I might need to start working soon...

[Silound]

Been down that path myself recently, so my (from the perspective of a person who could not afford to wait a long time looking for the perfect job):


First things first, you don't have a job yet. You don't even have an offer. I've never seen a business offer anyone a serious job after just one interview. If anyone did that to me, I'm immediately questioning the job and the workplace. If they're that desperate, I want to know everything I can about the job, the workplace, and what kind of position that places me in. It's not always a good position either!

Be very prepared to take both interviews, but be prepared to make a decision and stick to it as soon as you have an offer. You can only have one job, and if one employer offers you a solid job with appropriate pay (and any benefits), you need to be ready to either take it or politely turn it down and hope (pray) you get the other job. Regardless of if you are forced to make an immediate choice or have the luxury of time, you need to have already made the decision so that you are not leaving yourself in a crack. If you get lucky, you will have the luxury of some time and may get to pick which job. If you're unlucky, you could end up being hesitant and losing out entirely. From my perspective, I would take the first offer if it were a reasonable one. You can always work somewhere for a year and then look for a better job. Experience always pays and no employer will ever fault you for looking to better your position. Displaying career goals and working to achieve them is usually something that companies reward well (and attempt to keep you for!).

Do not be afraid to be honest with your potential employers. If they ask about other inquiries, other offers, or where your resume is out to, be honest. Don't brag, or imply things that aren't stone-cold facts, or say that you'd really rather be working for X but will work for Y if they offer. No worthwhile employer will fault you for pursuing multiple jobs to land one, or for being honest about it, but it WILL hurt your chances if you come across as attempting to use an employer as a stepping stone to another. Hunting for the right person to fill a job is about as exciting and fun as hunting for the right job. They don't want to go through that again any more than you do!


I would NOT attempt to leverage one job against the other. You are not *so* valuable, and your skill set is not *so* rare, that you can incite competition between the companies. If either potential employer makes you an offer, there may be some room for negotiation, but they will not bid against each other on you. They will simply move on to the next person and offer the job to them. Moreover, if you overplay your hand attempting to negotiate, that may reflect negatively upon you.

Above all else, you need to gather your information and make a decision with the best facts you have on hand, and stick with it. You may not end up with the exact results you wanted, but you will be a lot closer than if you shoot from the hip the whole way.


Again, just my since I was in this position about a year ago.