Help! Interview dilemma!?

Question

Tomorrow i have a second jod interview for a job that without sounding arrogant, I would be very surprised if they did not offer me the position. Howver later in the week I have another second interview and psychometric testing for a job I REALLY want. So just say they offer me the job tomorrow how do I stall them without annoying them...as there is a good chance i won't get the job I want and so would be glad to accept the first job... I don't want them to think that they are my second choice.

Answer 1

tell them the semi truth. tell them you have to talk it over with someone etc. that way you get some time to think about everything

Answer 2

You're completely OK here. No worries at all. You are never in a stronger position in employment than in the few days after being offered a job and before you accept it. They have already decided that they want you, so you hold all the cards. Depending on the level of the position, you can even use that period to bargain up the salary. They may not make the offer on the day; I wouldn't personally do that; I think it's a little slapdash on their part to do so. But if they do, you can say you would appreciate a little time to consider, talk to your partner, whatever; you can even say you have a golden rule of always sleeping on it when you have a major decision to make. Also, leave them positive. "I am really happy that you've offered me this. I hope you don't mind if I just take a few days to mull it over. Is it OK if I give you a definitive answer on... day X?"

Choose day X carefully. If you won't know the position with Other Job by day X, then day X doesn't help so much. But day X needs to be in a reasonable timescale. I once interviewed a guy who seemed great until we asked him how long he would need to consider. He said "three months". We didn't offer him the job!

Note you are entirely within your rights and within fair play and precedent to NOT tell them you have another offer on the cards and NOT give them a detailed reason why you need to think about it. This is not slavery, either, so if you accept job 1 then dump it to go for job 2 you are committing no crime. I've done that. It wasn't a lot of fun; I lost a moderately useful contact in the business but it was certainly correct for me to change my mind.

Answer 3

Chances are, they won't make the offer on the spot - either the first or the second.

Either way, it is completely acceptable to say that you need a couple of days to think it over (or discuss it with your wife/adviser/lawyer - whichever applies :) ). Give them a time by which you will get back to them with the answer - and then be on time.

If they prod, and ask why you need time, you are under no obligation to tell them that you are considering another offer. Such answer may telegraph the notion that you are not excited about this opportunity - which would identify you as someone who'd flee when something better comes along, not the best way to start with a company.

If pressed, I'd only state that you need time to finish off some previously scheduled obligations/appointments.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Hhhmmm that is a bit of a dilemma indeed, well go for the interview tomorrow and if offered you can always say yes, if the second interview goes well, and they offer you the job you can say yes to them and then call the other firm back, and simply say "thank you for the job offer but i have been given a better opportunity, thanks for your time". That way you have not lied to the company and you have been honest, and you alsoi get the job you want. I know it's pretty sucky but your within your rights to take the best job for you, the other company will fill the position so relax, kick butt at the second interview, and good luck.

Answer 5

I would accept the first job if offered, simply saying you must give notice to your present employer or that you have committments which mean you're unable to start immediately. If they want you they'll be fine with that. If the second job comes up then you can always email/fax/phone the first company and say that due to a family problem you'll now be unable to take up the position.

Good luck, hope you get the job you want! x

Answer 6

good luck with both if they offer you the 1st job accept it and do the interview for the second job if you get offered the job you want ring the first job and tell them you have a better offer.remember to look out for your best intrests first as its your life ,dont feel guilty because remember to most businesses you are just a number and everyone is replacable

Answer 7

If the first offers the job, accept. If the second later offers a job, accept, and then call the first and tell them you accepted a better offer.

Unless you sign a contract with the first, you have no obligation to them. Just tell them you accepted a job you were better suited for, and you really appreciated their offer.

Answer 8

They might not offer you the job on the spot today.
But if they do, you certainly don't have to say yes or no immediately.
You can thank them for their offer and tell them you'll consider it and will let them know by the end of the week.
There's no harm in them suspecting you are in demand or have another competing offer.
They took their time in deciding on you so you can take your time in deciding on them. It's not being rude, it's just giving the offer careful consideration...

Answer 9

If the 'first' interview goes well this week and they offer it you, before the 'second' interview result comes through, ask them for a couple of days to decide/breathing space before yes or no.

Answer 10

simple ! Except the first job and go to the second interview if you get the second job then just ring the first job up and tell them to stick it you've found something better

Answer 11

tell them you are waiting to hear from a job within the week and you will tell them when you know. they will understand that's the way it works. where's the job interview i've one tomorrow as well in baggot street.