Job interview: holding off on an offer?

xraydog

New graduate here, just going for my first serious job interview tomorrow. I have another one scheduled for later in the week.

If tomorrow they offer me a job how can I hold off on it so I can go to the other one and then decide between the two?

I'm a computer science major and both of these are software development jobs if that makes any difference.

Willeth

You are being very optimistic. Very few interviewers will offer you a job right then and there, and you'd have to be something pretty special.

Likely scenario is that they'll wait a week and call you for a second interview or with an offer (or a rejection or no contact, depending), by which time you'll have a gauge on the other guys.

ihmmy

almost every job I've ever had, I've been hired during the interview - including my first professional gig after completing school.

Do you currently have a job? Tell the employer (if they do happen to offer) that you need a few days to give notice to your current employer before accepting any job offers or signing any contracts

hamdingers

I doubt they expect you to decide right then and there. Just say that you would like to get back to them quickly - if you are married, saying you need to discuss briefly with your spouse sounds completely reasonable.

lunchbox12682

Usually a week is fine.
And no it is not uncommon to be offered a job quickly in some industries.

Improvolone

If they want to hire you, they will give you a few days to decide because hey, they want you and it probably isn't an emergency.
Consider these two things though. The job market sucks, if its a good offer take it. Hell, you can always decline the offer after accepting it. Its not legally binding. Also, I've usually had more than one interview before being given a job.

ceres

Often they'll ask you when you can start if you get the job, and you can respond to that with "Monday" or "I need to give my current employer two weeks," which in my experience is often respected because they don't like people quitting on THEM with no notice. But know that if you aren't currently employed and you try to tell them "two weeks from Monday" you're going to sound like a bum.

xraydog

Thanks for the tips guys. I'll take your advice and just play it by ear tomorrow. I'm kind of nervous this being my first professional interview and all. I'll be okay as soon as I'm there and start talking to people.

Anyone else been through an interview for a software dev job? They say it'll take at least a few hours. That's a lot of whiteboarding. Sounds like fun! :P

admanb

xraydog wrote: »

Thanks for the tips guys. I'll take your advice and just play it by ear tomorrow. I'm kind of nervous this being my first professional interview and all. I'll be okay as soon as I'm there and start talking to people.

Anyone else been through an interview for a software dev job? They say it'll take at least a few hours. That's a lot of whiteboarding. Sounds like fun! :P

It's better to say, "I haven't had any experience with [some technology they just asked about]" than flail around for a vague, inaccurate decision.

If you have a shitty, slow solution to a whiteboard problem, write it up anyways. Then explain why it's shitty and slow and use that to jump off into a better solution.

If you've worked on a project that is related to something they ask you about, bring it up.

If your interviewers are going to be developers, don't wear a suit.

Jimmy King

I've been in lots of software dev interviews. They've been all over the place. Everyone does it differently.

I've been through everything from just talking about what I've done, what I enjoy, and generally chatting about code and tech to having 4 or 5 guys all asking me off the wall questions at once to see how I react to hand written tests where I had to write out code and sql solutions to problems (and even Vi commands!) to really terrible multiple choice tests written by people who didn't actually know the programming language the test was over (pro-tip: if you're ever writing questions for a Perl proficiency test for a company, make sure you know the difference between single and double quotes).

I've also had jobs that took a week or so to make an offer, jobs where I've had the offer made at the interview or within an hour or so of leaving the interview, and jobs where I was told in the interview that I basically had the job but the person who had to sign off on it was going out of town for two weeks so they couldn't make it official until then and then they decided not to hire anyone.

Just go in, do your best, and try not to worry.

YodaTuna

admanb wrote: »

If your interviewers are going to be developers, don't wear a suit.

Wear a suit. Not all developers are going to be laid back and you may end up running into someone from HR or the department manager. You can always take off your blazer if you get uncomfortable writing.

Edit: As far as the job offer, even if you accept a job, you can always turn it down later. You're not going to make any friends and it really uncomfortable and you have to basically write of the company as a perspective employer for awhile, but don't get sucked into a job just because you feel bad. I've actually had to do this and the company I accepted and then turned down the offer from took it pretty well.

