Another job interview after job offer

[gocanucks]

Hi Everyone,

I am hoping to get some advice on my current job situation. I recently relocated to Singapore, and sent my resumes around to several places for consideration. I accepted a job offer from a reputable MNC a week ago, and had my employment pass approved, and have been scheduled to start in a couple weeks. This job was found through a head hunter.

But, today, I just heard from another very reputable MNC that they have scheduled me for an interview. This MNC is in a different industry, more towards what I am hoping to get into. As well, because I know someone in this firm who is also entry level, I know that this company would offer a significantly higher salary than the job I already accepted. This is more or less my dream job.

I have read on different posts, and know it is considered unethical to change my mind after accepting a job offer. However, this is a very big opportunity for me, and I am planning to attend the interview.

I would like to know, in the event I am hired by the second company, how would I go about handling the issue of the employment passes. Would I encounter any problems getting an employment pass from the second company so soon after being approved for the first one? Is there a more professional manner of explaining this situation to both companies? Your help is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[JayCee]

One question - have you signed a contract with the first company yet?

If yes, then you might have a bit of hassle because theoretically they could hold you to the notice period in the contract (i.e. you start work for them and resign on the very same day, you then have to work your notice) and only at the end of that will your EP be cancelled.

If no, then if they're as reputable company as you suggest then you should be able to explain the situation to them and request that they cancel your EP asap to allow your new employer to raise a new EP request.

Obviously I wouldn't tell the first employer about the second one until the second one makes you a concrete offer

[Strong Eagle]

I have read on different posts, and know it is considered unethical to change my mind after accepting a job offer. However, this is a very big opportunity for me, and I am planning to attend the interview.

I don't think it is unethical at all. In a past day and age, maybe yes. In today's world, that company would hire you, then throw you out like three day old garbage if that's what it took to hit the P&L target.

Like JC said, make sure that you have the second job, then tell the first one, 'buh-bye'. They would tell you 'buh-bye' if it suits their needs; don't short yourself on misplaced views of loyalty and ethics.

After all, if the first company really is a good one, and if they really want you, they would match or beat the package of the second.

[singaporeflyer]

I have read on different posts, and know it is considered unethical to change my mind after accepting a job offer. However, this is a very big opportunity for me, and I am planning to attend the interview.

Also be cautious to resign from your first employer, not immediately after the job offer from the second employer. But only when the EP by the Second employer is approved.

If the EP by your first employer is approved and issued, still your second employer can go ahead and apply an EP for you.

But if the EP by your first employer is approved and not issued, then your first employer must cancel the EP approval application before your second employer can apply EP for you.

[gocanucks]

Thanks for all your advice.

The first company is actually offering me a contact to permanent position, which I accepted through a headhunter, so I haven't seen the contract. But they are having me start towards the middle of the month, so I'm assuming I'll have to sign something on the first day. Besides the notice period, would companies here put penalties on early termination of contracts by the employee? Is it generally possible to negotiate these clauses out (if one is on my contact, not sure yet)? So right now, the ep is approved, but not issued.

However, my upcoming interview will be this coming week, and the hiring process for the second company will at least take 2-3 weeks (interviews, background checks, etc...). So by then, I would have issued ep, and already started work with the first company. In this case, would my only problem then be the notice period?

On a side note, should I be telling the second company about the first one? Is this necessary?

[BillyB]

I have read on different posts, and know it is considered unethical to change my mind after accepting a job offer. However, this is a very big opportunity for me, and I am planning to attend the interview.

Also be cautious to resign from your first employer, not immediately after the job offer from the second employer. But only when the EP by the Second employer is approved.

If the EP by your first employer is approved and issued, still your second employer can go ahead and apply an EP for you.

But if the EP by your first employer is approved and not issued, then your first employer must cancel the EP approval application before your second employer can apply EP for you.

Great advice......I've seen a few people jump ship thinking that because they are going to a similar or bigger company than their current employer an EP will be automatically granted, only to be vastly disappointed when its a rejection thus dropping them in the proverbial!!

[singaporeflyer]

Thanks for all your advice.

The first company is actually offering me a contact to permanent position, which I accepted through a headhunter, so I haven't seen the contract. But they are having me start towards the middle of the month, so I'm assuming I'll have to sign something on the first day. Besides the notice period, would companies here put penalties on early termination of contracts by the employee? Is it generally possible to negotiate these clauses out (if one is on my contact, not sure yet)? So right now, the ep is approved, but not issued.

However, my upcoming interview will be this coming week, and the hiring process for the second company will at least take 2-3 weeks (interviews, background checks, etc...). So by then, I would have issued ep, and already started work with the first company. In this case, would my only problem then be the notice period?

On a side note, should I be telling the second company about the first one? Is this necessary?

Your problem will be notice period and also MOM must be convinced enough to grant you the EP the second time in such a short notice. See earlier threads where SMS has said EP approval is 2 parts. One is employee qualification,experience and other is the employer's capability to prove to the MOM the need to hire this particular employee.