I’ve been looking for a job for over a year.

Anonymous

January 13,2022 at 4:07AM UTC

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I’ve been looking for a job for over a year. I’m going on a second interview in a few days (after a month of texting and phone calls), they want to hire me and are putting an offer together (originally it was $20k less than past salary but they’re going to present something better). Today I got a call from another company (a friend works there and referred me),they want to meet me on the same day, which I can do, and my asking salary is within range. Do I go on both interviews? Do I say something to either of them about each other? Is it acceptable to not accept an offer on the spot so I can compare? (Assuming I get 2 offers). The first company is young but has a ton of work and has ample opportunity for me to grow. The 2nd is well established and my friend said they’re great to work for. I’m not sure how to handle this situation and would appreciate any advice. Thank you.

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Sharli YeamanJanuary 13,2022 at 4:18AM UTC
Go to both. Don't accept $20k less, though. Ensure you're compensated appropriately for what you have to offer. Then go with your gut when it's decision time if you get both offers.
AnonymousJanuary 13,2022 at 9:14PM UTC
Thank you! That’s what I will do.
rgstaffing@bellsouth.netJanuary 14,2022 at 1:18PM UTC
it is always what the job if offering rather that what the candidate believes her/his worth is. NYC is putting a law into effect this month actually that the company must reveal what the salary range is up front.
Kim CallinanJanuary 13,2022 at 4:27AM UTC
Absolutely do both. You have nothing in writing yet, and nothing acceptable, so do not stop looking or negotiating until you have accepted an offer. You do not need to accept the offer on the spot. It is completely fine to let them know that you are very interested in working with them. However, you would like time to review the offer. Asking for a few days is pretty normal. A long weekend (as an example).... But more than that is typically not appreciated. When you are at the other job you can ask them what their time frame is for making an offer and if you have the offer in hand let them know your timeframe for making a decision. Good luck!
AnonymousJanuary 13,2022 at 9:16PM UTC
Thank you Kim. I will go on both and hope for the best.
Kim CallinanJanuary 14,2022 at 7:01PM UTC
Good luck! Let us know how it goes
AnonymousJanuary 13,2022 at 5:27AM UTC
You always play to whatever is to your advantage. So hear them out and any others that may show interest. Your goal is to make the best deal for the best job. This is not forever but it's important that for here and for now you make the best deal for the best job you can.
But never tell either specifics. You merely share that you are being heavily recruited and leave it at that
AnonymousJanuary 13,2022 at 9:17PM UTC
Thank you. for your advice. I’ll go on both interviews and hope for the best.
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistJanuary 13,2022 at 6:19PM UTC
OF COURSE you go on both interviews!
What a great position to be in - to have options, to have choices.
You can say you are actively interviewing if asked, but you do not need to offer any specific details. In this job market, if an employer doesn't assume that candidates are interviewing with multiple companies, they really haven't been paying attention.
Are you anticipating a written offer? Have they already extended a verbal offer to you? I would not accept the offer on the spot. I would say thank you for the offer, when do I need to respond to this (if that info is not already in the offer letter - many times it is) and I would like to review this and will get back to you.
I would also let the second company know that you have an offer on the table, that you're very interested in their opportunity (you can say they're your number one choice if that turns out to be true) and ask what their timeline looks like. Sometimes if they know you have an offer, they'll move faster if they want you.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
GOOD LUCK!!!
AnonymousJanuary 13,2022 at 8:24PM UTC
Thank you! I don’t have a written offer yet #1 only said he wants to hire me and we’ll discuss the details when we meet again. Then he’ll present a written offer. #2 just said to come in on Friday to meet everyone if I’m interested. I may be jumping the gun but want to be prepared if an offer is extended on the spot.
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistJanuary 15,2022 at 11:52PM UTC
Please keep us posted on what happens!
AnonymousJanuary 14,2022 at 1:13PM UTC
Very true. I was in a situation with two offers and I wanted the 2nd one but the offer wasn't official yet. I was told it ws coming. So I made them aware that I had an offer on the table. They sped up the process.
Emily KeiperJanuary 14,2022 at 2:25AM UTC
Do both, share both, and select the best option for you!! Consider all factors and sign on the dotted line!! Good luck :)
AnonymousJanuary 14,2022 at 5:05AM UTC
I would go to both and see what happens. You don’t have to accept the offer on the spot when they call you. You’re interviewing them, too.