Jimmy King

YodaTuna wrote: »

admanb wrote: »

If your interviewers are going to be developers, don't wear a suit.

Wear a suit. Not all developers are going to be laid back and you may end up running into someone from HR or the department manager. You can always take off your blazer if you get uncomfortable writing.

Agreed. I work at one of those laid back t-shirts and jeans/shorts places. I'm not going to not hire someone because they went to the effort to dress up for an interview. I might not hire someone because they didn't, though, depending on how the rest of the interview and the other interviews went.

admanb

I don't mean, "don't dress up." A nice button down, jacket, and good pair of pants (or dark jeans -- they count these days) are a good idea. But a full suit is going to be two-three levels of formality above almost anyone you're going to meet in a developer interview, and you're going to feel awkward and out of place. You should look like you're making an effort, but not like you're conforming to some expected standard.

I should say this is the perspective of someone who has interviewed exclusively with Seattle and Bay Area startup-style companies. When I talked to HR people and managers they were in jeans and t-shirts or button downs.

Deebaser

admanb wrote: »

When I talked to HR people and managers they were in jeans and t-shirts or button downs.

It's a good thing those people weren't, you know, interviewing for a job.

To the OP: Don't do what people in the Bay Area do, if you aren't in the Bay Area. Those people are an anomaly.

TechBoy

I agree that a suit is probably overkill, but do look sharp.

I'd say business casual is probably ok, especially for a recent grad.

Nice slacks and some dress shoes, and either a nice button down shirt (tucked in) or polo shirt (but you better not pop the collar!!).

A tie might be a good idea too, but only if you wear a button down shirt.

fightinfilipino

admanb wrote: »

I don't mean, "don't dress up." A nice button down, jacket, and good pair of pants (or dark jeans -- they count these days) are a good idea. But a full suit is going to be two-three levels of formality above almost anyone you're going to meet in a developer interview, and you're going to feel awkward and out of place. You should look like you're making an effort, but not like you're conforming to some expected standard.

I should say this is the perspective of someone who has interviewed exclusively with Seattle and Bay Area startup-style companies. When I talked to HR people and managers they were in jeans and t-shirts or button downs.

it's always safer to dress up rather than dress down. it shows the interviewer that you respect them, are serious about the job, and are well put-together.

if it ends up being a casual workplace and you later get hired, then you can relax and match the dress code.

but good lord, a decent suit will get you places. i also think in terms of feeling, instead of being "awkward", it will give you a bit more confidence. seriously. wearing a good suit is like wearing nice battle fatigues: not only do you feel sharper and ready for the role, your interviewer will automatically think as such.

afrowoman

Here are a few excuses that you could say...


1. your pet suddenly got very sick and the only day that the veterinarian can look at your pet is ___________(whatever the day you have the other interview).

2. your father decided to schedule you a Dentist appointment, (without telling you), and that you can't reschedule the appointment....

3. You have to drive your sibling around because your sibling's car's engine caught fire....

(Note: that actually happened to my sister... car died half-way up the drive way... had to tow it out...i'm still laughing to this day.... this happened 7 years ago....)

Raekreu

lunchbox12682 wrote: »

Usually a week is fine.
And no it is not uncommon to be offered a job quickly in some industries.

Yeah, I agree. A week is a reasonable amount of time to delay if they make you an offer during the interview. I doubt highly that the company you're interviewing for would find it odd but I wouldn't come out and say "Uh, yeah, gonna go to another interview later this week and I wanna know which of you guys is gonna pay me more". Just tell them (in your words) that you'd like some time to consider this new development so that you can be objective about it and/or wrap up a few loose ends/make appropriate preparations/go get shitfaced with your friends in celebration over being gainfully employed.

Willeth

afrowoman wrote: »

Here are a few excuses that you could say...


1. your pet suddenly got very sick and the only day that the veterinarian can look at your pet is ___________(whatever the day you have the other interview).

2. your father decided to schedule you a Dentist appointment, (without telling you), and that you can't reschedule the appointment....

3. You have to drive your sibling around because your sibling's car's engine caught fire....

(Note: that actually happened to my sister... car died half-way up the drive way... had to tow it out...i'm still laughing to this day.... this happened 7 years ago....)

