HELP: Awaiting offer letter/contract, but getting invited to other interviews

Hi all,

There's already some discussion on this topic, which I have been through, but wanted to get some fresh opinions if possible.

I have been made a verbal offer from Firm A and told that the letter/contract will be with me (hopefully) by the end of this week. I believe it's just an admin issue that is holding things up as everything has been signed off by all relevant parties.

At the same time, I am being invited to interview at 2 other places next week, both of which are quite interesting and desirable positions. I do not want to waste time preparing for those other 2 interviews as I would prefer to take the offer that I have been made, and I also don't want to waste anyone's time. However, the received wisdom is that "verbal offers mean nothing" and you are a free agent until the ink has dried on the contract.

Should I at least schedule the interviews for next week and cancel them last minute if the offer letter/contract comes through from Firm A by the end of the week? Or should I politely decline the interviews straight off the bat?

Your guidance is much appreciated WSO

16 Comments
 

You answered your question with the wisdom you quoted. Until you have a letter in hand, sign it and send it back to them, don't assume you have the offer in hand and prep for these interviews like you would normally. Even if you get the offer, I would schedule the interviews and go through with them.

 

Apologies guys, it seems I've omitted some important details. 1) I have already been given a start date 2) This is an internal move and, to my knowledge, won't require the same background check process (if any) as an external move. Does that make a difference to your conclusions?

 

Always make sure you have something written and concrete. Last minute changes or cancellations are always a possibility.

I will still do the interviews otherwise.

No pain no game.
 

Go on the interview. If anything you will be more relaxed because you have something, and you can be candid about your existing offer but you preferring the role you are interviewing for. If they like you they will move quickly. It kind of eliminates some of the BS and waiting during the process because having an offer and a timetable makes you a more attractive candidate.

 

id say go for it, although be discreet and careful. I know of someone whereby it got out (through classmates,colleagues etc), and needless to say the firm making the initial offer wasn't very happy about it. The person ended up getting the other job and taking it however.

 
wiilll

The thing I'm concerned about is that this offer has been signed for over a month now, and I'm pretty far on with preparations with the BB, if I was offered the other job how the hell would I get out of the other contract?

I take it most contracts these days are at-will.

So if you just call HR and turn it down, they really can't do much. Just be sure you have any offer/contract locked in.

 

Right so i did the interview and have been offered the job in risk, which is pretty much the ideal situation for me, good money, good company, good location and prospects.

Only thing to do is ring/email the BB to turn the offer i signed down, i don't think they can do anything serious as the contract states repeatedly that it only comes into force upon commencement of employment.

Any idea how to best negotiate this?

 
wiilll

Right so i did the interview and have been offered the job in risk, which is pretty much the ideal situation for me, good money, good company, good location and prospects.

Only thing to do is ring/email the BB to turn the offer i signed down, i don't think they can do anything serious as the contract states repeatedly that it only comes into force upon commencement of employment.

Any idea how to best negotiate this?

What do you mean "how to best negotiate this?"

There shouldn't be anything to negotiate. Also, review the contract you signed to be sure you didn't sign for any serious ramifications.

 

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