Well im about to go nuts.Story: A couple of months ago i decided to go for a new job. So I applied for a bunch of companies like Deloitte/Accenture/EY/CapGemini etc.What I also did at the time was apply to 2 of the higher ranked companies (It would be a dream to work with the type of projects they do. The ranking isnt in itself interesting to me, it is just an additional parameter to consider).Weeks turn into months and after a ton of interviews I finally decide to go for a good looking offer from one of the "bunch" and i sign it. I reckon that those who havent even answered yet turned me down.Problem is that one week later I get an offer to come for an interview at one of the "higher" companies. What to do?When to tell who what?Risk having a worst case scenario where i end up empty-handed? Turning down the interview offer and spend the next couple of years wondering what might have been? Cancel an already signed deal in the last minute before starting working?Anyone have any suggestions or thoughts?

I was in a similar position a short while ago with a signed offer from a company in industry and simultaneously going through an interview process with a consulting firm.Crunch point came about 2 weeks before I was due to start at the first company but although it went against my principles I felt that, career wise, the consulting option was so much better at the time that I had to take it and let the other company down.It goes the other way too don't forget, I had an offer before the two above which was then withdrawn suddenly after I had told my current employer - brilliant!

I think it's a tricky situation but not a moral one until you lie to either firm, which I don't think you need to. As the post from Ayvik states, its quick likely that either firm would not give the same consideration that you're already giving them.There have been 2/3 very similar posts that I would encourage you to search for (at a quick glance I can only find one 32110 with a reply from Tony). You mention that you've received 'an offer to come for an interview at one of the "higher" companies'. Obviously, this may not materialise into 'a job offer' so if you've already handed in your notice to your present company it could be a real gamble turning down the offer you already have and pursuing an interview process with the one you really want. Having said that, if you really want job number 2 then maybe you should just go for it. The only advice I would give you is to not lie to your present job offer (which doesn't necessarily mean explaining the whole situation), and possibly somehow speeding up the interview process with job number 2. If you turn down the already signed contract (see the thread above regarding implications), then be professional about it and avoid burning too many bridges (which you never know when they come back in handy!)Hope that helps!

I was in exactly the same situation as you. I went to the interview and gave it my best. I got through to the final round but no offer. I would have taken the offer from the 'higher firm' (cough, McK, cough) and would have turned down the other one a diplomatically as possible. However, having gone to the interview, I can start my new job feeling great about it, with no regrets and will never wonder what might have been. The only issue in my eyes is whether it's OK to interview with other people after accepting an offer. Unless they find out about it (and even if they do) I can't really see a huge problem.

Thank you very much for your input. Some good insights. I now feel that I owe it to myself to follow up on the chance of the job and career i want the most.Ill just cross my fingers and proceed with caution :)