Under consideration for a job, but accepted another. What should I do? (job offer, interview)

[Fringe Event]

I interviewed for a job last Tuesday, it went well, and later in the day I sent them the requisite "thank you" letter to the interview committee (communicating my interest in the position). Wednesday morning, I got a phone call from a job I'd interviewed for weeks earlier but hadn't heard anything more from, offering me that job. I had really wanted that job, so I called them back and accepted.

I'm possibly still under consideration for the other job, but to be honest I was kind of embarrassed to withdraw my name immediately the next day after sending them the "thanks/I'm interested" letter. I also know that they called one of my references (though they may have been calling all candidates' references).

Now it's Monday and I really feel like I need to notify them... what should I do? Should I call? Should I e-mail? What should I say? It's unfortunate that my two job searches collided like that... the first one took longer than expected, and the second one was really quick (applied one day and had the interview set up two days later). I wasn't expecting the first one to take so long getting back to me, and I wasn't expecting the second one to move so fast...

[lovely40]

Employer's assume candidates are interviewing with other companies as well. I'd call and let them know you accepted another offer. And thank them for their consideration. Congrats on your new job!

[Icemodeled]

Just had this happen to me also. The place took over 2 weeks after interview. I had interviewed for several in the meantime. Anyways, best is to notify asap. Dont wait until they call offering you a job but if your certain your not going to take it, then let them know now. Calling would be best, however if they have been communicating a different way, like email, then thats ok to. I actually emailed saying I had accepted another job offer I interviewed for recently and appreciate the consideration from the company, wishing them the best ect ect. I emailed since that was mostly how we were speaking the entire time. If not though, I would call.

[Fringe Event]

I e-mailed them because we had been communicating that way.

Turns out they had wanted to give me the job, I was their leading candidate. (I guess they were going to contact me with an offer soon.)

It makes me feel good that I was wanted to for two jobs (the one I accepted, and this other one), but it is never any fun having to say "no" to people who wanted you. :-(

Anyhow, I thanked them very sincerely and told them I was very impressed with their company. Which I was. I just knew I wanted the other job; and in any case, I had no idea whether I was in the running for the second job or not, at the time I got the first offer. I'm very happy that I got the first job, so there's no regret, but I really liked the people at the second job too, so having to say "no" made me feel a little sad.