Jan 29 2009
Don’t Jump on the Job
No, I was not referring to whether or not you should bring your trampline to work so you can jump for exercise during break, though that is a fun idea in principle. I meant that you shouldn’t necessarily jump on the first job wagon that comes down your track.
I have told you in the past that you should do anything you can to get the job offer, within reason and proper ethical bounds. Now that you have achieved your goal, it is understandable to be enthusiastic beyond belief when the coveted job offer is hanging in the air.
Generally speaking, I would advise you to get the offer in writing, to include any unusual quirks you discussed as part of the deal like extra vacation, work-from-home days, or whatever. Then, I strongly suggest you sleep on it.
Tell the hiring manager that you are very excited about getting this offer and that you would like to discuss it with your family before you formally respond. Give him a specific time table and make it a short window, like by Friday or after the weekend. Do not ask him to wait for more than one week for an answer.
Now the center of power has shifted in your favor. Here is the time that you can build into the agreement something that you really want or need. For example, if the offer is low but you are already aware that they will not move the pay higher, ask for a six month review with wage adjustment.
Or, more important and fundamental than that, make sure you want to work for this company. If it is not your first choice and another firm is sitting on the fence, call them and tell them you have a pending offer and would like to hear back from them at this time. (Sometimes this works, and sometimes it doesn’t).
Now you have the power. So, use it wisely.
Be sure to visit my other blog too, http://heathmysteries.today.com.
