Stall, until after you've had the second interview.

Ideally, if the first offers you the position at the end of the week, let them know that you're interested but not ready yet to commit.

Depending on your comfort level tell them that you're waiting to hear back from one other possible job offer, and you'll let them know by some date that you think you'll know if you have the better job yet.

I'm a firm believer in not burning my bridges though, and initially offering to take the job to dump it in a week, is definitely a way to burn your bridges.

If you are seriously considering taking the first job, tell the people at the second place. It may get them to move more quickly and it does make you look more valuable when you interview with them. (Saying "someone else offered me a job but I still want to work for you" makes you look more valueable and makes them like you are going to be dedicated to them. Win/Win. Don't do that, though, unless you have a firm offer and are willing to take it, though.

Accepting an offer and then bailing later is a perfect way burning a bridge down.
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_{ウセーバラケダ}

I was honest up front. I'm got one other pot on the burner and I want to go talk to them before I make a decision. The other pot spilled all over the stove and I went with the first place.

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There is no more degenerate kind of state than that in which the richest are supposed to be the best.
Cicero, The Republic

Last October, funding was slashed, and seven people were layed off from a team of 12.  I was told that my funding ran out sometime in April, but they'd work real hard to scrounge up money to carry me through to the end of the contract year.  That being August.

Last month, I had three job offers come in within a week of each other.  I used the first two to pressure the company I thought I wanted to work for, to get off the pot.  All the offers were for more money and more interesting work.  I was told that funding for my position was secured two days before I gave notice.  I managed to leave the place without giving my erstwhile management a fist-pumping two-handed Harvey Smith salute.

How easy was it to get offered the first, lesser job? If you turn it down and the better job falls through, maybe you'd be able to get another one just as good anyway.

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It's political correctness gone mad!

That should clear the issue right up, shouldn't it?


I am from a small, unknown country in the north called Ca-na-da. We are a simple, grease-loving people who enjoy le weekend de ski.

No, wait... this is your diary.  I've got no business changing the subject.

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Metus amatores matrum compescit, non clementia.