Trust me, its a nice problem to have.

Scraggles

7,619 posts

224 months

Sunday 10th October 2010
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was in same situation, in your case no 1

got called by the agency representing the job I turned down, that they would never ever under any condition phone me again

they called me a couple of years later, did I want to move to the falkland islands for 18 months on some environmental sheep thing ? >click<

grumbledoak

31,536 posts

233 months

Sunday 10th October 2010
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Don't volunteer any info. And DO NOT try to blackmail for more money- your CV will be in the toilet before the call is over.

If you want to take the other interview before you decide, stall a bit if you can, or tell them straight you have another interview in a few days and you want to hear what they have to say.

Don't treat them like fools. They probably aren't. And, if they are, you don't want the job anyway.

johnfm

13,668 posts

250 months

Tuesday 12th October 2010
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Take first job, but negotiate better offer.

Simple.

Liokault

2,837 posts

214 months

Monday 18th October 2010
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Acehood said:


What is the etiquette on mentioning existing job offers at an interview? Should I say anything or keep quiet? My thinking is that I may be able to use it to get a bit more money from the 2nd job .. maybe not though?!

Any advice appreciated.

Tell them you have an outstanding offer; don't use it to try to get more money.

Tell them you have an existing offer of work but that you were keen to take this interview as you feel you would be a better fit into their organisation and that it offers more of what you are personally looking for, but point out that because of this offer time is a factor. This will make you look employable, keen and if you impress them they might up the figure to secure you.

Acehood

Original Poster:

1,326 posts

174 months

Thursday 4th November 2010
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Just an update on this

I got offered both jobs but took the first one, with the larger company

Glad I did tbh, there's far more people I get on with in the office as opposed to about 12 middle aged men that I'm sure would be alright but possibly a bit boring? I'm only 24...

Plus the commute of about 10 miles is bad enough, so glad I don't have to travel for about an hour each day!!

Scraggles

7,619 posts

224 months

Thursday 4th November 2010
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looks good, guess I commute for a couple of hours each way and that is part of the working day

bazking69

8,620 posts

190 months

Friday 5th November 2010
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You took the right option btw. All the best.

minky monkey

1,526 posts

166 months

Saturday 6th November 2010
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Scraggles said:
they called me a couple of years later, did I want to move to the falkland islands for 18 months on some environmental sheep thing ? >click<
Wouldn't a plane or a boat got you there quicker?

Well done on the job choice OP.