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I'm not there yet, but honestly, I'm already conflicted so I thought I'd ask about this. I've only seen people post about very specific offers, so if there's a better thread, feel free to send me there.
Quick background. I live in CA, applied to 4 jobs in OR. I am moving in 2 weeks. I didn't expect to get any nibbles, but I got two. My minimum salary I'd like is $47k, but I'd prefer $50k. I can live on less, if needed.
Job 1: I am coming to a close with one place. I have had a phone interview and took my assessment tests. On July 2, they asked me to come in for an in-person interview. They are flying me up (and paying it which is rarely done for my type of job). The HR lady loves me for this position and seems like they are very serious about hiring me. So this process is moving along very fast (I think it's been like 10 days or something). Their range is $42-50k and is 15 miles away.
Job 2: On July 3, HR called and for me to come in for an interview. The interview will be with a a few managers (I think she said 3 or 4, but not sure with whom). Long story short, we're trying to either schedule Skype (on July 9) or to meet up the same day I fly up for my other interview (July 10). So I'm just starting the process here. Their range is $47-61k and is 8 miles away.
I honestly thought that regardless of the job, I'd just take whatever I get offered because it's a job and we all know how hard those are to come by nowadays. Needless to say, I was surprised to get TWO interviews considering I'm out of state.
So here's my dilemma. Let's say Job 1 gives me an offer July 12 (just throwing dates out). But Job 2 liked me a lot at my interview and wants me to do another interview on July 12. I'm assuming they wouldn't make a decision after one interview, only because they're gov't, but who knows.
How do you handle the job offer and possibility of a second offer? Let's assume job description wise, they're the same. The second job, as you can see offers up a higher range and more what I'd really like to make and is closer to home. The first job is closer to making an offer, I can still get what I'd like to make most likely (they've already stated I won't need to start at the bottom of the range), but will hit the top fast (unless they allow people to go out of the range - I should ask about this if/when salary negotiations come up), and is further from home. I'm afraid of burning bridges so I'd rather not accept an offer from Job 1, only to say thanks, but no thanks a week or two later and accept Job 2 offer (you just never know is this economy).
well, i wouldn't really worry about it til it happens, but it's not a great choice. there's not some ingenious solution you haven't thought of. if you're offered the first job, your choices are basically:
1. take the first offer and stick with it, giving up on the higher one that isn't sure thing.
2. take the first offer knowing that you will leave for the higher offer if you get that, but you will be burning a bridge.
3. reject the first offer hoping that you will get the higher offer, but then you might not.
each approach has its pros and cons. government hiring processes tend to take FOREVER, by the way, so you're right that if the first place makes you an offer, you probably won't have one from the second place yet. it'd be awesome if the timing worked out so that you could just choose between the two, but that's rare.
i've put myself through these kinds of mental loopdeloops only to not get offered either job, which always makes you feel great about yourself!
well, i wouldn't really worry about it til it happens, but it's not a great choice. there's not some ingenious solution you haven't thought of. if you're offered the first job, your choices are basically:
1. take the first offer and stick with it, giving up on the higher one that isn't sure thing.
2. take the first offer knowing that you will leave for the higher offer if you get that, but you will be burning a bridge.
3. reject the first offer hoping that you will get the higher offer, but then you might not.
each approach has its pros and cons. government hiring processes tend to take FOREVER, by the way, so you're right that if the first place makes you an offer, you probably won't have one from the second place yet. it'd be awesome if the timing worked out so that you could just choose between the two, but that's rare.
i've put myself through these kinds of mental loopdeloops only to not get offered either job, which always makes you feel great about yourself!
Thanks. Yeah, with the job market the way it is, I don't want to play chicken with offers. I really hate option #2.
So no ingenious solution? I was hoping for one. Really I was. LOL. I'm not stressing out over this, however, I've had it happen to me before and was hoping there was a better solution.
See this fairly recent thread for the general thought process, which is 'take the sure thing'. I have almost never seen a thread converge on agreement so quickly. You're don't seem to be naive as the OP in this thread, so I hope you get the point:
See this fairly recent thread for the general thought process, which is 'take the sure thing'. I have almost never seen a thread converge on agreement so quickly. You're don't seem to be naive as the OP in this thread, so I hope you get the point:
First, why did that not come up in search? Sheesh. Had I seen that, I wouldn't have bothered posting, LOL. sorry about that.
Wow. Just read that entire thread. Looks like I'd best just take what is in front of me (if it comes to fruition). Trust me, I wouldn't have strung along an employer with an offer like that OP did. That's unprofessional IMHO. I know asking for an extension tells the employer I'm waiting on something else.
I think, if Job 2 says they're really interested and Job 1 gives me an offer, I will let Job 2 know and see what they do. I think we all would agree if they can't or won't push for an offer, then it's not worth waiting.
All great advice and yes, when C-D agrees like that, wow. Just wow.
Thanks for linking to that and yes, I got the point within the first page.
I think, if Job 2 says they're really interested and Job 1 gives me an offer, I will let Job 2 know and see what they do. I think we all would agree if they can't or won't push for an offer, then it's not worth waiting.
yeah, this is worth doing for sure. again, with government bureaucracy the way it is, they may not be able to do anything, but there's no reason not to give it a shot. just keep in mind that you shouldn't ask for more than a few days, max, to think about an offer. you seem to get that, though.
Job 1: Their range is $42-50k + XYZ likelihood & opportunity for growth & advancement Job 2: Their range is $47-61k + XYZ likelihood & opportunity for growth &advancement
So what do you do? Thoughts? Advice? TIA.
Don't be distracted by today.
You're uprooting yourself completely AND taking a 50% cut in the process.
iow... The $5000 difference in starting salary isn't the issue to focus on.
yeah, this is worth doing for sure. again, with government bureaucracy the way it is, they may not be able to do anything, but there's no reason not to give it a shot. just keep in mind that you shouldn't ask for more than a few days, max, to think about an offer. you seem to get that, though.
Don't be distracted by today.
You're uprooting yourself completely AND taking a 50% cut in the process.
iow... The $5000 difference in starting salary isn't the issue to focus on.
I agree. Granted though, $5k a year is a lot of money and I do have a minimum that I need to live off of. But yes, I think I need to focus and stress on my packing.
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Thanks!
