Too many offersI'm guessing a lot of job seekers have this problem. I began pounding the pavement in earnest when given about 6 weeks notice that I'd be laid off. One interviewer passed on me, the next one wanted me desperately, and another company said they wanted to interview me... but didn't actually set up a time. I hesitated to take the one job offered to me. Although the salary was okay and the location reasonable, the position itself was a bit outside of my field and I'd have a lot of catching up to do. This prospective employer knows this and is understanding. He still wants me. I was tempted to hold out for a few of the other companies I'd seen in hopes that they would show interest in me, but with only a month until I'm out of a job and no actual interviews lined up, this seems unreasonable. So I accepted the offer. I didn't want the offer to expire and I don't want him to try to fill the position with someone else or I could end up unemployed. Now that other interviewer is finally responding (it's a large company and the HR person responsible for calling me sounded busy). Obviously I'm not going to accept any offer that doesn't significantly out-do my current offer, but what if they DO offer me something huge? Is it unethical for me to even entertain other interviews and offers after accepting this one? I could really use some help with this. Am I posted in the wrong section? I feel strange continuing on interviews knowing that I'm supposed to begin my new job in 3 weeks. But some of these positions sound really interesting! I'm curious to know what other opportunities are out there. But ethically I don't know that I could ever accept any of them knowing that I've already accepted a position. I know there are two sides to this story and I could use some help understanding what's at stake. How unethical is it to accept a job, then quit it before you've even begun working there? When I put it this way, it doesn't seem so bad. How unethical is it to interview for a job knowing it will have to be a really impressive position before you'll take it because you already have accepted another offer? When I put it this way, it still doesn't seem so bad... I could really use some other points of view, though. Personally I would go into each interview as if you didn't already have a job lined up. You can get extra interview experience and increase your network. Who knows, you may find that offer that's even better but you won't know until you try. Basically, it can't hurt, only help you. Presumably, you haven't yet started the job you were offered and are waiting out your final weeks leading up to lay off time. If this is the case, then you haven't really started anything that you are "giving up". Plus, it is just an interview. There is no harm in going to an interview and discussing your options with a company's representative. If it happens that you are faced with a second offer, then you need to weigh your options. Both financial and professional and then top it off with your personal preference. For example: If you are offered a position with the second company and it is less financially sound than the current offer BUT you feel that you can do the job easier and with more understanding because it is of a more similar nature to the position you are being laid off from, AND it is in your field of interest, then what you need to decide is, do you want to start something new or do you want to stick the familiar? Bottom line is this, you have an offer that you have accepted but it isn't what you feel will is absolutely right for you. But, it doesn't mean that you need to give up on finding the right job for you. Keep the interview. You aren't going to lose the offer just because you go to an interview. Thank you for the responses. I went on three interviews since then, two of whom want to make me an offer! Both companies are a better fit for me than the one I accepted. If these offers are good I'll have to make an effort to not burn too many bridges when I change my mind (I think they know I'm looking for a better fit). If these offers are good, I'm going to have to try to pick the best one... Yipes. Congrats to you! You are right to not burn bridges. Maybe you could share some of your job search and interview tips since you seem pretty successful at getting offers. I read Interviews for Dummies. That helped a LOT. Other than that, I think I'm underpaid and therefore extremely popular. :) That's probably not the answer you were looking for! But it may be the truth.
Personally, I don't think that is wrong at all. It is much easier to find a job when you have a job. Unfortunately I was in the same predicament you were in a few months ago and I didn't take the offer and I am still job hunting. Your career will never be defined by one organization in todays market thus you should always keep your eyes and ears open for other opportunities.
It looks like you went ahead with the interviews. Good for you. The way things are today, you really have to look out for yourself. It's incredible that your current company actually let you know you would be losing your job with so much notice, that's a VERY rare thing today. The problem today is that you have to go with whoever treats you best. Whether that's money, location, job responsibilities, employment practices, etc. is up to your tastes. If you skipped these interviews, you'd just miss out on an opportunity to better yourself in a misguided stance of honor. I'm about 100% sure the company that has accepted you would dump you like a hot potato if they found someone they liked better. Loyalty to a company that hasn't proven it is misplaced. If you had an offer with your current company, since they've displayed honor and loyalty to you, you'd be smart to stick with them, even if you had other opportunities.
You should absolutely look into other options until you are actually working in a new position. I am a high level professional with almost twenty years of experience. In my recent job search, I was hired by a reputable company and worked around vacations and deadlines to get my start date coordinated. The night before I was supposed to start in the new position, the hiring manager called and said they would no longer be able to fill my position. The Board of Directors had pulled the necessary funding for the position. Until you are in the door, feel free to explore any options. | |
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