I am probably going to be offered a position in the next few days, based on number of interviews and extensive reference checks, however, at the same time there is another position, with better benefits and higher salary that I just applied for, but may take some time before interviews etc.

Anonymous

September 28,2021 at 2:29PM UTC

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I am probably going to be offered a position in the next few days, based on number of interviews and extensive reference checks, however, at the same time there is another position, with better benefits and higher salary that I just applied for, but may take some time before interviews etc. and not guaranteed I will be offered. Do I take first offer, start working for them and bail? It doesn't seem fair to them, but I've not been in this predicament before. Help! Any suggestions, ideas or even criticisms are welcome.

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Alexandria Scobee |Leadership Coach | IT ManagerSeptember 28,2021 at 2:52PM UTC
What do you like about the company that is likely going to extend an offer? What other differences are there between the two companies?
AnonymousSeptember 28,2021 at 3:15PM UTC
I would accept the offer if it comes in with acceptable terms.
If the 2nd offer is presented with better terms then cross that bridge when it comes. Anything could happen including you end up loving the first gig.
Barb HansenSeptember 28,2021 at 4:09PM UTC
My advice.
Always take the job offer even if you are negotiating with a 2nd company.
Why?
The 2nd company may not come through with the job.
If you end up landing the 2nd job within a day, week, month or quarter, you can always leave the 1st job.
It is unfair to take a job knowing that you might leave soon? Absolutely not. Remember this, the company would lay you off in a hot minute if it had too. A company and it's management is always going to do what's best for the company, and you have every right to do what's best for you (including taking a better job)
AnonymousSeptember 28,2021 at 7:09PM UTC
You know, that's a lousy thing to do, take a job you don't want, when there's probably a candidate who is the second choice who does want the job, but will now have to go through hoops just to get reconsidered.
Decline the job you don't want. Let someone who wants it take it.
AnonymousSeptember 29,2021 at 2:06AM UTC
You have no guarantee you'll be offered the 2nd job or even be interviewed. So if you turn down the first job and the 2nd doesn't materialize, what is your backup plan?
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistSeptember 29,2021 at 3:49AM UTC
Take the first offer if it comes through and it's something you can live with in case the second one doesn't come through. If the second one does come through and it's everything you hoped it would be, take it.
It's a crappy thing to do, leave shortly after starting but you have to do what's best for your career. Realize you will be burning a bridge with company one.
Do not accept the first position if you could not be happy there because there's no guarantee the second one will come through and you might be stuck in company one.