If a potential employer calls you up with an offer...

[imported_Tomato]

I was told not to accept right away, and to wait until the next day to "get back" to him/her with either an acceptance or a higher bid.

What is the most polite/professional response to an offer? Basically, "Thank you very much, I will consider it and get back to you tomorrow" or something to that effect.

 

[conjur]

Sure.

 

[bunker]

If I'm the hiring manager and someone says they'll get back to me, I'm going to the next person on my list.

The job market still isn't great and there are plenty of people that will jump on almost any offer.

 

[imported_Tomato]

Originally posted by: bunker
If I'm the hiring manager and someone says they'll get back to me, I'm going to the next person on my list.

The job market still isn't great and there are plenty of people that will jump on almost any offer.

Hmm. Ouch. Contrary to the advice I've been given so far, but a good point. You wouldn't wait around? If the person did say they'd be interested and get back to you, would you automatically cancel them and make an offer to the next person on the list?

 

[bunker]

Originally posted by: Dezign

Originally posted by: bunker
If I'm the hiring manager and someone says they'll get back to me, I'm going to the next person on my list.

The job market still isn't great and there are plenty of people that will jump on almost any offer.

Hmm. Ouch. Contrary to the advice I've been given so far, but a good point. You wouldn't wait around? If the person did say they'd be interested and get back to you, would you automatically cancel them and make an offer to the next person on the list?

In the current job market, yes.

EDIT: I should qualify my response. Unless you are one of only a handful of people that can do the job, I'm moving down the list.

 

[XZeroII]

I would tell them that I would like to set up an interview at their earliest convenience in order to find out more about the job. If you decide not to take the job, just call them back and tell them that you reconsidered because of this and that.

 

[FelixDeCat]

Id just go straight to $ part and not play any games. Peoples time is valuable ya know!

 

[imported_Tomato]

Originally posted by: XZeroII
I would tell them that I would like to set up an interview at their earliest convenience in order to find out more about the job. If you decide not to take the job, just call them back and tell them that you reconsidered because of this and that.

What if two interviews have already concluded (both with the president of the company), and you know exactly what your job duties will be?

 

[Wuffsunie]

How much do you want the job? That's really the only thing you need to ask youself.

 

[imported_Tomato]

Originally posted by: Wuffsunie
How much do you want the job? That's really the only thing you need to ask youself.

I really, really, REALLY want this job.

Minimum offered will be at least $10k more than what I'm currently making.

But I was told by a person within the same company to play it cool if/when an offer is initially made, and to counter with something to the effect of "Thank you, I'm interested, I'll get back to you soon with an answer."

 

[spidey07]

Originally posted by: Dezign

Originally posted by: XZeroII
I would tell them that I would like to set up an interview at their earliest convenience in order to find out more about the job. If you decide not to take the job, just call them back and tell them that you reconsidered because of this and that.

What if two interviews have already concluded (both with the president of the company), and you know exactly what your job duties will be?

Only you can decide if you want the job. As others have said delaying could cost you the opportunity because the job generally goes to the one who wants it the most.

-edit- and depending on your skills, etc never take the first offer and counter but don't get too greedy. But then again I don't know your industry. If you are a rare gem and truly fit then you can counter but you never know how many other hungry folks are out there that would jump for 10K less.

-edit2- I really disagree with playing a waiting game with a prospective employer. #1 rule of getting hired is to show them "I really want to work for you"

 

[imported_Tomato]

Originally posted by: spidey07

Originally posted by: Dezign

Originally posted by: XZeroII
I would tell them that I would like to set up an interview at their earliest convenience in order to find out more about the job. If you decide not to take the job, just call them back and tell them that you reconsidered because of this and that.

What if two interviews have already concluded (both with the president of the company), and you know exactly what your job duties will be?

Only you can decide if you want the job. As others have said delaying could cost you the opportunity because the job generally goes to the one who wants it the most.

I can say with about an 80% certainty that I'll get the job... only myself and one other person are being seriously considered for the position (he with 8 years more experience than me), and I was told by the president he was considering hiring both of us, provided he can allocate the funding. I have certain skills that are desirable, as does the other candidate.

