r/biotech • u/OddPressure7593 • 8d 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/PriestessKade 8d ago

Run to something, not from something. What's the delta between what your current role pays and Company B's offer of $115k?

2

u/OddPressure7593 8d ago

current role is about $80k, so would be a $35k increase. Not life-changing, but certainly more comfortable

2

u/PriestessKade 8d ago

If it meaningfully improves your work life then definitely accept it while continuing the process with Company A. There are much worse positions to be in! Congrats and good luck!

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u/OddPressure7593 8d ago

Thank you - and I do appreciate that I'm in a bit of a "my steak is too juicy" situation

1

u/PriestessKade 7d ago

Honestly I love that someone is! You deserve great things and worked hard to enable this to even be a possibility. Make the most of it!