Need advice- what would you do? Update!!

So I was unemployed and looking for a new job. I had an interview scheduled on a Monday from Firm B when I received an offer (the Wednesday before) from Firm A. I called Firm B and told them I had an offer to try to schedule an earlier interview- but they couldn't. So I interviewed at Firm B as scheduled.

I felt the interview went OK but not great. I didn't get any great feedback from the main guy I interviewed with. I sent thank you letters to all the people I met with with no response. I had to give the Firm A an answer- so I told them yes and started Monday.

Well today, 1 1/2 weeks after the interview, I get an email that from Firm B I am one of their final two candidates and am I still interested in the position.

I am not sure what to say. I have no idea what the salary/benefits are. But I was leaning towards Firm A anyway, but Firm B had lots of positives too. Firm A is a start up which holds a lot of potential, but also a lot of risk.

So what do I say? Do I tell Firm B that I am interested and (a) see if they make an offer and if so, (2) hear what it is. Or do I tell them I have already accepted something else?

To be honest, if Firm B offers me something amazing, I would leave here ( I've only been here two days). But I get a good feeling about this place. I am only working 4 days at Firm A (which I like) and the work doesn't seem to be as hard as the work I would be doing at Firm B might be.

However, my concern is that if this doesn't work out and Firm B is hiring in the future, I may burn a bridge my saying I'm interested an declining an offer should it be offered to me.

WWYD?

UPDATE! Thanks everyone. I told them that I was still interested- so we will see what happens. I appreciate everyone's advice.

Message edited 4/1/2011 9:07:19 AM.

Re: Need advice- what would you do?

Idk i think they burned the bridge by waiting 2 1/2 weeks to get back to you when they knew you had another offer on the table...

Re: Need advice- what would you do?

I would play both for right now and see what type of offer they give you...

you never know.

Re: Need advice- what would you do?

Re: Need advice- what would you do?

Re: Need advice- what would you do?

I would say you're interested and wait to hear what they come back with.

Re: Need advice- what would you do?

Ohhh!! tough call!! I can't say what to do but I was in the same shoes and ended up getting burned badly by quitting my 1st job to take the 2nd job which was offered to me a week later!

Here's how that went down: I was interviewing with 2 firms at the same time, and Firm A told me right after the interview on a Tuesday - "we liked you a lot so you can start the job next Monday if you want. The salary is X, its not negotiable since thats what all entry level employees get..so let us know..". I accepted a day later.

Firm B was a firm I interviewed with on the same day (Tuesday). They told me "we like you but we have a 2nd round of interviews you might have to come back for. Should be within 3 days."

I had no idea whether I was getting into Round 2 of interviews at Firm B. The salary at Firm was was higher but I had no idea how much higher. I found out I got the interview on Thursday so I made the appointment for the 2nd interview on Monday (the same day as I was starting my new job at Firm A).

After my 2nd interview at Firm B, I was told "we have more candidates we still want to see, but we should inform you of a decision by Friday."

Friday came and I actually got the job offer at Firm B. The salary was $22,000 HIGHER than what I was earning at Firm A, however I would have 3 bosses to report to (partners, since I was a junior attorney). This was a no-brainer.
I resigned on Friday so technically I worked at Firm A for only ONE week.

I started at Firm B and everything was perfect for about....4 months. And then the Firm folded up shop when 1 of my 3 bosses decided to accept another job outside NY and took 1/2 the firm's clients with him . Because I was the most recently hired employee, I was the first one they laid off.

So now I had 5 months of experience working for Firm B, but no job!!!

I'm not sure what to tell you, but just make sure your job is SECURE and you won't get laid off if you decide to do the bait and switch!!

Re: Need advice- what would you do?

Tell them you're still interested. You have to look out for yourself first and foremost 'cus you'll never know if the grass is greener on the other side...

Besides, with ppl changing jobs so often these days, you never know if the hiring manager will be the same.

Re: Need advice- what would you do?

I'd still go foward with Firm B or at least find out exactly what they'd be offering you.

You need to get all the facts before you make an absolute decision.

Plus, I know if I turned down B outright I'd always wonder.

Re: Need advice- what would you do?

While working at A, follow up with B and see what happens.

I would not turn off B just yet.

Re: Need advice- what would you do? Update!!

Posted by BatGirl9910

Ohhh!! tough call!! I can't say what to do but I was in the same shoes and ended up getting burned badly by quitting my 1st job to take the 2nd job which was offered to me a week later!

Here's how that went down: I was interviewing with 2 firms at the same time, and Firm A told me right after the interview on a Tuesday - "we liked you a lot so you can start the job next Monday if you want. The salary is X, its not negotiable since thats what all entry level employees get..so let us know..". I accepted a day later.

Firm B was a firm I interviewed with on the same day (Tuesday). They told me "we like you but we have a 2nd round of interviews you might have to come back for. Should be within 3 days."

I had no idea whether I was getting into Round 2 of interviews at Firm B. The salary at Firm was was higher but I had no idea how much higher. I found out I got the interview on Thursday so I made the appointment for the 2nd interview on Monday (the same day as I was starting my new job at Firm A).

After my 2nd interview at Firm B, I was told "we have more candidates we still want to see, but we should inform you of a decision by Friday."

Friday came and I actually got the job offer at Firm B. The salary was $22,000 HIGHER than what I was earning at Firm A, however I would have 3 bosses to report to (partners, since I was a junior attorney). This was a no-brainer.
I resigned on Friday so technically I worked at Firm A for only ONE week.

I started at Firm B and everything was perfect for about....4 months. And then the Firm folded up shop when 1 of my 3 bosses decided to accept another job outside NY and took 1/2 the firm's clients with him . Because I was the most recently hired employee, I was the first one they laid off.

So now I had 5 months of experience working for Firm B, but no job!!!

I'm not sure what to tell you, but just make sure your job is SECURE and you won't get laid off if you decide to do the bait and switch!!

Re: Need advice- what would you do? Update!!

So I never hear from Firm B until today. Another one line email asking if I am still interested? I don't know what to say. I am a little turned off that they would interview me and five weeks later see if I was still interested.

So far I like it here. The only downside is that it seems a bit disorganized. But it's a new office so that may change. But overall I really like the atmosphere and vibe. It's a very easy going place.

What do you think ?

Re: Need advice- what would you do? Update!!

I don't think there is anything wrong with keeping your options open & see what Firm B offers you down the line. You can go through the process & decide when an offer is made.

I'm turned off by Firm B. While our interview process is long (a lot of phone interviews, lots of schedules to coordinate) once you identify your candidates, you move quickly. It could be that you are their back-up rather than first choice.