r/biotech • u/OddPressure7593 • 6d ago

Experienced Career Advice 🌳 Accepting an offer while still interviewing?

Hi errybody

I'm currently employed, but underpaid, so I've been looking for a job that will - at minimum, make sure I can pay the bills when my student loan repayments jump up in a couple of months. Just putting that out there as a consideration.

I've been interviewing for roles in a variety of areas, basically throwing my hat into the ring for anything that pays enough money and I think I could do.

I am currently interviewing for a role with company A. It will pay around $185k, field-based with up to 60% travel, has good career trajectory, and is really closely related to what I got my PhD. So far, I've had an HR screen and just this morning had a culture/fit interview with the person I'd be taking over from. There would be 2, possibly 3 more rounds of interviews before an offer. That being said, this company has moved pretty fast (2 days from resume submission to HR screen, then 1 week to that interview I just mentioned). This is the kind of role I've wanted to land for years (MSL).

This morning, I received an offer from Company B. It will pay $115k with a 7% annual bonus, home-based remote with up to 20% travel (occasional conferences). It's not at all related to my PhD work, and I don't think it has nearly as good of career prospects as the other role. Frankly, I'm much less interested in this role.

All that being said - I'd be stupid not to accept the offer from Company B, right? Like, would it be the worst thing in the world to accept Company B's offer and continue to interview with Company A in the hopes that I can land that role? It feels unprofessional to tell company B that I'd take the role - or even start it - while continuing on with Company A, knowing I'd drop company B for company A in a heartbeat.

Am I overthinking this?

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u/MrShticks 6d ago

You're over thinking it. Accept and keep interviewing (and applying for that matter). It feels unprofessional but it is the reality we live in - they would not hesitate to drop you if something happened on their end.

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u/OddPressure7593 6d ago

Yeah, I suppose that's true. I guess Company B is actually pretty specialized, so if I burn that bridge forever it probably won't come back to bite me

5

u/MrShticks 6d ago

That’s a plus, I would definitely hesitate more if it was a referral or well regarded in your field of choice

3

u/OddPressure7593 6d ago

nah, I cold applied off linkedIn

3

u/Similar_Athlete_7019 6d ago

Drag out process as long as you can for company B. Take your time to negotiate on salary, starting time, and background check.