Entering the final round for a position and then another company added fuel to the fire!

Anonymous

May 18,2022 at 4:53PM UTC

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Entering the final round for a position and then another company added fuel to the fire!

I'm in an exciting but confusing situation and would appreciate everyone's advice. I've been moving forward steadily throughout the interview process and received word last week that I'm entering the final round for a director position with a hospitality company in NYC.

Due to the fact that the final step is a panel discussion, I need to wait 2 weeks so they can coordinate everyone's vacation schedules. They tried to arrange Zoom for SLT wants to be there in person to meet the candidate.

While I'm waiting, a second company contacted me and set up an interview for next week. They were transparent and disclosed a higher salary from the beginning and want to move forward quickly to fill the position before June.

The dilemma, for the first position, I don't know the salary and despite researching, I'm guessing it would be in the 90-140K range. Large range but it's a boutique agency so I'm guessing it's the lower end to be safe.

While the first company is plugging along, this second company is full speed ahead and wants to hire now. While I'll continue to interview with both companies until I have an offer, I'm worried that the job I'm more interested in will take longer than the other to make a decision.

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AnonymousMay 18,2022 at 5:46PM UTC
Moving forward with both processes is definitely appropriate and you don't have anything until a written offer comes in. If the faster moving company makes an offer first, you can go to the slower-moving preferred company and let them know that you received an offer but would love to work with them. If the company really wants you, then it should put a fire under them. If the company continues moving slowly, well then that's an answer too.
Before even approaching offers, if you are heading into a final round interview, then it is completely appropriate at this point to request from the company's HR the intended salary range and employee benefits information.
Finally, you can slow down the process a bit with the fast moving firm. Instead of scheduling same day interviews (which I think is really disrespectful of your time anyway) schedule next day interviews, give your self some cushion to hear back from the other company and to think through what you are encountering in interviews. It is really easy to get caught up in the momentum and feel like you never had the opportunity to stopp and thoroughly consider whether you really wanted that specific job with that specific company or if there were red flags.
AnonymousMay 18,2022 at 8:38PM UTC
Thank you and I appreciate your advice. I like the idea of requesting the salary before the final interview. I've always had it either upfront or after the final interview. That would be helpful to know to make sure we're on the same page. I'm planning on spacing them out but the one with the long lead time is concerning as if I had to pick, that's the one that would be better long term if it was the right salary.
AnonymousMay 19,2022 at 12:38AM UTC
Thank you, I always worry about giving advice. I absolutely agree that salary is important. We work for money. Even the best seeming job and career move can go sour if we are not being paid in a manner commensurate with the market, experience, skills, responsibilities and expectations. It's easy to say that if you love the work then salary doesn't matter but the truth is that it only matters less. It's hard to love your dream job if you are putting rent on the credit card and living on SNAP (been there).
Terrie McWhorterMay 18,2022 at 9:35PM UTC
Move forward with BOTH....you never know what will happen. You may get hired with the first one and find out that it is the place you truly feel better at. I would never, pass something up for a possibility. When you don't have all the info, they can pull the rug right out from under you. Best of luck
AnonymousMay 18,2022 at 11:07PM UTC
Thank you, Terrie. Good advice and I'll keep pushing along. I'm a big believer that until you have a confirmed offer in writing, anything can happen.
AnonymousMay 19,2022 at 2:51AM UTC
Don't get too ahead of yourself and invent scenarios.
You don't have anywhere near a full picture of either job and you haven't received a written offer much less 2 written offers.
I've found that most of the time, if there are truly 2 offers in writing they will not be apple's to apple's. One offer will be the clear winner.
My suggestion would be not to get too far ahead but rather wait for both offers to compare.
AnonymousMay 19,2022 at 12:33PM UTC
keep all options open
AnonymousMay 19,2022 at 11:44PM UTC
Thank you, all. I had a feeling I was getting ahead of myself but it's been so long since I've had possibilities. I have an interview tomorrow so I'm hoping one of these three provides a new start. I really appreciate this supportive group!