Dear Camille,

I have that dilemna we all love to hate - I  have been through the whole interview process. I even nailed an offer and just negotiated better terms. What can I do to  make sure this is the RIGHT opportunity for me before I accept it?

Carlsbad Pro Sitting on the Fence

 

 

 

 

 

Dear Sitting on the Fence,

WOW! Congratulations! Double Congratulations!! Not only did you land the offer, but you successfully negotiated.  First give yourself credit for that - it means you are doing lots of things right. 

 

It's pretty hard to answer your question with so little information.  Here's what I mean...If you are looking for a marketing management role and the offer is for an individual contributer role in a research department, there is not much in it for you.  But if you like the position and think it will take you closer toward your goals rather than head you in the opposite direction...that's a good sign.

 

Next, will you be doing things that you really like to do? Does the company culture seem to fit?  What about the boss?  Does the offer meet your personal values that come into play at work? (For example, if you  have kids and the job requires 100% travel - this will take away from family time - is it worth it?)

 

Also think about how much time you have to cultivate other offers.  There is something making you ask this question.  If it were a great fit, offered compensation in the range it should be, offered interesting challenges, it seems like you would jump on it. 

 

Consider the biggest obstacle holding you back in the corner of your mind -  and ask yourself whether accepting the position short-term makes sense.  Can you accept it and keep looking? Do you need to generate immediate income that this will help?  Can it be part of a portfolio of several positions/types of work? 

 

Overall, tune into your gut feeling...I wager you already know the answer!

Camille

 

 

Dear Queen Camille,

I am so annoyed.  I have been on multiple interviews that seem to go very well.  When the interviewer says they will be calling me back, they hardly ever do.  What's up with that?  What happened to basic courtesy?  I am only 28, but I am a big girl and I can take no for an answer if they don't want to hire me.  And I know to call back when I say I will.  I also don't know if I even want to work for a company that is so rude to potential employees.  How can I overcome the problem of always being the one waiting, waiting, waiting for the call? 

Waiting in LA for "THE" call

 

Dear Waiting,

What a refreshing perspective...actually expecting people to "do what they say they are going to do".

Interviewing follow-up is especially frustrating, as each company has a  different protocol, style and culture when it comes to evaluating potential new employees.  Part of the issue begins with scores of applicants clogging up the process which means that some companies are so overwhelmed that they can't even thoroughly evaluate incoming resumes. 

Interviewing...and job search in general...is like dating.  You are building relationships...you meet many different types of people (companies) and some seem like a good fit in terms of interests, values, etc.  You can tell pretty quickly...as can the company...if they like you and vice versa.   (Just like being able to tell if you want to go on a second "date".)

 They may be delaying calling you back because they are not yet  sure about where to put you on a team.  Or you may be the second choice and they are waiting for the first choice candidate to accept/reject their offer before they call you.  They may be on vacation, they may have been sidetracked on a huge project.  In other words, their lack of followup may have NOTHING to do with you.  I know, I know, it is hard NOT to take it personally.  In the mean time you are on the hook thinking "this is the perfect job (guy/woman)" and waiting, waiting, feeling out of power.

 The solution is two pronged:

1. Take an equal role in building the relationship

At the end of the interview, ask the hiring manager what the next steps in the hiring process are.  Reiterate what you can do for the company, ask for the job and then follow-up right away with a note or email.

Ask what the best way to follow-up is if you don't hear from them at the designated time.  

2. Use multiple forms of approach to build the relationship with the prospective employer

After the interview, start using your research skills to find anything and everything out about the company and the people you interviewed with.  Look for common acquaintences and potential inside endorsements.  See if there is a professional organization where they are a member  and attend the next open meeting as a guest.  Arrive early and make it a point to seek out the person and speak with them for at least  3-5 minutes if possible. 

Mostly, in the interviewing process, remember that your sense of urgency and your timeframe in general is likely different than the company's.  Be patient, continue to nurture the relationship and look at other work  options.

Most importantly, use this experience as a guideline for your own business practices as you grow in your career....delight people and leave a lasting impression by simply having the integrity to do what you say you will do.