I have a question regarding resigning before joining and I hope someone can please answer them.If I am with a company which has 30 days notice period and I get offer from a company A. Company A has 60 days notice period.I resign from my current company and I am serving my notice period having accepted A's offer. During this time I receive a better offer from another company B.Are there any negative implications of joining company B and resigning from company A on my career?Do I have to serve the 60 days notice period with company A, although I havent yet started working for them but still serving notice period of my current company.Does company A have any rights and would they be my last employer with respect to company BThanks

I'm no expert, and perhaps I'm missing something but surely your original company (30 day notice period) is still technically your employer regardless of the fact that you are serving your notice. I don't believe A is therefore your last employer (or any employer at all until you turn up on your first day) with respect to B. Not sure though what comeback A has on you legally for treating them this way but I wouldn't expect them to ever greet you with open arms should you ever apply there again - I think you blotted your copybook there. Just try not to get a Company 'C' involved now or you may start to get a reputation!

This happens reasonably often. Employee is looking for a move and accepts an offer only to have an even better offer come in, that was perhaps not expected.Simple situation really. You advise Company A that you have in fact received an unexpected but more interesting offer and that you will not be joining them after all.Company A will be mildly annoyed but have no recall, other than to think badly of you. Boo Hoo.Company B will be completely unaware of all of this.This has happened to colleagues and friends of mine numerous times over the years with no serious consequences.Good luck in the new job.

HiI am in a similar situation as the first poster but slightly different still.I have already accepted offer for 1st company but I am going to attend a final round interview for 2nd company. Now company2 is a direct competitor of company1.Would it help me if I tell them that I have accepted an offer from company1 but I intend to join company2 (which is true if I have to choose between company 1 and 2) if I am offered the job,during the final interview. Will this maximise my chances or make it look bad ? Or should I just stay quiet and hope they make me an offer and never disclose about offer with company2. It could also happen that offer from company2 may come after I have actually joined company1.Expecting some advice please.

Reagan,I would say that you have an offer on the table from company 1, and although it is attractive and would suffice, you would prefer to join company 2. This should at least stop company 2 dragging their heels if they are interested in you an dshould also make it clear that you have a clear preference for 2.I'd avoid sayign you've actually accepted the offer.

Not an expert and Mr. CoolThanks for your inputs. I guess I will be accepting the second offer and let the first company know that I cant join them now.

Mr Cool implies an important point here. Just be honest with the people you are dealing with. They may not be happy but they will hopefully respect the fact you have been straight with them.

You're all a bunch of lightweights - I resigned from a previous potential role before I was even born - without anybody realising I was doing it!!!

This happened to me as well...I got an exciting offer from company B after I joined company A. Company A didn't give me an accurate description of the job I had to do, so I told them this was my main reason to leave them. Usually during the probationary period there is a week break clause. I would admit that things became very difficult when I told company A I'm a gonner. So might be better for you and the company A that you tell them in advance that you ain't joining.

Very interesting discussion. One quick question: in the scenario expressed in the first post, would you suggest informing company A that you won't be joining them anymore by telephone or e-mail? I suspect telephone is more 'noble' but e-mail seems to be less awkward (just send the e-mail and get over with it).Interested in your advice.Thanks.

bump

FolksI posted this query initially in the first post and the development has happened as expected and I have got an offer from company B which I want to join.I am serving notice period with my current employer and I am supposed to join company A next week and have now received offer from company B.While company B is aware that I have an offer from company A but they are not aware that I have already accepted it and resigned from my current role. Would anyone advise me to tell this to company B? They have informed me that they would like to offer but said they will send the offer letter in 2-3 days, this could also be longer. I dont want to delay this as I am supposed to join company A next week so would prefer to get offer letter asap.Would telling company B help that I am supposed to join A next week and that I have already resigned so please send letter asap ? Thanks

You'd appear a bit flaky if you tell co B that you are looking to take co A for a ride. Co A would be upset with you if you don't join them having accepted their offer. I would not tell anything further to co B but wait for their offer in writing. In the meantime you can start at co A. Then, when offer from co B becomes unconditional (which shouldn't take longer than a week or so), you simply don't turn up at co A and start at co B. Clearly, co A will be p*ssed off with you, but they would be anyway, whatever you do.

Thanks bloggs...but A has 3 months notice period and they would expect me to finish it. If I dont and if I just dont turn up for work I would be absconder in their records.If I tell them I cannot join before I turn up on the first day I wouldnt be an absconder in their records...though they would be p***ed off.My only worry is B is taking time to officially give a letter, though they have told on phone that they want to offer. To hurry them up I was wondering if it is a good idea to let them know that I am supposed to join A next week?

No, you'll look a right wally.Tell B that you have a firm OFFER from another company who are now putting you under pressure to ACCEPT their offer and have given you a deadline of two more days.Explain to Firm B, that you of course, do not want to accept the offer from A, but as it is a firm written offer, you are worried about turning it down, when all you have is a verbal indication from B.Ask if B could possibly rush through the letter confirming their offer and thus set your mind at rest (and allow you not to take up A's offer). Failing that could you get an e-mail with the basics of the offer from the HR department?Gee - I hope you're more decisive on projects...

Mr CoolThanks again !!I have actually informed company B about the pressure from company A and now just waiting to hear back.Dont worry I would be more decisive on projects ;)

How can we be sure you would be more decisive on projects, Charles? Sir Duncan (Not the real one).

Consultants know better!!! We know how to splurge on clients money and provide decisive advise...its a rare gifted skill we possess :)

I suspect the real Sir Dunc would be able to spell his own name.In fact he probably has a flunky to spell it for him.

I've been in this position. It's a nasty position to be in, but you do need to put your career and future first. Hopefully Company A will respect that, and I'm sure the staff that interviewed you in Company A would do the same if they were in that position.I was lucky and Company A took it on the chin with me. It's not "morally" right, and I am no expert, but I get the impression that it can be done without any legal issues.Good luck!Jimmie Danielswww.itbodies.co.uk

this has happened to me more than once. on the latest occasion i had already started at company A so i went into work normally and just waited until about 5 o'clock, packed up my bag in preparation for a swift exit and went and told them that i was leaving and not coming back.i was then taken to a small room and shouted at for about half an hour and told how awful a person i was. i smiled at them throughout and then got up and left for my mucher better job with company B.if you revel in creating awkward situations and generating an atmosphere of animosity amongst people who like you enough to hire you, then i could not recommend this route more.

if I resign from Goldman Sachs before applying, can I still put it on my cv?

Why not! We lie about futures all the time to our clients! It's the Goldman way.