Interview advice
Interview advice
(OP)
I'm in the enviable position of having the very good possibility of three job offers. One has said its just a matter of settling on money, another hinted strongly that a job offer would be coming, and the third I have an interview pending, but I know the manager, and basically if they get a contract then I have the job.
Let's say best case scenario I get three offers, but they could be spread two or three weeks apart. Do employers usually mind if you put them on hold awhile? Any suggestions on how to best handle this. I've been waiting too long for this opportunity and I don't want to blow it, so I'm probably being a bit paranoid.
Thanks
Let's say best case scenario I get three offers, but they could be spread two or three weeks apart. Do employers usually mind if you put them on hold awhile? Any suggestions on how to best handle this. I've been waiting too long for this opportunity and I don't want to blow it, so I'm probably being a bit paranoid.
Thanks





RE: Interview advice
They consider multiple candidates when trying to fill a vacancy, why can't you consider more than one company when you are looking for a job? As long as you're up front about it and don't make any promises that you can't keep, I see no problem.
RE: Interview advice
RE: Interview advice
It sounds like you are familiar with all three companies and have a pretty good idea what your job there would be. I am guessing you are waiting to compare compensation. If you get an offer for a job you think you would really like and the salary is reasonable, I would go for it. It is better to have a job you like at a little less pay than a job you don't like at a huge salary.
Sometimes it also works to call the companies who have not yet made offers and tell them you already have an offer you need to respond to and see if they are in a position to make a decision any sooner.
RE: Interview advice
What I've experienced when fielding multiple offers is do not expect a company to hold the offer for more than five business days. I also second, Lewtam's advice it is a two way street.
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush - The things we already have are more valuable than the things we only hope to get. I wouldn't put to much value into that third offer especially if it holds up making a decision on the other two. Contracts come and go along with engineers as the needs of companies chance with work load.
RE: Interview advice
Another cautionary note to go along with the others: Give some thought before responding to an offer with anything besides a "yes." I had an offer. In response to my request that they consider a higher salary (along with justifications), they pulled the offer all together and I was stuck for another year at a job I hated.
If it sounds good, go for it.
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Bring back the HP-15
www.hp15c.org
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RE: Interview advice
Becareful what you wish for, look at the full package:
The company's finances, where you have potential to grow and learn, which one fits you as a person, etc.
RE: Interview advice
RE: Interview advice
RE: Interview advice
I have an unethical way to delay the offer, but it is strongly unrecommended. Usually they give you 3-5 days to think and before the dead line, you can say "yes" in the phone and wait for their offer letter, which usually need 2-3 days. If you really want to reject in that period, you just don't reply and say "sorry" to them by phone. Of course, they won't employ you any longer later.
RE: Interview advice
Of anything I can say to you: "trust and ponder on your first impression"!
_______________________________________
Feeling frisky.........
www.tailofthedragon.com
RE: Interview advice
What I would do is in the day that I receive the offer from one of the companies, I would call the other one and ask how was the recruitment process going and when would they expect to give you an answer. If it is 1 week, maybe you can hold, if it is 4 weeks then you have to let it go.
I can tell you my experience that was a little bit different:
I applied for a job and went to the interview. One or two days after I sent an email to clarify some doubts regarding the position and conditions. Then around 3 weeks (with some public holidays in the middle) have passed and no answer. I had already give up the idea, when in a last try I called the HR manager and asked why I didn't receive any answer for my questions. He then told me that they had send the answers after two days of my email and since I didn't answer back they assumed that I was not interested any more. I said that I was and here I am after almost 4 years in the company. So if I never had the initiative to make the call, for sure I wouldn't be where I am today.
RE: Interview advice
RE: Interview advice
Our current practice, though is the following:
1. The hiring manager makes the offer & negotiates verbally.
2. No written offer is tendered by HR until we get a verbal acceptance from the candidate.
3. The written acceptance is due back within 2 weeks.
I guess from all this, my company allows a bit more latitude than what was indicated in previous replies.
I think a lot has to do with how you "play it" - be honest, but don't put all your cards on the table (the company sure won't).
RE: Interview advice
http://sf
"If you are going to walk on thin ice, you might as well dance!"
RE: Interview advice
Apart from that, if you have a preference for one of the 3, try to avoid putting pressure on that one and SHOW them you have a preference for them. That might not be good ingoing position for salary negotiations (never show the antique dealer what your favourite object is), but they might decide not to hire you if they have somebody else who is much more enthusiastic to work for them.
RE: Interview advice
That was funny. Especially if actually true.
I've tried all the honest ways to get a job... Maybe I need to commit murder and spend some time in jail before I can get another job.
David
RE: Interview advice
These guys that do this column are pretty notorious around here. I remember one stunt where they walked around naked, or got other people to walk around naked in the very busy Financial District. I have no doubt they actually did the interviews.
I especially liked the line about switching majors from Chemistry to Intepretive Dance. In a way, I can relate. I've been interviewing lately, so it was especially timely for me. I now have to tell prospective employers that I need to be at dance rehearsal at 4:30pm on Tuesdays, so generally I have to leave work early. I've also been telling them that I perform about every other week either at a public event or a paying gig, which may or may not affect my ability to travel for work. So far it hasn't seemed to hurt during the interview.
"If you are going to walk on thin ice, you might as well dance!"
RE: Interview advice
_______________________________________
Feeling frisky.........
www.tailofthedragon.com
RE: Interview advice