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Question

After I applied to multiple openings about 2 months ago, I had a few rejections, one offer (as a consultant), and a few upcoming interviews with the company I really want. The one that gave me the offer pretty much hired me on the spot. I accepted it and started last week. While the company is great, and the people are sweet, I could see within the first few days that I would not learn anything new there. The company I really want in the long run continues to interview me (they like to take things slow). I'm scheduled for 4th round of interviews this week. I hope it results in an offer. However, while I am still being interviewed and asked to 'tell about myself' do I say that I am temporarily at this new job and continue to look or stick to my old one on the resume they have? Need your advice please! Please forgive me for posting it anonymously.

Anonymous · Answer

Hey OP! I agree with the others that honesty is the best policy. I actually went through something similar where in December 2018 I took a temporary position so that I could pay the bills while searching for a more permanent role in my desired field. During my interview, it came up that my company did know about my current position, though it was not listed on my resume because I had applied for this role prior to accepting the temporary position. When I explained that the job was meant to be temporary and that I saw it as a good way to expand on skills outside of my field while searching for my more permanent home, my current company appreciated my honesty and hustle. It's always a good thing to broaden your skillset, and to be honest with people you are looking to work with in the long term. Get yourself set up on the right foot!

Anonymous · Answer

Don't think they would find out about your current job through a background check unless you gave them the information. At least that's how background checks work in my company. You're already engaged with them in the interview process - they are basing their decision on what they saw on your resume (presumably you didn't include this most recent work) so no need for them to verify your current employment. If they don't specifically ask you if you're currently working somewhere, I see no reason to disclose unprompted. If they do, then of course be truthful and spin it as a temp role while you look for a company to call home

Stephanie Norton · Answer

I am in a similar position, but I did disclose that I am working as a consultant. I told the Interviewing company that I'm not one to sit idle, but would prefer to have a full time position. Thus why I am interviewing. Also, if you want to give the consulting position 2 weeks notice, it's easier for the new company to understand why you're pushing your start date out.

Anonymous · Answer

If you're hired as a consultant, isn't it expected that you're still interviewing for other jobs? It's like dating people, if they want you they should've put a ring on it which you you would have declined because the consultant job is too basic for you. I would be very open about sharing how your work is progressing and look around for someone at the company that you can train for the role you're consulting for so when you go you don't leave them in the lurch. They aren't giving you a long term commitment, why would you commit to them?

rgstaffing@bellsouth.net · Answer

The candidate should absolutely tell the company that he/she is working a temp or contract position.  Firstly, it shows the company that the candidate is hirable.  Secondly, any company in this job market who drags out the process for 2 months and 4 interviews runs the risk of losing top talent.  More than likely they are interviewing multiple candidates but what this shows is that the position is not an urgent to be filled position.  Excuses in years past include executives are travelling and they are unable to get everyone together etc. etc. but in the world we are living in today, Zoom interviews have become a major and effective tool. 
My advise to the candidate is to carry on and I believe it is a good thing to let the hiring company know that he/she is continuing to interview.
Smart companies know to speed up the process and make a decision along with an offer before their top talent gets scooped up elsewhere.

Elianet Oliva · Answer

totally agree with everyone else, just speak your truth, if they want you, they won't hesitate. Usually in my own experience companies like people currently employed vs completely unemployed. Also, there is no shame in they take too long and you need to pay bills.

Laura S · Answer

Definitely be honest--if nothing else, it's at least the easiest thing to remember! And especially right now, they'll understand that 1) it's a temp job and 2) you have to keep food on the table. Emphasize that while you enjoy your colleagues and the mission, you want the job you're interviewing for.

One thing I say in interviews (again, because it's true) that interviewers love is that I think any day where I haven't learned something new is a waste. That then opens the door for you to do one of two things: 
1) talk about your extracurriculars, any classes you're taking or volunteering you're doing, etc.--give them an idea of who you are, or
2) talk about the parts of the job you're interviewing for that excite you because it'll be a chance to learn something new from your colleagues.

Audrey Kirsch · Answer

I agree with everyone that you should be honest and let them know about the consulting job.  Interview round 4 is brutal so sounds like they are very careful about who will fit in with everyone at their company.  Maybe letting them know about the consulting position will push them to move a little quicker in their decision making.  Good candidates are not just going to sit around and hope they get hired so if they don't want to lose you, they better make an offer soon.  Good luck!

Rosa Carolina Pereira · Answer

As most of the advice above, I think that you must be honest about your situation. Having a job as consultant, I wouldn't say should stop you from looking for a permanent one in a company you like. If you continue in the interview process, please check with people that work or have worked in this company; the culture, the way of working and other things that are important to you, so you can decide if it is the right place for you in this moment.

Patricia Osborne Randolph · Answer

Being honest about your situation means being true to yourself!

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