Just recently I was in a situation where we offered the person the position they interviewed for and they asked for a list of things from us; job description, salary scale, & benefits. They asked for a week, then came back and declined the offer. We were patient and waited as they communicated the timeline with us when we made the initial offer.
Good luck. How exciting!
rgstaffing@bellsouth.netJanuary 14,2022 at 1:12PM UTC
my companies typically give 48 hours before the offer expires.
rgstaffing@bellsouth.netJanuary 14,2022 at 1:10PM UTC
of course go on both. there is no reason to share this with either company as it is understood that candidates who are job seekers are actively interviewing. your goal should be to secure offers from both companies and then make your decision. just make sure that you have enough time to get to both interviews on time without stressing yourself out and be sure that you make a dry run first to both companies so that you know exactly where you are going.
TerryJanuary 14,2022 at 1:31PM UTC
Yes, it looks like you are in the driver's seat. It sounds like the 2nd job will be a better choice 1) because you already have a friend who recommended you and through her you get to know the culture and she likes it and 2) they are willing to pay you. Let's see what the first company will offer you first but my bet is the 2nd job. Good luck!
Jessica RutherfordJanuary 14,2022 at 1:34PM UTC
Until you have a signed contract, no job offer is secure. You must continue interviewing until you have a signed contract. Plus, if you have an offer, you can leverage it against another offer for more money, benefits, etc.
Go for it!! You deserve this.
Violet Cassidy-Maroke (She/her)January 14,2022 at 1:36PM UTC
This is a happy problem! It is 100% ok to say I'm interviewing a few places and would like at least 24-48 hrs to consider all options. Even a week. At least in Canada employers must give 4 business days to consider the offer/take to an employment lawyer
Susan CJanuary 14,2022 at 1:39PM UTC
Yes, absolutely go on both interviews. If you need more time to make a decision on an offer simoly ask for it, no explanation necessary.
Joycelyn M. SiameJanuary 14,2022 at 1:44PM UTC
Go on both interviews. If you are offered something on the spot, ask for a few days, because you have other offers and need to evaluate things accordingly. That's it. Don't limit yourself. Good luck!
Kim PfeifferJanuary 14,2022 at 3:46PM UTC
Great idea! They may sweeten the deal if they know you have other offers. I got a signing bonus this way.
Reneé ZungJanuary 14,2022 at 1:46PM UTC
Yes, absolutely go on both interviews. Continue to interview until the day you start your job. Good luck!
Jackie GhedineJanuary 14,2022 at 1:47PM UTC
The statistics about the labor force are 100% in favor of employees for the first time in over a decade. You have the power and you get to control the situations.
Go to both, work to get both offers, negotiate your salary and other benefits and don't accept anything less than what you are worth.
ChrishoggJanuary 14,2022 at 3:19PM UTC
Jackie ---
It would be interesting and helpful to know what specific "statistics" are showing that "the labor force (is) 100% in favor of employees."
I've found over the past 20 years in the field that there are no 100% anythings when it comes to hiring and getting hired.
If the huge number of posts and comments on LinkedIn are to be believed, there is no way that the labor force is 100% in favor of employees. Maybe better (or even much better) than a year or two ago, but 100% ... no way.
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistJanuary 15,2022 at 11:50PM UTC
YOU SAID:
"The statistics about the labor force are 100% in favor of employees for the first time in over a decade."
What statistics, specifically, would those be? Please provide a legitimate citation for this claim.
Ladyboss737918January 14,2022 at 1:55PM UTC
Yes, to going on both interviews.
Yes, to taking time to review offers.
As a hiring manager, I do appreciate it when a potential employee lets me know s/he is considering other offers. We likewise let potential employees know that we are considering other candidates. As a HM it lets me know I should really consider the offer I make so that I'm competitive.
I also love it when potential candidates come back with more questions - and not always ones like "What are your benefits?" (though that is an important one) but questions like "Tell me more about your company culture, XYZ is really important to me." And "Why do your employees love working for you?"
If you get offers from both (Yay!) really consider the long term. Are you looking to stay somewhere long enough to grow with the company, or are you looking just to grow in this position and then find another place to grow in your next role. (Both are okay it just sounds like it would impact your decision on which one is right for you right now.)
Michele SinclairJanuary 14,2022 at 1:57PM UTC
Do the companies you're interviewing tell you about the other candidates they are interviewing?? You owe them nothing but your undivided time during the interview. If they ask if you are interviewing w other companies, then absolutely say yes, but that's all you need to say. No elaboration about w whom you are interviewing.
