HUGE dilemma! Please help!

[orangeena]

I have a second interview for a job tomorrow. The first interview went very well and if the second goes well, I have reason to beleive they may offer me the position. In talking with the employer, though, they said they will be making the decision by the end of this week and they indicated that they would definitely want me to start within 2 weeks.

Here's the problem: Friday afternoon, I am leaving for the how conference and won't be back until wednesday. In order for me to start in two weeks at the new job and give the full two weeks notice at my current job, I would have to give my notice by calling in from the conference!

There is a tiny chance that I may get an offer before I get on the plane and then I would be happy to tell my employer in advance and let them decide if they still want me to go. I still wasted their $ on an unused trip, but at least I was up front with them.

Considering I probably won't have an offer before I have to get on the plane, though...I can either risk not getting the new job or pull the extremely tacky move of giving notice from the conference via phone call.

Any advice? I'm really torn here.
thanks

[chalsema]

Hmmm.. ouch this is tough. Well, if you do get an offer from the new company while at the conference you could tell them that you can't start for 3 weeks instead of two because of your obligation to the first company. Most employers, I think, would understand and allow you to put in your full 2 weeks notice at the first company. This would allow you to wait until after the conference to let your current employer know that you're taking the other job.

p.s. I'll be at the how conference too :D

[cbscreative]

Always consider how you treat your current employer will reflect how the new one sees you. If you tell the new employer that you want to give a full 2 weeks, I think they will be more impressed with your integrity.

Steve
www.cbscreative.com (http://www.cbscreative.com)

[uncle carbunkle]

what seminars are you booked into? sounds like you could use some of the advice...!:p

[orangeena]

thanks for the advice. I got the job! :)

I still have to decide if I will accept and negotiate a start date, though.

[Patrick Shannon]

Cool, good job!

[cjoe]

go on a killing rampage.

edit: i jest.

[idaho]

I'd be upfront with your current employer. Tell them before you go on the trip so they have the opportunity to change who gets to attend the conference (if they can). Just be honest with them. They'll respect you for it.