How to navigate 2 interviewing processes?

Anonymous

August 18,2023 at 2:43PM UTC

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How to navigate 2 interviewing processes?

Hey, I'm interviewing for 2 jobs right now. One is about a week or two ahead of the other (meaning, I have my first interview today for one, the other I have a second interview on Tuesday).

I would love to do both. Both are work that's important to me, and both would let me utilize my skills in ways that are satisfying, and with much better boundaries (and pay and benefits) than the role I just left.

HOWEVER, the second one (the one I have first interview for today), would let my kid go to college for free or very inexpensively, so obviously that's the one I'm really hoping for.

If I am offered the first job, I expect that would happen around the time of the second interview at the free college job.

So my question for you lovely humans is this: How transparent should I be if I get an offer when I am still interviewing for the job it's a better life choice to take?

I would HATE to take the one job, work for a week or three, and then be like, "peace, bitches! I got a better offer!" because I know first hand how expensive and time consuming hiring is. But I also don't want to be in a situation where I decline the first because I am waiting to hear, and then am not offered the second.

I know a bird in hand is better than two in the bush, but I am also a highly skilled, excellent candidate, and very well qualified for both roles.

I also know how annoying this "problem" must be for so many of you who I read writing, "i've applied for 400 jobs and had 2 interviews in the last year, then got ghosted!" To you I say, you're awesome, keep trying, keep the faith, the perfect thing will show up.

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AnonymousAugust 18,2023 at 3:20PM UTC
Interview for them both & say nothing to one about the other. There is no guarantee that you'll be offered either job. Should you be lucky enough to get offered both, just tell the less desirable one that you honestly don't think you're a good fit there (you don't owe them any other explanation), & go with the one you prefer, then pray it's as good a place to work as you'd hoped. Wishing you the best.
AnonymousAugust 19,2023 at 12:30PM UTC
Agree…but don’t say you’re not a fit. Just say the other position is a better fit for your current career goals, but that you would like to stay in contact should things change in the future.
Cheryl Naasko PoundsAugust 18,2023 at 4:47PM UTC
I've been in this situation and was completely honest to both about the other. They both involved interviews out of state-one week apart-and when the 1st company offered me a position, I quite frankly said that it was not fair to any party to back out on completing the interview process for the 2nd. I ended up going to the 2nd and absolutely hating the client I'd be working for, the travel to and from the new state/region and the "vibe" of the company. It made the acceptance of the 1st even more sweeter when they upped the salary offer to make themselves more the more attractive position. You can hit "pause" for a reasonable amount of time in an interview process; especially if you know you're being considered strongly for the position.
AnonymousAugust 18,2023 at 7:20PM UTC
OP here, thanks. I really like the idea of being super clear and up front with both places.
AnonymousAugust 18,2023 at 7:12PM UTC
Been there and things never go as planned and options and reality are not able to be anticipated.
Trust me the jobs will change in detail when discussed, personalities will reveal themselves and cultures will either resonate or they won't. There are so many variables.
So take whatever is offered that feels right at the time and if something better comes along, cross that bridge then. You can't predict the future so don't drive yourself crazy trying to. You decision will be your decision if and when a real opportunity presents itself.
Breathe. You are just beginning the process so keep your eye on what is exactly in front of you.
Sarah BordersAugust 19,2023 at 12:41PM UTC
I have a friend who went through a situation like this a couple months ago, and it may be a little different because she knew the hiring manager at the first company, but she was upfront with them that she wanted to wait until she knew how the other opportunity panned out, so that if they gave her an offer, she could compare both and make a decision. She ended up going with the second company, and there were no hard feelings with the first. Again, maybe different circumstances, but there were WEEKS between the two offers, and everything worked out.
I think, just be open with companies about your situation, and see what happens. Rooting for you!
AnonymousAugust 19,2023 at 1:32PM UTC
This is a difficult situation. I had a similar one though and took the first position offered because the 2nd position didn't get back to me quick. However the did a month into the new position. The pay was better and so was the work I enjoyed doing. Both were 20 hours a week so I did both for a month and then decided to quit the first one. My boss was great but the job wasn't as interesting and I'm glad I took the 2nd position. Also since I worked remotely taxes were messed up with the first one and the wrong state got them and I can't get it back. Thank goodness that didn't happen with the second. I have asked for it back but so far nothing. Luckily it was only 100 dollars.
Normally I am in jobs for 10 years. But I love my 2nd job. I've been doing it over a year now. It was a great decision.
AnonymousAugust 20,2023 at 12:50PM UTC
A word of advice. Don’t base your decision on your child being able to go to college for a reduced price. I expected that from my employer and was laid off 20 years in. They also started taking away benefits because of financial issues. Make sure this employer would be a great fit with or without the college benefit unless your child is almost there now. You never know what can happen.
AnonymousAugust 20,2023 at 8:42PM UTC
OP here.
Child is there now.
And yeah, i am *terrible* at just showing up for a paycheck. I would love and enjoy doing both of these jobs, but the one with the college is more multifaceted and would be, i believe, a long term better fit for me, too.
ReachingGoalsAugust 20,2023 at 1:39PM UTC
Don’t count your chickens before they hatch. You are talking about Academia and that is a cut-throat, I’m more important than anyone world where friends are hired, qualified or not. They have a way of skirting the rules when it comes to hiring.
Take the job you are offered. IF you get another offer then decide if it is worth switching
AnonymousAugust 20,2023 at 11:25PM UTC
Always do what is best for you. Don’t worry about the places hiring you because guaranteed they will be doing what’s best for them.
AnonymousAugust 21,2023 at 11:38AM UTC
You can wait and tell the first offer you need to think about the offer before you decide. That would give you the time to decide, IF you receive another offer.
AnonymousAugust 21,2023 at 3:12PM UTC
Congratulations!!! You are in a situation that many would love to be in!!!
It seems a little to early to be certain that you will continue the round of interviews for your most recent option. However, you have not yet received an offer from the first option either. Perhaps they´ve talked to you about their hiring process and that takes you to think the offer moment will be after the second interview, but in my most recent experiences that has not been the case... everyone plans for at least 3 or 4 interviews prior to coming back with any decision. So, maybe, there is still time for you to make further progress on both sides. And when the time comes, with the additional information you may have collected over the several conversations, you will have more solid grounds to prefer one or the other option and move from there.
If the older option still comes up with an offer after your second interview, it is absolutely valid that you ask for a time to think about the offer and review the entire perspectives of the role, the company and your potential development prior to giving them a final answer. If you are 100% clear of what you want for yourself, let that clarity guide your process. I like your sensitivity towards company´s spending money in hiring, but that is part of what they need to do to run a business, don´t put that as a component to weight in your personal decision process.
AnonymousAugust 21,2023 at 6:31PM UTC
This is very affirming, thank you. I am fully aware that i may be offered neither job, or not get a 2nd interview with the 2nd place. And it also occurred to me that if i did, i would be in a tricky spot! Or if i get one offer and then a 2nd or 3rd with the 2nd place... also tricky!
I just don't wanna blow it by handling it poorly and then having zero jobs.