Smart people...help!?

Question

Ok. I got a great job offer and signed the dotted line that says I accept. I'm due to start on the 1st of August. Now, I've got a chance to interview second-round with an even better company and I'm sure they'll take me. Just that they took a whole lot of time to get back to me. Now, I'm stuck. I feel morally obliged to take up the first offer and not attend the interview. Am I being stupid? What do I do?

Answer 1

You accepted the other offer, you should stick with them. How would it look to company B if you took their offer over company A, even though you already agreed to work for company A?

They'd look at you as someone who will jump ship as soon as possiible, that's how.

Stay with company A. Contact company B, in writing if possible, and say, "I really liked your organization, but I have decided to go with Company A. Good luck in completing your search for position x." That way, when another position opens up at company B, they'll remember you as someone who was courteous and professional.

Answer 2

You should always investigate your options. However you should not give up the other job until you have the second company make a legitimate offer, in writing. There are a lot of times where someone feels they have a job coming that's a 'sure thing' and it turns out for whatever reason they don't get the job. You have to look at your jobs and job offers as a professional life direction task. Do not be swayed by what someone tells you, you are obligated to do, especially when most jobs have a terminate at will clause in anything you sign. They are not obligated to keep you and you and not obligated to work for them, but never burn any bridges. Be honest, go to the interview and if you get a serious job offer, go to the new company and tell them, I have been given a better offer that only just came up and I feel its best. Maybe they will counter offer, maybe they won't, but they will appreciate the honesty and you never know when you may need the good will of that old company, so be professional at all times.

Answer 3

I had the same thing happen to me about (mumble-dy-mumble) years ago, and I stuck with the first company. It was a big mistake!

If you can quickly schedule the interview with the second company so it happens before you start the first job, I'd do that. And if the second job offer comes in, and it's better, it's ok to jump ship. I'd say even a few weeks into the new job it would be ok to move on if the second job is a better fit than the first.

BUT...you can mention having received a job offer to the second company, but I wouldn't tell them you'd accepted. It can really make you look unethical/disloyal.

If you do end up starting job #1, then quitting within a few weeks to start job #2, you'll have to leave job #1 off your resume', or employers would have a LOT of questions.

Answer 4

Yes, you did sign the dotted line. However, you still time since you haven't shown up for work..which is a good thing. You still have time to interview with the even better company. Do it as early as convenient for you before your August start date with the other company. And, be sure to inform that better company you got an offer already and need a decision ASAP. They will most likely jump and get nervious..offering a counter offer. If you do get an offer, then you can sign that one instead of the other company. Just make sure to do this before your start date. Also, when declining the other company be polite and send a letter so you don't burn their bridges. Good luck.

Answer 5

Do the interview with the second company and see if you get an offer then you can compare and make up your mind. If not the question is moot. One thing you might consider is that company 1 may identify you as not eligible for rehire if you quit before you start or quit soon after. Or if company 2's offer is better (higher salary or whatever) you might give company 1 a chance to match that offer before you tell them you've changed your mind.

It's not like company 1 has a great deal invested in you at this point. It will hurt them a lot less if you change your mind now than if they spend months training you then you leave.

Answer 6

I would still go on the other job interview, let them know you have an offer from another company so your timeline is short and you would like to hear about their company and what they have to offer before making a decision. If you find that the second company/job is a better fit for you either professionally or money wise then take it. Be honest with the first company and let them know as soon as you make a decision. Tell them why you chose the other company. Don't miss out on a possible good opportunity!

Answer 7

This is your life, your work, your income we're talking about right? It's not like the other company will suffer a long time if you do not accept the job.

Here's what I propose: Begin to work first of August, don't let anyone know about the other job. However, do research your contract and if there's anything your company can get back at you with.

Interview with the "better company." It may still take them a while to sort out their second interviewees, and come up with a job proposal for you. In the meantime, continue to work. At least you're making an income and not losing money.

If the "better company" does offer you a job, simply quit your current job. If they don't make you an offer, well, at least you have a job and don't have to worry.

In this manner, you can have your cake, and eat it too!

Answer 8

No, not at all. The thing is, if they took so long to get back to you, then they will probably drag their feet on other things, too. I have had many, many job offers- many for more money- come in three weeks too late. To me, I ask, what did you expect? They expect me to sit around by the phone to wait on their phone call? I don't think so.

If the company is so enormous that the idea of hiring someone has to go through 41 levels before it gets back to the hirer, then the chances are that you are just a number there anyway. I have worked at enormous companies and small-time mom and pop places and I can tell you that, in general, working for a place that gets back to you and is concerned about your time and prospects, calls you by name and calls you promptly are much better to work for.
You should, however, call the late company and explain to them that, while you had preferred to work for their company in the beginning, you have found another place of employment and have signed a letter of intent with them to work there. You have no intention of breaking the agreement because it is not an honourable thing to do. You should tell them that the reason you already signed was not impatience, it was that the first company took so long to return your call with any results.

Not only that but this is round two...of how many, exactly? You are sure you will get hired on there...really? How certain are you?
Believe me, a bird in the hand is better than two in the bush. Take the sure thing and tell the other company that they will have to streamine their hiring practices in the future if they want to hire quality candidates.

Best of luck to you!

Answer 9

At least go to the interview and see what they have to say. If it's a better offer, tell company A what's going on. They may counter with an even better offer. That's what happened to my daughter. If you're pretty confident in yourself and your abilities, you might as well make opportunity work for you. Good luck!!

Answer 10

It depends on what exactly you have signed - you may be bound to that company. If not, do what is going to be best for you. Better to decline now (if you are able to) than to start with the company and still seek better employment opportunities. If you are going to decline, give them as much notice as possible. Its a small world and you never want to burn any bridges - you never know where the road of life will lead you. In no way is looking after what is best for you and your future being stupid - its being smart.