Accepted an offer- then got called for dream position

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Hi Nurse Beth,

How do I navigate having accepted an offer from my second choice job, then receiving an interview offer from my first choice job? I am set to start orientation at second choice position (on another unit in my current workplace) specialty, psych) and am waiting for a recruiter to schedule me an interview for a telemetry position in another hospital within our system. How could I best handle this? I don't want to put the manager out. But I don't want to lose an opportunity to work in telemetry.

Dear How to Handle,

Typically when you accept a job offer, you call your recruiter, let them know you've accepted the offer, and conclude your job search.

While it does happen, generally speaking, it's not recommended to renege on a job for a better job offer, especially when both jobs are within the same system. If you are thinking about doing this, it's important to give serious consideration to the consequences of such a move.

You have a couple of options, and as long as you have not signed a contract, the decision is not a legal matter, but a matter of ethics. Your own personal ethics.

One option is straightforward- take the psych job that you applied for, interviewed for, and accepted. Turn down the tele interview, saying that you are interested, but that, out of personal integrity, you choose to keep your original commitment. In this way, you have not tried to navigate (manipulate) the situation, and you've honored your commitment. It won't be the last time tele is hiring, and your professional reputation will be untarnished.

Another option (not ideal, but at least straightforward) is to apologize, quit the psych job, and then interview for the tele job. Know that this could backfire. You may or may not get the tele job, and the word may or may not get out within the system that you accepted a job and then reneged. Recruiters talk. Managers share information. It's possible you could be shut out of the system for future jobs. 

You say you don't want to put the (psych) manager out, but she has done more paperwork and coordination behind the scenes to hire you than you know. Not to mention she thought she had the position filled, and if you quit, she would have to start over. 

If you are asking how to hang onto your psych job just in case you need it if the tele job doesn't pan out-rethink the situation. You can't have both. I would cut my losses, make a decision, and stick with it. 

In the future, negotiate for time when considering a job offer. It is acceptable to say you are interested and need a week to consider your options. It's OK to say you have another interview.

Understand what you need and want so you don't accept a role that will cause unhappiness.  

Best wishes on your decision,

Nurse Beth

[zephyr9]

Thank you!  Much food for thought.  I received an offer from the desired job and rescinded my acceptance of the first job.  It is with concern that I read this.  I hope I have not made myself ineligible for rehire.

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

6 hours ago, zephyr9 said:

Thank you!  Much food for thought.  I received an offer from the desired job and rescinded my acceptance of the first job.  It is with concern that I read this.  I hope I have not made myself ineligible for rehire.

I'm glad it worked out. Luck and timing are on your side ?