Tell interviewers about other job accepted but not started yet?

[GabesMommy2014]

Hello,

I am excited to report that I will be interviewing for a spot on my dream unit in my dream hospital next week - a hospital that is only 10 minutes away from my home! (I previously worked 3+ hrs away and commuted). This interview was unexpected (I had applied 2+ months ago and thought I had no shot).

However, I have recently accepted a position at another hospital about 45mins away but haven't started yet (I am will start in June). This is also a wonderful hospital, but not my "dream" hospital.

My question is this: should I tell my interviewer that I have already accepted a different position? If I do, I would tell them that if I am offered a PD or PT position at their facility I would keep my job the other hospital (which is PT); however if I am offered a FT position, I would quit the other position.

Or would it be wiser to just leave this information out until I (hopefully!!!) receive a job offer from the closer hospital?

I feel like I would need to tell them if they asked, as I have already left my previous position and would need to explain why...

Thanks in advance for any input provided!!!!

[OrganizedChaos, LVN]

I wouldn't say anything, you just have the interview. If you get the job at your 'dream' hospital, then say something. But not in the interview. That might ruin your chance all together.

[caliotter3]

You definitely can expect not to get a job offer if you mention the other job. Keep quiet until you find out if you have a new offer on the table, then make your choice.

[GabesMommy2014]

Thanks for the input organizedchaos and Caliotter! My big concern is this: I have already done all the new hire stuff at the first hospital so am just waiting to officially start...so I'm thinking if they offer me a position when they do the background check it will show up so I feel like I need to be upfront about it or look like a liar. But I also don't want to mess up my chances of being hired.... 😓

[OrganizedChaos, LVN]

Well you can tell them & risk not getting a job or tell them once you have a firm job offer. I would tell them if I had a job offer & no sooner.

[GabesMommy2014]

I definitely won't volunteer the information...but what do I say if they specifically ask about my "current" job? I am no longer employed at my first job and I haven't started the other one so I now have a slight gap...

[Swellz]

I definitely won't volunteer the information...but what do I say if they specifically ask about my "current" job? I am no longer employed at my first job and I haven't started the other one so I now have a slight gap...

You left your previous job, you are applying for this one. Doesn't that cover it? They know you need a job otherwise you wouldn't be there. There are plenty of reasons to leave a job when you don't have another lined up, including no longer being able to tolerate a 3 hour commute.

[Wrench Party]

Do not put your foot in your mouth. I've seen plenty of nurses quit decent positions, myself included, for better opportunities even when

the timing wasn't perfect to do so. You need to do what's best for your career and your family.

[BiotoBSNtoFNP]

I had accepted a job offer and then had an interview at a more attractive hospital. At the end of the interview when I was thanking her, I told the interviewer that I also had another offer at a different hospital however if i was offered this job, I would love to accept it.

HR called me the next day and offered me the job. I signed the paperwork a few weeks later. After the paperwork and pre employment physical was completed (to ensure I wasnt left without EITHER job!!) I called the first, less desirable hospital and told them I would not be starting on orientation.

I would not tell the interviewer that you have accepted a position and the thing about if its part time or full time. That just sounds confusing and I dont think the interviewer would be interested. Saying you have another offer that you need to respond to by the end of the week (or whatever) lets then know you need an answer from them soon but that they are your top choice. I wouldnt be concerned about the new job coming up on a background check.

Good luck!