job hunting question

[OogyWaWa]

I'm about to be in a situation where I'll likely have multiple job offers, but the time of the offers will likely be spread out, so I'm wondering what is best way to handle it.

Lets say I've got my first interview with company A. Things go well, they offer me the job, want me to start in May. I accept, wait for may.

Two weeks later I interview with company B, who also offers me a job. I like company B more than A, so I accept.

Now what to do with company A? Even though I might have singed some papers and stuff, just dump them?

What if the time I tell company A I am going to go with company B is late in the game, lets say, March or April?

These are all for internships, so not a huge deal right now, but I don't want to burn down any bridges if I don't have to, but I'll be having a lot of interviews in the next month or two, so I'm just trying to figure out what to do with multiple offers.

 

[spidey07]

If you've already accepted A and then recant that bridge is burnt forever, especially if you're already accepted in writing or signed any forms. It's OK to say you are fielding multiple offers and will have a decision at X date before you can accept.

 

[OogyWaWa]

Originally posted by: spidey07
If you've already accepted A and then recant that bridge is burnt forever, especially if you're already accepted in writing or signed any forms. It's OK to say you are fielding multiple offers and will have a decision at X date before you can accept.

i can understand that being ok if Date X is a few days or a week, maybe two weeks in advanced. But we are talking about time difference of a month to three months. If they want to hire me and I'm like "let me get back to you in a few months", it is going to be a show stopper.

 

[Tiamat]

I thought the difference was 2 weeks from reading your OP?

Have you already received the offer? Most likely Company A will not offer to you very quickly esp. if the opening is to start work in May which is 6 months away. I would expect that company to interview many people (which would delay them getting back to applicants for 2nd interviews).

Frankly, you gotta do what you gotta do. If you like Job #2, and know they like you then go with them. Whether or not you burned the bridge with Company A would be immaterial since there was no real bridge to begin with (yet). I wouldn't try to do it this way, but if it ends up that you have to burn the bridge with A, so be it. They won't lose sleep over it just like they wouldn't lose sleep over canceling your contract in April prior to your May start date.

 

[TecHNooB]

According to the HR rep who came to talk to our senior class, it's ok to accept and offer, and then reject it for a better one. They understand and it's not uncommon. As long as you notify them and show some guilt.

 

[Farang]

Let me share with you some advice my late grandpa gave to me over a bacon and egg breakfast when I was very young. Behind his bottle of McClelland scotch, he lifted a finger and his magnified eyes looked at me from behind thick glasses--"Always look out for numba one!" he shouted.

Best advice I've ever got.