I'm not in this situation yet, but am wanting advice in case it happens!

I have been looking for a part time job since September. I've been fairly selective about what I've applied for looking for flexible hours, etc. Now, here's what's happening. It seems 2 jobs could come through at about the same time.

Position A: I have had 2 interviews and am supposed to hear today or tomorrow. After the 2 interviews, I'm not sure I want this job. However, it would be a job and money until I could find another one or maybe once I start I will like it. I don't know.

Position B: I have had 1 interview and was told that the hiring manager is out of town until tomorrow and I will be called in for another interview. I really want this position.

Both look promising. I am supposed to hear on A before B. However, I really want B. But, I don't want to hurt my chances with A, nor burn any bridges, nor lead them on if I were to get B.

What would you say if Postion A calls today to offer you a job, when you really want B, but probably won't know until next week whether you got B?

Should I accept it and delay the start? Decline it? I can't just not call them back because that would look bad. What would you do if it plays out this way? I don't really want to start and quit a week later.

It may not happen this way at all, but I'm nervous!

Thanks,
Lisa

__________________
"It's not having what you want,
It's wanting what you've got"

"The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything;
they just make the best of everything they have."

If you have an idea approximately when you will hear back from Job "B", I would tell Job "A" (if they contact you first) that you would let them know on a specific date (you will be hearing back from "B"). Let them know you need the time to render a decision. This also gives you the opportunity of getting some "what if" questions out of the way, such as salary, vacation time, insurance, and when these would kick in.

Good luck & hope that "B" comes through for you!

__________________
We're off to never never land

I would let the machine get the call. Then wait until tomorrow to call "A" back. There is nothing wrong with waiting one day to call back.

Good luck with "B."

__________________
TLJ ~ Where opinions are encouraged, not deleted

You laugh at me because I am different,
I laugh at you because you are all the same.

Your mind is like a parachute, it only works when it is open.

I'm with nelly. No point letting them know that your hoping for another position.

__________________
Long Lost ejm99 !

SHEEEE'SSS BAAAAACK!

I would take job A. If you hold them off for a week while waiting to hear about job B, they might hire someone else. Then if job B doesn't come through, you'll be without either one. If you get job B, call A and tell them you took another job. People do it all the time. Employeers know they are not the only place you applied at. Every place I've worked at have always hired more people then they actually needed because they know not all of them will last. Same with a big company DH works for, they had twice as many people go to orientation then they had slots open. When they took a break towards the end of orientation about half the people didn't come back.

Thanks for all the advice! Company A did not call yesterday, so either I didn't get it (which is fine!) or they haven't made their mind up yet. Either way, it bought another day. Manager for Company B is supposed to be back in town today and call me tomorrow. Fingers crossed!

Lisa

__________________
"It's not having what you want,
It's wanting what you've got"

"The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything;
they just make the best of everything they have."

Keep us updated! Here's hoping for Company B!!!