Do you think this letter to a potential employer is appropriate?
Asked by mrr86
I have been interviewing for jobs. I was offered a part-time internship position with a very big PR firm this morning. The internship has potential to turn into a fulltime position. However, after I received the offer which I accepted, I had a phone interview for a full-time position with another company that contacted me, and they liked me and asked me to come in. I offered to come in later in the day so I can have a clearer idea of what to do with the internship before the weekend came bc they want me to start on Monday. I went in for the interview, and was basically offered the job. He gave me a little assignment to do at home to test my creativity, but basically told me that he wanted me to think about it, and make sure I want the job, and then to let him know by Monday morning bc he said he has to interview someone else Monday, but if he knows I want the job then he would just wrap up the interview quickly. He also said if I want the job then I have to meet with someone else, but he wont introduce me to her unless I definitely want the job. We haven't discussed salary or benefits yet so I assume we would discuss it then. The thing is, I did not tell him I had an internship offer which may have been a stupid move, and I do not want to seem irresponsible and have him think I would just screw over a company that way. I am a bit stuck, bc I am supposed to start Monday at the internship. I planned on sending the employer this letter: Thank you very much for meeting with me yesterday. I found the interview very enjoyable and informative, and feel that I have a much clearer depiction of what the position entails. I have decided that working with XYZ is a great fit for my career aspirations, and I would gladly accept this position if offered. I just have some further questions about the position which I am sure will be clarified if I come in for the next step in the process. I would just like to inform you that after the interview, there was an e-mail in my inbox offering me a part-time internship temp-to-perm position with a public relations firm that I recently applied to and interviewed for. They were made aware that I planned on continuing my job search. The HR representative requested that I begin on Monday, but if this position is offered, I would let her know that I have decided to pursue this opportunity with XYZ. I am not sure what to do. Do you think this letter makes me sound good and professional, or do you have any suggestions? I plan on sending it first thing tomorrow morning, so hopefully I can have a clearer idea of where I stand by the end of the day.

Best Answer:
Dear Mr ====== Thank you for taking the time to meet with me yesterday. I now have a much clearer view of what the position with your company entails. I am truly excited at the prospect of working for XYZ. I am also very interested in learning more about my prospective responsibilities and I am looking forward to the next step in the hiring process. My excitement at the prospect of working for XYZ also puts me in the position of asking that we reset our next appointment date. After meeting with you, I received notification that I was accepted to a part time internship with another company. On Monday morning I will inform the Internship that I am also in the interview process with your company. In the spirit of professionalism, I must meet with them in person so that I may inform them of my ongoing communications and interview's with XYZ and that my intentions are to accept an XYZ position if offered. I will call you Monday afternoon to reschedule our appointment and to let you know how things are going with the Internship acceptance. Again, Thank you very much, You
my head
Answered by Tim W

I think that letter is great. It kind of sums up the whole situation for you and also lets XYZ company know that you are on the market and others want you. I can understand your frustrations, being torn between a low-paying internship job with the possibility for advancement or an immediate position.. In my opinion something may be fishy with XYZ as they made it sound like they were interested in hiring you but you have to meet with someone else. I think your best bet would to telephone the XYZ company tomorrow morning and start out with something like this.... "Mr.. JONES, Thank you so much for meeting with me yesterday afternoon.. I just wanted to quickly touch base with you regarding my decision to onboard with your company...." Then simply outline what you said above. I think you will be able to get better results. Remember if you wrote him, chances are he will write you back. With writing comes a paper trail and he may be too careful to put an offer or give you more information in writing (b/c he may not want to be obligated to honor it). On the phone, you will be able to assess the situation better.
Answered by David D

Yeah, remember you have to do what is best for you, and they will need to inform you of your salary and benefits for you to make that judgment. They understand that you'll receive several offers. If they don't and expect you to be powerless, won't that foreshadow what working for them would become? Anyway, if you are interviewing for a PR position, I would inform the potential employer on the phone if possible, even though it is a little scarier. At least you'll be able to explain yourself should the employer have any questions. Good luck!
Answered by Andrew L