You are in charge of your life, right? Then, always say you will get back to them with a decision (tell them when). Don't let the sparkle of the moment blind you to looking at the position indepth before making a decision.
You know best in your particular situation as it unfolds, if you should accept or consider it within a timeframe.
Kim RaperJanuary 14,2022 at 2:04PM UTC
Go on both interviews, share nothing about the other. You are not obligated to share that information. Any reasonable person would expect someone seeking employment to have multiple interviews, etc. going. Definitely go on both to help you decide which is the better fit for you. Best of luck.
Anjali MathaiJanuary 14,2022 at 2:09PM UTC
I would definitely go on both interviews, as gathering as much information as possible, will allow you to make the best and most informed choice for you.
Also, I think it's reasonable to always ask a company to give you at least 24 hours to consider a job offer (no matter how amazing it is). You want to ensure that the entire offer is what you want.
Hope this helps.
Jennifer Dahl - Career, Business Coach and National SpeakerJanuary 14,2022 at 2:31PM UTC
Definitely go on both interviews as you owe nothing to either company. Listen to offers, do well on interviews and you never have to give an answer to an offer immediately. If you are interested in the offer, ask for it to be in writing. You can accept a job with one company and then you decline it if you get a better offer. Good luck and use your intuition to decide what to do.
lorilucasJanuary 14,2022 at 3:23PM UTC
Can you really in good conscience accept an offer and then rescind a few days later for a better offer?
Asking for myself as I am going through this right now.
Kim PfeifferJanuary 14,2022 at 3:44PM UTC
Absolutely. It would put a bad taste in your mouth otherwise. Remember, they wouldn't feel remorseful about rescinding their offer if the shoe was on the other foot.
Blue JediJanuary 14,2022 at 2:40PM UTC
Go to both interviews. Nothing to lose, everything to gain.
Allison RuffnerJanuary 14,2022 at 2:42PM UTC
Absolutely go to both interviews. And congrats.
Valentina Huang, MBA, SHRM-CPJanuary 14,2022 at 2:50PM UTC
Definitely go to both. Don't rule yourself out of any job without exploring further... unless you know for sure you wouldn't want the job and don't want to waste either parties time. You also don't have a job offer in hand. Go to both and see how it goes.
Amy GeffenJanuary 14,2022 at 3:01PM UTC
Yes, go on both interviews. Hopefuly you will get at least one offer, if not two offers. Then compare the offers. Do not tell each company you have another offer.
MARI S PHONASA, CPSM & CPSDJanuary 14,2022 at 3:17PM UTC
I agree with Ladyboss737918 100%. Being on both sides of the table, I would be surprised if a candidate doesn't take time to consider the offer, and better yet, expect them to come back with a counteroffer of not just a number, but with details of why they are deserving of a higher salary and what they bring to the table to support their offer.
I would weigh the total package of benefits if you are lucky to receive two offers. Not a bad problem to have. Determine which one supports your long-term goals, and values. Sometimes the highest paying job is not always the greatest. It could mean they are desperate for someone to come in and help with a boat load of work or deal with a problem that has been lingering far too long. (personal experience, no surprise)
So happy for you to have multiple opportunities at hand. Best of luck.
EMILY KIKUE FRANKJanuary 14,2022 at 3:36PM UTC
Go on both interviews! Neither is a sure thing, and if you get both offers, you can choose based on which job sounds better, who is offering you a better hiring package, etc.
Kim PfeifferJanuary 14,2022 at 3:41PM UTC
Yes. No. Yes. And don't take the pay cut. Every time I've taken a pay cut, I've instantly regretted it. It kind of puts a kink in the relationship from the start.
AnonymousJanuary 14,2022 at 5:47PM UTC
As to the pay it. Weigh the balance of office culture and benefits. I took a job last year after 6 months of searching and it required a pay cut. It was the best move I could have made. I ended up with the best boss I have ever had and he followed up with a raise as promised. You could end up far happier if it is a good fit and that goes a long way!
60isthenew40January 18,2022 at 2:44AM UTC
I agree with you that IF you are going to feel cheated or unappreciated by taking a pay cut that you shouldn't take the job. However, if you are willing to take the cut in pay because there are other things the company offers that are more important, then you should move forward. Personally, I've never accepted or rejected a job based on pay alone because you can get a high paying job that makes your life more miserable than scaling back on some extras the $$ might buy.
sharon filadelfiaJanuary 14,2022 at 3:57PM UTC
Definitely keep your options open. You don’t have a “ring on your finger” yet Nothing to even feel bad about.
