Question : If I get offered a job at one place while I'm waiting to hear from another, is it okay to contact the place I haven't heard from?
Dear Ellis,
Recently I interviewed for a job I’d really like to get. The interview went well and one of the people was very encouraging, he even said he’d answer my questions “when we’re working together.” But another of the interviewers gave me mixed signals at first but sent an email saying she was trying to line up a time when they would talk about when they needed someone to start and she’d get back to me.
My problem is this, in the meantime I’ve been asked to interview at a different company. It’s an easy job, but one I already know I won’t be happy at because it’s just like other jobs I’ve taken when I need to make money. I’m trying to break the pattern of taking stupid jobs just because they’re offered.
So my question is -- if I get offered the second job, can I go back to the first place and tell them I’ve gotten an offer but I’d prefer to work for them? Or is that being too pushy and presumptuous?
Cautious but curious in NYC
Answer
Dear Cautious,
You're right being careful about this. But I think I'm going to surprise you a little here with what I like to call "gun to the head negotiating."
I would never encourage a client to bluff another offer; but, if you do actually have one in hand, then definitely go to the one you prefer and say, "I just received another interesting offer, but I wanted to tell you that I think this one is not only more exciting, but provides for both of us what I think is a great fit. I might be able to hold the other organization off for a couple of days or so, and was wondering what your time frame is. I would certainly welcome this opportunity."
The gun to the head frequently speeds up the process, and, unfortunately, sometimes companies can't speed anything up. That latter possibility may be a clue about what the organization is like to work for!
Hope this helps.
Ellis
To find answers to your questions on job search and career transition, get your copy of In Search of the Fun-Forever Job: Career Strategies that Work
Dear Ellis,
Recently I interviewed for a job I’d really like to get. The interview went well and one of the people was very encouraging, he even said he’d answer my questions “when we’re working together.” But another of the interviewers gave me mixed signals at first but sent an email saying she was trying to line up a time when they would talk about when they needed someone to start and she’d get back to me.
My problem is this, in the meantime I’ve been asked to interview at a different company. It’s an easy job, but one I already know I won’t be happy at because it’s just like other jobs I’ve taken when I need to make money. I’m trying to break the pattern of taking stupid jobs just because they’re offered.
So my question is -- if I get offered the second job, can I go back to the first place and tell them I’ve gotten an offer but I’d prefer to work for them? Or is that being too pushy and presumptuous?
Cautious but curious in NYC
Answer
Dear Cautious,
You're right being careful about this. But I think I'm going to surprise you a little here with what I like to call "gun to the head negotiating."
I would never encourage a client to bluff another offer; but, if you do actually have one in hand, then definitely go to the one you prefer and say, "I just received another interesting offer, but I wanted to tell you that I think this one is not only more exciting, but provides for both of us what I think is a great fit. I might be able to hold the other organization off for a couple of days or so, and was wondering what your time frame is. I would certainly welcome this opportunity."
The gun to the head frequently speeds up the process, and, unfortunately, sometimes companies can't speed anything up. That latter possibility may be a clue about what the organization is like to work for!
Hope this helps.
Ellis
To find answers to your questions on job search and career transition, get your copy of In Search of the Fun-Forever Job: Career Strategies that Work
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