r/interviews • u/Kinda-Spec • 1d ago
Got an Offer! But still interviewing for a better position.
I’m in a bit of a tricky situation, and I’d really appreciate some advice. If you’ve been through something similar, what did you do and how did it turn out? And if not, what would you do in my shoes?
I’m a recent graduate and have been applying for jobs for months with little luck—no interviews until recently. I finally got an interview with a local media group for a web development role about 1hr drive away. Throughout the process, they repeatedly mentioned how many applicants they had and told me I’d hear back in about a week after each stage—but in reality, they always followed up within a day. This led me to think they might not be being the most honest with me.
For example, today I had another interview. The interviewer was late, explaining that it was because they were juggling so many candidates. She told me I’d hear back by next Tuesday. Yet only two hours later, I received a job offer with the condition that it must be signed by next Tuesday or it’s void. During the interviews, it also became clear that the person who would be my direct manager doesn’t really understand websites or coding. This leads me to believe I will be on my own in this role.
Here’s the complication: right after my second interview with Job #1 (just two days ago), I got a call from my dream company for a position I’ve been pursuing for months. I’ve been in touch with recruiters there for a while, and they told me the role wasn’t posted publicly—most applicants so far have been internal and under-qualified. I start interviewing for that role the same day I’d have to sign the offer from Job #1.
This “dream job” would pay 40%+ more, offer better benefits, be fully remote, have strong growth opportunities, and give me a manager who’s knowledgeable and could be a real mentor. The only drawback is that, in an economic downturn, this role might be more vulnerable than Job #1.
So I’m stuck:
- Do I accept Job #1 for security and because I need something now, but potentially back out if I get Job #2? (I’d feel guilty, since they clearly need someone badly.)
- Do I accept Job #1 and stop pursuing Job #2 altogether?
- Or do I try asking Job #1 for more time, even though I already said I was available ASAP and know they’re eager to fill the role?
- This is kind of a secondary question, but how should I feel about job #1 with little help in the position, and the feelings of dishonesty and desperation?
Sorry for the long post, but I’d love to hear your thoughts, advice, or experiences. Thanks!
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u/Thejgotoldjuice 1d ago
Yes it kind of sucks for company one, but in this market you gotta make sure YOURE okay no matter the cost. Especially considering they have “so many applications”
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u/Thejgotoldjuice 1d ago
Accept number one, for security, while you’re onboarding with number one, continue interview with two until you’re either confirmed or denied. That way u still have a backup, if you get rejected.
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u/stoicphilosopher 1d ago
These days, recent grads have been struggling to secure work. A bird in hand is worth two in the bush.
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u/Purple985985 1d ago
Accept job #1’s offer, but still try for job #2. If you get that, you can quit job #1. I understand you might feel guilty, but the reality is that we’re just a number to companies - whether you’ve been there one week or ten years. The market is tough, especially for new grads. Don’t risk losing job #1 when job #2 isn’t confirmed.
I’m in a similar situation. I’ve been in job #1 for 1.5 months, and I’m already in the 4th interview round for job #2. It feels good to have the security of job #1, even though it pays half of what job #2 would (if I get it, hopefully). Meanwhile, I’ve also been interviewing for better opportunities - job #3 and job #4 - to keep my options open. It definitely helps in interviews to be able to say I’m already employed.
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u/Ordinary-Monitor5342 1d ago
I’m in the same situation. Starting Job #1 on Tuesday, but just got asked to do a final for Job #2, which pays better, is remote, and is more aligned to the work I actually do. Obviously would love an offer from Job #2 but stressing already about having to quit Job #1 after only being there a short time.
The fact that you have an offer in this market though is amazing! Still prepare for your interviews and do your best, if you get a second offer you’ll have options! At the end of the day, do what’s best for you. It might feel shitty at the time, but it will be worth it in the long run.
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u/DeterminedQuokka 1d ago
I think accept job 1 and interview for 2. If their internal candidates are under qualified I would not assume that you will be as a recent graduate. Don’t abandon the thing you have for a chance. But you don’t owe company 1 anything if you get a better offer you can take it.
In company 1s defense I doubt the thing about hearing back in a week is a lie. It’s probably just the timeline they give everyone. It’s pretty normal for them to say a week and it to take a day or two.
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u/malnik77 1d ago
This is a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush situation. Take job 1 and continue interviewing for job 2.
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u/revarta 1d ago
First off, congrats on both opportunities! I'd suggest asking Job #1 for a bit more time to consider their offer. Frame it as needing time to evaluate commitments fully - it's pretty common and reasonable. Meanwhile, see if you can expedite the process with Job #2 or at least get an indication of your chances. If you have to accept Job #1, you can still reassess if Job #2 comes through. About the honesty issue at Job #1 - if you're feeling uneasy now, it might not improve later. Trust your instincts here.
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u/QueenV59 1d ago
Years ago same situation. Left a job I didn’t like and went back to my previous employer. Was back maybe 3 weeks and a new opportunity presented itself with more pay. I went and interviewed at the new place and got the job! Then the guilt set in that my previous employer took me back and now I thinking of leaving (again). Well, at the end of the day, I took the new job. My point is that you need to do what is best for you even though it may not feel right at the time. If I were you, I would take job #1 definitely and continue pursuing job #2. If you don’t pursue it and this is your dream job, you may look back with some regret and not put 100% into job #1 especially if job #1 is not all it’s cracked up to be.
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u/tautous2 1d ago
It is scary to turn down the known security. Only you can decide your risk tolerance. The way I reconciled turning down an offer that gave immediate financial reassurance was to tell myself if they hadn’t chosen me I would still be looking. All I am doing is being in charge of still looking. You already have doubts. Give the unknown a go
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u/Lunatic-BrainPower 1d ago
ACCEPT job #1, work for them until you got an offer from job #2, then resign from job #1. Otherwise, grind in job #1.