Signed a contact but having doubts and don't know what to do

Lollipop95

Hi,

I'm in a bit of situation where I don't quite know what to do. Basically, I applied for a job with a company a few weeks ago. They're based in the US but I've researched them and their website and even watched YouTube videos and they definitely seem very legit and very well known. They have an office in Dublin  but their HQ are in the States.

I received an email from one of the directors of the company saying a few weeks ago asking would I be available for a phone interview. A couple of people I was chatting to found the fact that they never requested a face to face interview unusual but I didn't question it at the time. The phone interview was with a couple of employees who work in the Irish office and I had a great conversation with them. They explained there's about 8 of them in the office in total but because they're expanding they wanted new people. I knew their names so I looked them up on LinkedIn and their profiles appeared genuine.

A couple of weeks ago I received a job offer from a different company. I didn't know what to do so I contacted the US company asking them would it possible to expedite my application so I knew where I stood. I got an email back from the director saying this wasn't a problem and that my application would be fast tracked to the CEO of the company. That evening I received a phone call from the CEO and again everything seemed legit and he asked me had I gone to the Irish office in person and I explained that I had not but had a good telephone conversation. The conversation went well and he told me I would be informed the next day by email.

2 days later I received a job offer by email along with the contract attached. Naturally I was delighted as this will be my first job out of college. I signed the contract, scanned it and emailed it back. There was section of the contact that also required their signature. This wasn't signed but I didn't think this was unusual.

The director who emailed me the contact asked would I be available for a chat that day (this was on Friday) and I said that would be brilliant and gave times I would be free. I never heard from her and was wondering what was going on but I didn't think too much of it as I knew they were operating on American time.  I received an email from her later that night apologising and that she would try to ring me on Monday (today).

As of yet I've had no communication from the company via email or phone and I don't know what to think as the contact stipulated that I commence employment next week.

I've showed certain family members the contact and while they think it certainly seems valid and legitimate,  they don't understand why I was never brought in for a face to face interview and why I haven't received my promised scheduled phone calls.

I'm half thinking of getting back in touch with the company who offered me the job that I turned down but I'm wondering about the contract I signed. If I back out because of doubts, could the US company sue me and bring me to the court?

I'm really hoping I'm just being paranoid and allowing others concerns to get to me and that it all turns out ok in the end but at the same time I would really appreciate some advice on what to do because I am clueless.

Thanks so much

3DataModem

In theory, they could, but in reality employment offers are almost impossible to enforce. If you are really worried, contact a solicitor who specialises in employment law.

Lollipop95

3DataModem wrote: »

In theory, they could, but in reality employment offers are almost impossible to enforce. If you are really worried, contact a solicitor who specialises in employment law.

That's good to know. I might contact one to see my rights, etc but hopefully it won't get to that stage and I am being paranoid. Many thanks

Del2005

If it's a big American company they most likely have a probation period in the contract. Probation works both ways in that either party can terminate during probation with little consequences.

Lollipop95

Del2005 wrote: »

If it's a big American company they most likely have a probation period in the contract. Probation works both ways in that either party can terminate during probation with little consequences.

Hi Del2005, yes the probationary period is 6 months