On Sat, Jun 03, 2006 at 04:15:36PM -0700, Terrence Brannon wrote: > Acceptable interval between getting a job offer and deciding on it > ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > So I think the essential question is once you have one decent offer > (in terms of work requirements and pay), how much longer should you > interview and continue to accept offers? > I usually know when I leave an interview if I'm going to accept. Generally, I'll make a list of things that I did or didn't like about each company. If I've got multiple interview/offers at the same time, I'll go through that list with the employers. If they're too immature to listen to the things I might not have felt so great about, I'll ditch them immediately.
> A possible sticking point is if you get two great offers from > companies A and B and accept company A, a lot of times company B will > never talk to you again, which means it may have been wise to only > submit resumes in sequence and do one interview and if it seems OK, > then go with it for the time being. > I was actually in this exact position. I had some problems getting an interview with a few companies, but after I had I knew I wanted to to work for Company A. However, Company A was taking WAY too long to make a decision, and the bills needed to get paid. I ended up accepting Company B's offer, (short term contract, 3mos, with possible "to perm") because atleast I'd be able to pay bills. However, 2 weeks into the assignment, I received an offer from Company A. I took the offer, talked to the people at Company B and pulled 2 weeks of crazy code-a-thon's completing all 3 mos. of work in 1.5 weeks and training several employees in Perl. I didn't burn bridges except with the head hunters, and frankly, I'm not very distressed. After the two weeks at Company B, it was O.K., but I wasn't excited to go to work, so it wouldn't have been fair to them anyways for me to stay there even longer. > > Taking an offer as soon as it is made > --------------------------------------------------- > Most recruiter's I've dealt with in the DC Area remind me of used cars salesman. It's YOUR career, it's their bonus. If you're feeling pressured, or hassled, tell them to go away. Going into a new job feeling rushed or pressured is NOT good. > Conclusion > ---------------- It's YOUR career. You'll spend a about half your waking hours there 5 out of 7 days a week. Regardless of how much BS a recruiter is feeding you, take your time. Granted, we don't always have time. I've been there. If most corporations still valued their employees (and I don't mean casual friday), there might be an issue here. Until you find an employer that actually does care about you, and you'll know it when you do, watch out for yourself primarily. The whole interview/offer/negotiations process can be vicious. Prior to accepting the offer, if you have reservations use that in your favor. "I received your offer, and it's impressive, but I still need some time to think it over. You know if you could also throw in $benefit it'd make the choice much easier for me." I'll usually negotiate an additional week of vacation. It's a very low cost negotiation point that can make you a more productive employee. It's a win-win for the employer. If they can't see that, then for me, I'm not interested. I have a life outside of work. If you're not sure, and there's more than just money or benefits causing that hesitation, don't rush. It won't be fair to you, the employer, or the recruiter if you decide to jump ship after a month. You think recruiters are bad before you accept the offer? I know what they're like when you tell them, "this job isn't what you and the company sold me on, I'm leaving." That's not fun for anyone. That's just me though. -- Brad Lhotsky
