Interviews post job offer

[Emgas]

Last week I was offered a job. It wasn't my dream post, however I accepted over the phone as I've been unemployed for a few months and I'm not really in a position to be picky. I'm due to start work next month.

However I've found out this morning that I have been offered another two interviews for different jobs. If I was successful I would prefer to take one of those jobs as it's something I want to do more than the job I've just been offered. I haven't signed a contract for the job I've been offered but I would have to sign one before I started work. I don't want to tell them at my new place of work that I no longer want the job unless I've been offered a job at one of these interviews.

So my question is: if I was successful at one of my interviews coming up, is it acceptable for me to hand in my notice at my new place of work even though I'd have only been there a short period of time? Do you have to work for so long at one place before you can hand in notice?

Sorry my question is a bit long winded, I hope it makes sense! Thanks in advance.

[buildersmate]

No, there is no minimum period of working, but you must offer to work your notice period. Since you haven't yet signed a contract, technically this is one week's notice.

The company won't be too impressed - but I'd go for it.
Just to put your mind at ease, in the reverse situation I have heard of individuals being made unemployed (technically not even redundant as not enough service) because of a cessation of business decided upon at Head Office when they had only been there less than 4 weeks.

[bednobs]

i can see why this dosent sit easily with you - it wuldnt with me. Firstly let me say congratulatins - a job offer and 2 interviews! thats mre than a lot of people can say at the moment.
Anyway, yu dont owe the new cmpany any loyalty (yet) and BM is correct about notice periods. if you get offered the new one, they will probably expect you to have to work a notice period anyway. The only thing you could do is ask that the new job be on a probationary/trial basis (sort of settling in to see if you like each other) how ever this could backfire if they dont like you they could just get rid of you

[thugulike]

It's quite common for appointees to give back word. There isn't any remedy that could be used against you although I would speak to the company and explain, you never know when you may need them again.

[saxy_jag]

Go for the interviews. If you're offered a job then accept and hand in the required notice at your current job. New employers are generally quite understanding about having to give notice, and they may need time to take up references etc in any case.

[Emgas]

Thanks everyone for the responses. If I was successful naturally I would expect to work my notice. I just feel quite lucky to be in the position I'm in when you consider the current climate!! Thanks again.