What? No. Don't lie at all.

JNighthawk

xraydog wrote: »

Thanks for the tips guys. I'll take your advice and just play it by ear tomorrow. I'm kind of nervous this being my first professional interview and all. I'll be okay as soon as I'm there and start talking to people.

Anyone else been through an interview for a software dev job? They say it'll take at least a few hours. That's a lot of whiteboarding. Sounds like fun! :P

Relax (it's hard) and don't be afraid to look dumb or not have an answer. Your thought process is more important than getting the right answer most of the time. Think out loud, state your assumptions, and ask for clarification if you need it. The dudes on the other side went through the same process and understand you're nervous.

Tavataar

If you are interviewing at a large(r) company you should most definitely wear a suit, or at a minimum a sports coat, khakis, and a tie. Especially if your company has other clients that you would potentially be working with in the future, they will expect you to be able to dress professionally.

If it is a tiny, start-up that is beyond super casual, then I would say you could get away with simply a nice button down and some pressed pants. But it will never hurt you to overdress.

I second everyone who said to "not lie about what you don't know". Saves everyone time in the interview, and lets you get to questions that you can impress them with.

Also, there is nothing wrong with saying "Your offer sounds great, I need a few days to think about it, I will get back to you by middle of next week" or some such. Whatever you do, don't make up some silly goose excuse!

Best of luck!

Sir Carcass

fightinfilipino wrote: »

admanb wrote: »

I don't mean, "don't dress up." A nice button down, jacket, and good pair of pants (or dark jeans -- they count these days) are a good idea. But a full suit is going to be two-three levels of formality above almost anyone you're going to meet in a developer interview, and you're going to feel awkward and out of place. You should look like you're making an effort, but not like you're conforming to some expected standard.

I should say this is the perspective of someone who has interviewed exclusively with Seattle and Bay Area startup-style companies. When I talked to HR people and managers they were in jeans and t-shirts or button downs.

it's always safer to dress up rather than dress down. it shows the interviewer that you respect them, are serious about the job, and are well put-together.

if it ends up being a casual workplace and you later get hired, then you can relax and match the dress code.

but good lord, a decent suit will get you places. i also think in terms of feeling, instead of being "awkward", it will give you a bit more confidence. seriously. wearing a good suit is like wearing nice battle fatigues: not only do you feel sharper and ready for the role, your interviewer will automatically think as such.

Yeah, always wear a suit. I can guarantee you, unless you're interviewing for someone that works out of their garage (and maybe not even then), an interviewer will never say to themselves, "Man, this guy is way overdressed." At worst, wearing a suit won't do anything for you and means you were a little uncomfortable for 30 minutes. You're much more likely to make a good impression.

Sipex

admanb wrote: »

I don't mean, "don't dress up." A nice button down, jacket, and good pair of pants (or dark jeans -- they count these days) are a good idea. But a full suit is going to be two-three levels of formality above almost anyone you're going to meet in a developer interview, and you're going to feel awkward and out of place. You should look like you're making an effort, but not like you're conforming to some expected standard.

I should say this is the perspective of someone who has interviewed exclusively with Seattle and Bay Area startup-style companies. When I talked to HR people and managers they were in jeans and t-shirts or button downs.

I say this depends on the place.

Banks and Law Firms? Definitely wear a suit.

Tech firms? Usually business casual + tie does it.

L Ron Howard

In the very odd chance that they'll offer you a job on the spot, just tell them that you'll need a couple of days to consider the offer.

I don't understand why you wouldn't wear a full suit regardless of where you're interviewing. I've worn my suit to every interview I've had, including retail places. Overdressed, maybe? But I'm sure you can concoct a billion reasons why to wear it.

Zek

admanb wrote: »

I don't mean, "don't dress up." A nice button down, jacket, and good pair of pants (or dark jeans -- they count these days) are a good idea. But a full suit is going to be two-three levels of formality above almost anyone you're going to meet in a developer interview, and you're going to feel awkward and out of place. You should look like you're making an effort, but not like you're conforming to some expected standard.

I should say this is the perspective of someone who has interviewed exclusively with Seattle and Bay Area startup-style companies. When I talked to HR people and managers they were in jeans and t-shirts or button downs.