(then again, I could be completely off :\ )

 

[Yossarian]

Here is what you do. Say "thank you very much for your generous offer. Would you please send me info covering benefits, 401k, etc so I can see the complete package you're offering?"

A company that has taken probably several weeks to find a potential employee should have no problem with you taking a couple days to weigh what they're offering.

 

[imported_Tomato]

Originally posted by: PipBoy
Here is what you do. Say "thank you very much for your generous offer. Would you please send me info covering benefits, 401k, etc so I can see the complete package you're offering?"

A company that has taken probably several weeks to find a potential employee should have no problem with you taking a couple days to weigh what they're offering.

Nice one, thank you.

 

[Wuffsunie]

If it's between you and someone with 8 more years experience, you should be VERY leery about playing around with them. Probably follow PipBoy's advice of getting an overview of the full financial and benefits package, then jump on it as soon as you can.

BTW, don't you loath your current job and the people you work with? Or am I just a few months behind? Either way, all the more reason to get out while the getting's good.

 

[Biggerhammer]

Personally, I would try to keep from groveling as I accept whatever the hell they offer- but that's me after a year out of a job. Under less dire circumstances I still would avoid delaying them unless I were really sure that I stood head and shoulders above the competition. If they have an opeing, it's costing them money and business every day it is unfilled. With a more experienced person in the pack, asking for a few days might just get you the consolation prize and home game while the more experienced guy gets a new cubicle.

 

[marquee]

If you're happy with the job, accept it right away. I really don't see a reason to hold off and play it cool. But of course, you ARE a girl.. and girl's always want to play games...

 

[bcterps]

If you need the time to decide, then sure, ask for time. If you don't, then tell em your decision right then and there. From what you've written, it seems like there's no question as to whether you are going to take the job or not. Now if you want to negotiate salary, that's a different issue.

 

[imported_Tomato]

Good advice all around.

If the job is offered, I WILL be accepting it... no question about that. The only reason why I posted this is because the person who recommended me for the job advise I not accept the first offer right away... and I was just hoping for a bit of help on how I could convey that in a polite/professional manner.

Still no call yet, interview was last Thursday. Wonder how much longer I'll have to wait. :\

 

[Ausm]

I have certain skills that are desirable, as does the other candidate.

Dezign

Just some friendly advice you might want to reword that statement especially with the perverts that lurk on this forum


Sysadmin

 

[AgentEL]

Good luck. I remember how time would pass soooo slowly when waiting for potential offer.

Don't feel pressured that you have to respond right away. Definitely sound positive that you were made an offer and ask for a deadline to make a decision.

Hope things work out for ya.

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

Originally posted by: Sysadmin

I have certain skills that are desirable, as does the other candidate.

Dezign

Just some friendly advice you might want to reword that statement especially with the perverts that lurk on this forum


Sysadmin

Pervs like you

 

[Ausm]

Originally posted by: AgaBooga

Originally posted by: Sysadmin

I have certain skills that are desirable, as does the other candidate.

Dezign

Just some friendly advice you might want to reword that statement especially with the perverts that lurk on this forum


Sysadmin

Pervs like you

touche`

Actually I like Dezign just trying to prevent her from having to wear a flame retardent suit

Sysadmin

 

[imported_Tomato]

Originally posted by: Sysadmin

Originally posted by: AgaBooga

Originally posted by: Sysadmin

I have certain skills that are desirable, as does the other candidate.

Dezign

Just some friendly advice you might want to reword that statement especially with the perverts that lurk on this forum


Sysadmin

Pervs like you

touche`

Actually I like Dezign just trying to prevent her from having to wear a flame retardent suit

Sysadmin

I keep looking for one of those in the HD forums, but to no avail. Thanks Sysadmin.

 

[rh71]

Originally posted by: bunker
If I'm the hiring manager and someone says they'll get back to me, I'm going to the next person on my list.

The job market still isn't great and there are plenty of people that will jump on almost any offer.

I agree. These are not the times to pick and choose... or even act like it.