Taking job while interviewing for another

[Anonymous]

WWYD-

Current job is in volatile state due to recent merger. I might be ok or I might not. Zero promises have been made and I’m on the side that was merged in so it’s not a great spot to be.

I have been interviewing and am about to be offered another role at a different company. It should be about 30% increase and is a decent opportunity.

Meanwhile, I was just advanced to first round of an internal opportunity. This would be a big break for me and a significant salary increase if I get it - almost 70% increase and very senior role. I would say I have maybe a 30% chance of getting it but I am well qualified. They plan to have new person in place by early February.

Should I accept the external offer and try to push a start date into middle/late March, sit on it and not tell current employee for the time being, and pray for the internal role?? I’ve never done anything like this and feels somewhat shady but I don’t want to let go of a bird in the hand for a long shot?

[Anonymous]

In place by early February presumably means an offer by mid -January right? Why not just see if they can push up the timeline? This new place might not give you an offer immediately esp with it being xmas and new years so prob Jan 2 at the earliest. Seems like you could push for a few days to consider that offer so you should know if you get the big job by then.

[Anonymous]

Are they remote or in person?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In place by early February presumably means an offer by mid -January right? Why not just see if they can push up the timeline? This new place might not give you an offer immediately esp with it being xmas and new years so prob Jan 2 at the earliest. Seems like you could push for a few days to consider that offer so you should know if you get the big job by then.

They told me last week of Jan/early Feb they are targeting to make an offer. Sorry I should’ve said “announced” by early Feb. Interview process starts first week of Jan.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Are they remote or in person?

In person. Two different cities. We are ok with relocating to either one.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In place by early February presumably means an offer by mid -January right? Why not just see if they can push up the timeline? This new place might not give you an offer immediately esp with it being xmas and new years so prob Jan 2 at the earliest. Seems like you could push for a few days to consider that offer so you should know if you get the big job by then.

They told me last week of Jan/early Feb they are targeting to make an offer. Sorry I should’ve said “announced” by early Feb. Interview process starts first week of Jan.

Maybe they can push it up? You could always say an old friend reached out to you about an opportunity that way it doesn't look like you have been applying. I mean you're a known quantity, I'm sure they have an idea of whether they want you or not.

[Anonymous]

Take the external offer because it’s more secure. You seem to be in an industry Or position where you can get new jobs with higher salaries fairly easily. Take the guaranteed job now and job hop to a higher salary in a year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In place by early February presumably means an offer by mid -January right? Why not just see if they can push up the timeline? This new place might not give you an offer immediately esp with it being xmas and new years so prob Jan 2 at the earliest. Seems like you could push for a few days to consider that offer so you should know if you get the big job by then.

They told me last week of Jan/early Feb they are targeting to make an offer. Sorry I should’ve said “announced” by early Feb. Interview process starts first week of Jan.

Maybe they can push it up? You could always say an old friend reached out to you about an opportunity that way it doesn't look like you have been applying. I mean you're a known quantity, I'm sure they have an idea of whether they want you or not.

Hmm that’s an interesting thought. I am a known quantity and my guess is that it’s going to be me against one or two others. I’m more junior and not in a position to make demands in this situation. Which is leading me to want to accept the external job but be prepared to burn them if this pans out. It all doesn’t sit great with me but the timing is such that I’m not sure I have another choice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In place by early February presumably means an offer by mid -January right? Why not just see if they can push up the timeline? This new place might not give you an offer immediately esp with it being xmas and new years so prob Jan 2 at the earliest. Seems like you could push for a few days to consider that offer so you should know if you get the big job by then.

They told me last week of Jan/early Feb they are targeting to make an offer. Sorry I should’ve said “announced” by early Feb. Interview process starts first week of Jan.

Maybe they can push it up? You could always say an old friend reached out to you about an opportunity that way it doesn't look like you have been applying. I mean you're a known quantity, I'm sure they have an idea of whether they want you or not.

Hmm that’s an interesting thought. I am a known quantity and my guess is that it’s going to be me against one or two others. I’m more junior and not in a position to make demands in this situation. Which is leading me to want to accept the external job but be prepared to burn them if this pans out. It all doesn’t sit great with me but the timing is such that I’m not sure I have another choice.

PP here and I wouldn't count on being able to push your start date to March, that's pretty far away. The tough part is you're probably going to have to give notice at your current place before a decision is made which may take you out of the running.

[Anonymous]

Congrats! Once you have an offer from the external place tell your current employer you have an offer can they move up their decision timeline for the internal job. I don’t see the point in lying and saying a friend reached out to you. Especially with a merger it seems natural to pursue options. Your current employer will say yes or no, then you decide if you want to take the external job or take your chances with the internal position. You can only work the the options available to you and communicate your situation to those you are interviewing with. I’ve seen people get what they want in similar situations, and I’ve seen employers unable to speed up their timelines. It is what it is.