Rosa GoesJanuary 14,2022 at 4:10PM UTC
Most companies don't expect you to accept their offer on the spot. If they do make you an offer, you can take a couple of days to think and negotiate, and go to the other interview. Like others in this post mentioned, you are keeping your options. I wouldn't necessarily tell one to the other until you have offers from both. Good luck to you!
Audrey KirschJanuary 14,2022 at 11:33PM UTC
Go to both interviews. Do not tell either about the other interview. The 2nd one is the first interview. There's no telling how long their process is or when you might hear back from them. The first one is about to make an offer. If it's a good one accept it.
AriaJanuary 15,2022 at 2:30AM UTC
Go to both. Do not mention anything to either one during the interviews. Make your choice based on all the information you have after both interview. Do not short change yourself. Good Luck.
AnonymousJanuary 15,2022 at 8:15AM UTC
Definitely go on both interviews. You already know you’re friends company is a great place to work. Nothing you said above makes me think the first company is where you want to be, but the second (your friends company) you gave every reason to take their offer. Sometimes it takes someone you don’t know pointing out this out. I wished I had that on previous jobs. What I feel from you is the 2nd job. But go on both interviews so you don’t regret anything.
Xu JocelynJanuary 15,2022 at 1:08PM UTC
In my perspective, I assume that you choose the second option. First, it has a bigger chance to get hired since your friend who works for that company refered you. Second, referral will make the employer trusts and knows you better.
TinaJanuary 15,2022 at 2:07PM UTC
Absolutely go on both interviews! You should always take time to evaluate an offer before accepting. It’s perfectly reasonable to indicate as much at the end of the interview. Good luck!
Joanne RosenJanuary 15,2022 at 10:19PM UTC
Go on both, knock 'em dead, get 2 offers, and take the one that is the best fit. Young companies can often be a nightmare with little management infrastructure. Your friend recommending a workplace gives you a lot of information.
Nic Frick | Career Coach for New MomsJanuary 15,2022 at 11:05PM UTC
Definitely take both interviews! It's courteous to let the other company know you're interviewing elsewhere, but not required.
And it's very common for candidates to get multiple offers at one time. It's also in your best interest to take a beat before responding to an offer. Take your time and choose the best one for you! Good luck and congrats on landing these two great opportunities.
Sandra LangstonJanuary 17,2022 at 2:58PM UTC
Take both interviews and keep an open mind. Sometimes things come up in the interview that you didn't think of or hasn't been brought up before. Another thing, and this will date me here, I do believe in a mission/value statement and if it rings true to what I hear. That is how I base a lot of my decisions, good or bad, on whether I can trust the statements people make to the public about their standards and if they fit with my own. Good luck.
AnonymousJanuary 17,2022 at 4:11PM UTC
Take both interviews and hear the offers from both companies.
You don’t need to tell the companies about one another. You should think about what you are looking for in a company and whether their values align with yours. Do some research on both companies before the interviews and try to imagine yourself working at each. Do not decide right on the spot. Take a little time to think about your next step. This is so fun! You’ve got this!
AnonymousJanuary 19,2022 at 3:36AM UTC
Go to both interviews and only think about the results when you get both offers.
rgstaffing@bellsouth.netJanuary 19,2022 at 7:32PM UTC
Often within the offer letter ( which she should get ) will be the disclosure that the offer will expire and will indicate how long the offer remains valid. This has been a very beneficial way that the companies have eliminated the offer recipient to continue interviewing endlessly and waiting patiently for an answer. And if the candidate declines, the company has to start all over again. I think 48 hours is ample time after interview to weigh the options carefully and either accept or decline the job. Plenty of time to let the other company know that there is an offer out and to come to the table with an offer of their own.
AnonymousFebruary 2,2022 at 6:13PM UTC
Definitely go for both!
I just finished the process of getting 2 offers and was up front with both companies that I was “in the final stages of interviewing” elsewhere so that it gave me time to get both offers in and then decide. Neither company gave me a problem. As for the new vs established company, I’d say it all depends on experience level - if you’re relatively new to the industry, a solid role at a good company is a great resume builder for future moves. If you’re a veteran in your industry, then go for the new challenge!
AnonymousFebruary 3,2022 at 3:24PM UTC
Thank you everyone! I received 2 offers for a Construction Management position in the Hamptons and I’m happy to say that I’m starting my new job on Monday. My advice to everyone who is searching for a job is never give up!