Do you really think they would start talking behind your back if you wore a suit? "Oh, look at mister moneybags over there, he thinks he's too good for us!" No, wearing a suit is expected for a professional interview and everybody who will be interviewing you understands that. You should wear a suit unless someone explicitly tells you otherwise.

VeritasVR

I don't understand how some people can get jobs, especially with any sort of education, without a suit.

It doesn't matter what the interviewer is wearing.
It doesn't matter what the daily job attire is like.

Deebaser

xraydog wrote: »

New graduate here, just going for my first serious job interview tomorrow. I have another one scheduled for later in the week.

If tomorrow they offer me a job how can I hold off on it so I can go to the other one and then decide between the two?
[snip]

And this is just adorable. I just wanna muss up your hair, you optimistic scamp.

No matter what happens at this interview, don't lose that positivity. They can smell fear and desperation in an interview and they're very unsexy in a candidate.

3drage

xraydog wrote: »

New graduate here, just going for my first serious job interview tomorrow. I have another one scheduled for later in the week.

If tomorrow they offer me a job how can I hold off on it so I can go to the other one and then decide between the two?

I'm a computer science major and both of these are software development jobs if that makes any difference.

It'll be about a week before you get an offer letter or call. If they offer you a job on the spot, logic would dictate they are desperate to fill the position and/or had no other people applying. At which point you can take the lead and tell them you would like a little time to think it over. Just keep in mind that with the economy the way it is, jobs are hard to come by and if you wait too long they'll snag another person.

But realistically I doubt you will get an offer before you've had a chance to do your other interview.

Serpent

Here's the question:

You do well at the interview and wear jeans.

Another guy does well at the interview and is wearing a suit.

All else being equal, who is going to get hired?

Improvolone

I was told "don't wear a suit" by the guy who was going to interview me. This is probably the only scenario you had better not wear a suit.

VeritasVR

Improvolone wrote: »

I was told "don't wear a suit" by the guy who was going to interview me. This is probably the only scenario you had better not wear a suit.

Personally, I would immediately question my purposes for working there, try to rationalize them, and eventually regard the upcoming no-suit interview as "experience" regardless of job offering.

Improvolone

Are you saying you'd wear a suit regardless?

Sir Carcass

Improvolone wrote: »

Are you saying you'd wear a suit regardless?

That's tough, but most likely it was in a "you don't need to dress all up for this", but in that case I would probably wear a suit without the jacket.

VeritasVR

Improvolone wrote: »

Are you saying you'd wear a suit regardless?

I'm saying that I'd be hesistant to take a job from a company that blatantly told me not to wear a suit to the interview.

Improvolone

Hey, if wearing a suit is more important to you than having a job, so be it.

Sir Carcass wrote: »

Improvolone wrote: »

Are you saying you'd wear a suit regardless?

That's tough, but most likely it was in a "you don't need to dress all up for this", but in that case I would probably wear a suit without the jacket.

No, it was, "don't wear a suit, we're not that formal".
So I didn't wear a suit, because my hopeful boss told me not to.

VeritasVR

Improvolone wrote: »

Hey, if wearing a suit is more important to you than having a job, so be it.

I never said that.

Okay, I kind of implied that. Only assuming that there would be other offers that did require a suit.

If this was my one-and-only shot at any job in the next year or something, then you better believe I'd do a dance for them on command.

Improvolone

And yea, lets just say its a weird place to work and them saying that is an interesting sign of "management" technique.

VeritasVR

ITT we learn that Improvolone and VeritasVR have different workplaces.

ceres

I'm sorry, but this needs to be said.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbBs2OcR8a8

Disrupter

Ive never worn a suit to an interview...

Ive interviewed people and never seen THEM wear a suit.

Ive seen other people interviewed and never seen THEM wear a suit either.

Dress shirt, tie and dress pants is all it takes.

VeritasVR

I don't mean to insult you or Improvolone, but where are you guys working? It's just that I have the complete opposite response.

Actually, just tell me what kind of workplace, industry, or country (if you want, and if it doesn't reveal too much personal info). I'm genuinely curious.