Acceptable to continue interviewing after accepting a job offer?

After 4 months of searching I finally got a job offer last Thursday from a company on a pretty reasonable salary. I accepted the same day as they mentioned via email they wanted an answer asap. They then asked for references and said they'll have the paperwork sent out to me next week. The same day I get called up by a previous company I applied to calling me in for an interview next week which I accepted. This new interview/company is a much better opportunity for me, better company/pay etc. but I'm conflicted at the moment. Should I go to the interview or tell them to withdraw my application? Or tell them the truth and say I would like to attend the interview but I HAVE accepted a job offer which I haven't signed yet.

Any advice appreciated.

Reply 1

Emma:-)

Entertainment Forum Helper

Original post by EDUC4TION

If the job that you are going for an interview for next week is a better opportunity, then go to the interview. Dont withdraw the first offer yet- you might not get the second one. You are perfectly entitled to go for other interviews- you havent signed anything for the first one yet. And if you do get offered the second one, just decline the first, thank them for offering you the job and explain that someone else has offered you another job (you dont have to go into detail)

Reply 2

Reality Check

Original post by EDUC4TION

I agree entirely with @Emma:-) Keep your options open!

Reply 3

EDUC4TION

Ok thanks. Should I tell the the interviews that I have a pending offer with someone else though? The main issue is time, as I will need to sign and return the contract for the first job at some point next week as the start date is the following week, but what if the interviewers for job#2 take a week or so to get back to me with their decision and then offer me the job? It then becomes a situation of leaving a job before it even begins.

(edited 7 years ago)

Reply 4

Doones

Original post by EDUC4TION

Then you will have a *nice* problem. And usually you only have to give a week's notice during your probationary period. So it won't be a huge problem after all.

And yes, if job#2 interviewers ask then tell them. But also tell them you prefer their role, assuming it's true of course.

Straight talking is always a good skill to have (and many people find it difficult).

Posted from TSR Mobile

(edited 7 years ago)

Reply 5

threeportdrift

Careers Forum Helper

Original post by EDUC4TION

You can go to the second set of interviews, but I wouldn't mention you have an offer elsewhere. Some companies are very black and white about this sort of thing and they treat others as they would wish to be treated, and won't progress someone who has an offer elsewhere. Under the guise of asking about how their process will progress, I'd say something like 'I'm at an advanced stage with another company'. this shows you are considered a competitive candidate, but avoids the impression of them poaching, or a very mercenary approach by yourself. It might not be a nuance necessary at junior recruitment levels, but it certainly is in more senior roles.

Reply 6

EDUC4TION

Ok thanks guys I will see how the interview goes and handle it accordingly.

Reply 7

roflcakes1

Good luck for your interview.

I agree with the others - go to the interview and don't give away more information than you have to (to either employer). If it happens that you start the new job before you get offered the 2nd job, normally you will get a probation period at the start of the new job, meaning you can leave with only one week's notice so it won't be a massive issue if this situation does arise.