Can I get your opinion / ideas?

[mawilson 2,133]

If the first job is an at-will employment, you can always start working at the first company and switch to the 2nd company once you get an offer from them. THat is what a guy did at our office. He worked here for 3 weeks and quit yesterday when he got a better offer.

Yep. Not very nice, but hey, that's capitalism for you!

[thongd4me 69]

I didn't look at all the responses, but here's a novelty for you: honesty!

You could say you have only ONE other offer to consider and it will be

between their offer and and the first interview. The only way to tell

the real difference between the two offers is to interview for the second

one. If their offer is sincere they should agree to waiting a few more days

as that should not be too much to ask. You promise not to entertain any

more offers (than the two you are up for) and to give them a speedy decision.

Since their offer was not definitive when you got the second one,

you thought it fair to give both a fair hearing. You realize that they

may choose someone else in the interim and you are willing to take

that chance, but hope they will understand.

I suspect that both of your employers are Japanese and the above may not

pass muster given the habits and customs of Japanese HR practices,

but from what I know of the Japanese they value honesty.

[Usui Takumi 1,562]

I think I'll try to give myself till Monday to make any decisions unless the first company reacts differently.

You'll never believe this, I just got a third interview! 3 interviews in 2 days (the two on the same day are 6 hours a part.)

I've been looking for about 5 months...this is just weird. I've made lots of revisions over that time, so I must have found a sweet spot application wise.

[Pooky 3,348]

If your No.2 still hasn't given you a schedule for an interview, as soon as you've spoken to No.1, let No.2 know you've interviewed with another prospective employer, but you'd like to hear what they have to offer before being put in a position to make a decision. That lets them know you're interested and also gives them a warm, fuzzy feeling that you're an honorable person to deal with (OK, I lied about that part).

As for walking out on a job after 3 weeks because of a better offer, I personally dislike people who do that, as it shows their lack of trustworthiness. In my industry (construction), in local markets word soon gets around when you do something like that and it quickly becomes difficult to get interviews, let alone job offers. Best to avoid that kind of situation where reputation is key.

Having said that, good luck with each of your interviews. Hope the best one makes you the right offer.

[Heracles 417]

I'd take the first one if it were offered. Then if the second one comes through I'd apologize to #1 and bid them adieu.

+1

[Pinocchio Liberal 268]

I think I'll try to give myself till Monday to make any decisions unless the first company reacts differently.

You'll never believe this, I just got a third interview! 3 interviews in 2 days (the two on the same day are 6 hours a part.)

I've been looking for about 5 months...this is just weird. I've made lots of revisions over that time, so I must have found a sweet spot application wise.

Is your unemployment running out?

[Usui Takumi 1,562]

My profession is a small world, so I must not do anything that may burn a bridge.

[Heracles 417]

If your No.2 still hasn't given you a schedule for an interview, as soon as you've spoken to No.1, let No.2 know you've interviewed with another prospective employer, but you'd like to hear what they have to offer before being put in a position to make a decision. That lets them know you're interested and also gives them a warm, fuzzy feeling that you're an honorable person to deal with (OK, I lied about that part).

As for walking out on a job after 3 weeks because of a better offer, I personally dislike people who do that, as it shows their lack of trustworthiness. In my industry (construction), in local markets word soon gets around when you do something like that and it quickly becomes difficult to get interviews, let alone job offers. Best to avoid that kind of situation where reputation is key.

Having said that, good luck with each of your interviews. Hope the best one makes you the right offer.

Agreed with the first part.

Let me get this straight, employers in America do not want employees discussing pay. Employers can hire or fire you at a moments notice, yet these same employers want loyalty. #### that for a joke. They want loyalty, then they can pay for it.

I also do not work for any employer who feels employees are a dime a dozen.

[Usui Takumi 1,562]

Is your unemployment running out?

I'm still employed full time (I have had some furlough days in the past). However my employer is thinking of terminating me and then trying to hire me as an independent contractor in order to cut costs.

[Heracles 417]

Is your unemployment running out?

I am still waiting to know what you do up in that uber liberal state. Probably the democrat campaign manager.

Edited August 11, 2010 by Heracles

[Pinocchio Liberal 268]

My profession is a small world, so I must not do anything that may burn a bridge.

There is nothing better than to have two employers bidding for your services. It can be very lucrative for you. You just have to play it right.

GOOD LUCK!

[Pinocchio Liberal 268]

I am still waiting to know what you do up in that uber liberal state.

I just pay for unfortunate individuals that cant seem to take care of themselves.

Edited August 11, 2010 by Col. Lingus

[thongd4me 69]

I think I'll try to give myself till Monday to make any decisions unless the first company reacts differently.

You'll never believe this, I just got a third interview! 3 interviews in 2 days (the two on the same day are 6 hours a part.)

I've been looking for about 5 months...this is just weird. I've made lots of revisions over that time, so I must have found a sweet spot application wise.

5 monthis is a long time - the longest I've been out of work was probably 1 month,

but those were the far-away bygone days. The playing field has changed very much.