Do you tell a company your interviewing with that you have tentatively accepted another offer?

Question

I was just offered a job and signed an acceptance letter. The Job does not start for another two weeks. I was also just contacted about a job that I have a very strong interest in. I have a phone interview with them tomorrow. Should I tell the interviewer that I have verbally accepted another job. What etiquette should be used in this manner for both parties?

Answer 1

This happens all the time, its no big deal. Just call the company (at the alloted time or first thing - either one) and tell them. Tell them you are sorry but thank them for their interest, and move on.

There is of course a chance the job you accepted may not work out and you could be calling this company back for a job at a later date, but it sounds bey unlikely. So, don't burn any bridges (ie be as nice as possible) but really this is no big deal.

Answer 2

If you do tell the interviewer, you will automatically be dismissed as not available thus not a candidate.

There is a problem in what you are doing. If you have ACCEPTED the offer, why are you still interviewing? By telling this to the interviewer, you are saying you are both unavailable and untrustworthy. It loudly says you don't keep your words and committments you make are meaningless. Hardly a good quality in candidates!

Think about this - while many people do it, it is not right. The only thing you can do is, not say anything or stop interviewing. You could call the company and tell them you have already accepted the offer, so you won't be coming for an interview.