Urgent! Akward Interview and offer play out!

[dispatch3d]

So I have been looking for work for a while and have received an offer finally from Company A. The position is not in my field, is with a startup (so failure of the start is at least somewhat likely) but is guaranteed for a year. They've given me a reasonable salary in a place I'm familiar with so life-wise its a pretty good situation for at least one year.

 

Company B has a position in my field that could potentially lead to better positions even more in my field (whereas A could lead to a career I don't have a strong interest in). However, the interview process consists of a phone interview, an aptitude and integrity test, reference checks, and a final interview. Right now I have passed everything but the final interview.

 

I've received an offer from company A and my start date is next monday. I have an interview scheduled with company B next friday. I've contacted company B asking to reschedule and informed them of my situation with the pending offer in an attempt to push them to reschedule for this week/could potentially force a decision (if i'm lucky!). If company B doesn't get back to me today I'm going to call company A and ask for friday off because of a previous commitment. If they don't give me the day off I'm basically busted, but I don't think asking for a day off before I start will raise any flags or give me any risks necessarily.

 

I cannot really afford to drop an offer. It took 300+ resumes to get this one offer and probably 7-8 interviews (my interview skills are a LOT better now though!). Anyhow, ideas on how to word what I should do or any suggestions on possible actions are appreciated!

[january2011]

Well done on getting this far. You seem to have it all in hand. Not sure what you need wording or what suggested actions you need. Would you elaborate?

[Fugu]

I cannot really afford to drop an offer. It took 300+ resumes to get this one offer and probably 7-8 interviews (my interview skills are a LOT better now though!). Anyhow, ideas on how to word what I should do or any suggestions on possible actions are appreciated!

 

If you can't afford to drop an offer, then you can't afford to drop an offer. So, don't drop it. Take it, and if you're not satisfied, keep looking. You can tell company B that you already have an offer and that you have to move on it, but that you'd like to keep the door open for future opportunities.

[pink_sugar]

This is a very tough decision. Ultimately you want the experience of your field, even if that particular job may not lead to a career, Company B will help you get your foot into the door whereas Company A will not. If company A has given you short notice in regards to starting the job, you might be able to find a way to say you have a commitment on Friday that you cannot reschedule. The more notice you give them, the better. I would avoid having them know it's another interview if you do take this job and start on Monday.