Interviews I have one on Monday but I want the other job

Question

I had to have 3 phone interviews before I got the actual interview which is this coming Monday. Yesterday from the same company (which is a very big firm amex ) emailed me saying when is the best time to talk for a phone interview - I emailed my number which was on my resume but emailed it again with the best time to call me this am for a phone interview.

As soon as the recruiter called he right away jumps to the 3 questions which I answered great.. Then he says let's talk about the job details. I love the way it sounds. It sounds more involved, more project work doing groups and meetings than the interview I have on Monday. I told him I have an interview on Monday am with this account. He knew the team leader and said great things. But what if I get the job on Monday and this recruit today said I have to have 2 more phone interviews with his general manager and someone else before I meet the client. That will be like 2 weeks from now and he said he has 4 candidates in mind. Should I accept the other job and then if I get this job tell the other place I got this other position. Should I just not say a thing? I also have to give 2 week notice to the place I am working at. I know I didnt get the job yet but they took down the post and the team leader was so excited that I am interviewing for the job I think I got it already. Help.

Answer 1

Sounds like you're making great progress.  But, this is a very tough job market, so you should play it safe and assume you don't have the job until you actually get the offer.

My advice would be to go to the interview on Monday and see how it goes.  Keep the 2nd job's interview on your calendar too.  If you get the offer from the job on Mon, tell them that you are very happy to get the offer, but would like the chance to finish out the other interview as well.  

Then call the recruiter to ask him to convey to the manager of the 2nd job that you have an offer from the first role, but are still interested in the 2nd role.  See if you can move up the interview, or have them negotiate w/ the first team to hold the offer open while you complete the process (they might do that, since it's the same firm).

If the above doesn't work, then you'll probably just have to make a decision.  If the 1st job isn't too bad of a job, you might consider taking it, and then applying for internal mobility in a year or two.

Good luck!!!