Job offer issue

mauraf

Hi
But of a dilemma I am hoping someone can advise on...

I have just in the last couple if days...been offers 2 jobs...

Company A
Good salary
Pension
Vhi
10pc bonus
12 month contract

Company B
8k more than A
Defined pension
Vhi
Permanent

Company A...received contract by email but havent signed it yet.
Company B...I rang them upon receipt of job offer from A...they were due to come back this/next week anyway...they called back a few hours later with the job offer above...

Now issue...because I have nothing in writing from B...I haven't advised A I have a better offer...and I am due to start on Monday!i called B today for something in writing but spoke to someone who said the hiring manager who I spoke to earlier in week had a family issue and was ooto...but they did say because I had it verbally,I should be ok...the hiring guy wouldn't mince his words and lead me up the proverbial path...

So issue...because of the situ with B...I feel I have start with A on Monday...B is my preference of the two btw...
Any advice on what to do? I feel awful that I may ultimately end up walking out of A very shortly afterwards..but can't take the risk that B doesn't come through....

I haven't signed A...but will have to soon unless I have an excuse...both in similar industry but different products...
Really confused...!

Any advice on what to do and how to manage this correctly?

Irish_Elect_Eng

Opportunity B is by far the best opportunity. (Defined benefit pensions are as rare as hens teeth these days and would be a good indicator to me that the company takes care of its employees.)

But....You do have to protect yourself in case that offer falls through.

Will Company B wait for your notice period at Company A?
Will there be fallout in your industry from leaving A after a short period? (Small Island)

I was in a similar circumstance some time ago, leaving a new job after a couple of days when it turned out that the role was not as described. I politely informed the HR manager that it was not going to work out and asked if they wanted me to work my notice. (They thankfully declined and I waived my few days salary, to be polite.) I then called my recruiter and accepted the offer of a contract that had been on the table for a couple of weeks in another company. (I made the right decision.)

I would show up at Company A and start that job as if you were never going to get a formal offer from B.

But do prepare for getting the formal offer from B. write a resignation letter for A, thanking them for the opportunity, but that the offer of a permanent role had come up from another company with whom you had an interview while you were job-hunting. State that the offer was not on the table when you accepted the temporary role with them, as it took Company B some time to get back to you. However, you should explain clearly that you are not in a position to refuse a permanent role, as the stability that this offers is important to you (And your family) as it allow you to plan for the future. (House, marriage, more kids, etc, as applicable)

Whatever you do, be polite, respectful and follow due process with company A, they will not be happy, but your good behavior will soften the blow.

Mr. Incognito

If B is your preference go with B.

Starting and leaving with A is madness if you dont intend staying. Let them ring the number 2 candidate and let him start Monday

Hollister11

I would take option B, even if their is a risk (or you think there is) because it isn't in writing, 8k a year more is a hell of alot of cash extra, for the same work.

Tails142

You should continue with A until you get a firm offer from B just in case. This is where the saying don't count your chickens until they've hatched comes from.

I don't see any issue working for A for a couple of weeks and then leaving if B follow through.

SF12

Take A, wait to hear details from B. It might take a month or two, so at least you'll be working away in the meantime.
I have done it and you feel a bit awkward but it all works out fine. People are generally understanding, and everyone can understand moving from a contract to a permanent job. Excellent advice in Irish_Elect_Eng post on how to go about it.
Good luck.