Job Seeker’s Dilemma
I found this question Techexams.net I thought this was a great follow-up to my previous two post, (Part One, Part Two) about ethical dilemmas from the perspective of the hiring manager.
My question here is for job seekers: Have you ever accepted a job offer, while waiting for another job? Have you ever accepted a job offer and quit after receiving another job offer, the one you really wanted? I know many job seekers find themselves in a predicament, when they receive a job offer from one company and are still waiting for an offer from another.
Take a look at this question from a reader of Techexams.net:
” A little over a year ago, I graduated with a Bachelor’s and was out looking for a job in IT. My friend had set up an interview at this one place, and I pretty much had the job. I was also awaiting a response from another employer…I was only 50% sure that I would be offered that job. The boss from the place my friend referred me to called and offered me a job at $12.50/hour…the other job I was awaiting a call back from was offering $20/hour (plus better benefits).
I told the guy who offered me the position that I was still very interested in the job, but that I was expecting a call back from another company and could not accept the job immediately based on that fact. I also told them I understood what position it put them in and that I would understand if they needed to pursue other candidates. Well, the manager was PISSED…but I felt I did the right thing. Sure, it was a risk in rejecting a offer when I didn’t know for sure I had that other job, but I did not want to mislead the other job and screw them over. I was offered the other job a few days later (and am currently working there).”
What would you tell this job seeker? Did he do the right thing? Feel free to leave a comment below!
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4 opinions for Job Seeker’s Dilemma
EMS
Sep 21, 2007 at 4:19 pm
Having been a recruiter for nearly 10 years, I can wholeheartedly tell you that you did the right thing! A self respecting manager would have recognized and appreciated your honesty. The fact that you upset him, instead, should have been a HUGE warning sign to you that this was not someone you were likely to have a good experience working under.
Congratulations on getting the job you wanted and kudos to you for being direct and respectful in the way you handled negotiations.
Darlene McDaniel
Sep 21, 2007 at 5:14 pm
Thanks for stopping by Interview Chatter EMS. I appreciate your input on this situation! Feel free to stop by any time.
Mark
Sep 25, 2007 at 7:08 am
Most certainly, imho, he did the right thing and I agree with the commenter above. The fact that the one manager got upset ought to have been a huge warning that he wasn’t the right person to work for or with!
Thanks for stopping by my place! :)
Karen
Oct 22, 2008 at 8:03 pm
I was in a similar situation and did the same thing. However, I did not get the second job. I would not change how I handled it because I did what I felt was the right thing to do.
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