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In the interview series segment on handling offers, M&M make the point that it's impossible to time offers, no matter how hard a person might try. I just wanted to share some proof of this.

I got a promise of an offer the other day. So the offer was laid out, but without numbers and other very important details attached. (The hiring manager was not expecting me to accept based on this information, either, he just wanted to keep me "on the hook" until he could nail down specifics) I had every expectation that I'd get the real offer later this week.

Well, now it turns out that his company has a policy they've asked him to follow of doing a background check, calling references (all nicely prepped -- thanks to the recent podcast on the subject!), and getting me tested for drug use (which I find terribly strange, given that I'm applying for a director-level position, but whatever).

So, what appeared to be an immediate (or near-immediate) offer has now extended into a substantially longer timeframe. Not a bad thing for me -- I'm hoping I'll get more offers in the interim to weigh against what this company offers -- but a good lesson in how you can't really influence the timing on any of this stuff.

HMac's picture

I'm still amazed that people would even [i]try [/i]to time their offers.

I fully understand and agree with using one offer - in hand - to try to hurry along other offers. I get that. I listened to the Interview Series. And damn, I'm looking forward to doing it :lol:

But anything beyond that - seems like playing with fire....

The one thing I've learned for sure during this layoff is that People Don't Do Things According to YOUR Schedule.

-Hugh

AManagerTool's picture

This is what I hear you saying is:

[quote]They made me an offer that didn't have the properties of a real offer and they want me to pretend like they made me an offer to keep me "on the hook". I am currently taking time off to go through the humiliation of having to pee in a cup in front of a screener and possibly wasting my references time and my political capital with them without an offer.[/quote]

Did I get that right?

I'd be less worried about the timing issue than the lack of their ability to make a firm offer. I am not saying that you should push back [b]at all[/b] on this. It's probably plain old burocratic silliness at work. Pay attention though. It says something about them and you are interviewing them too! I think that you are right to keep looking while they pull themselves together.

Best wishes in your new role :D

lazerus's picture

On the other hand, let's say no other offers are forthcoming. This company presents an offer after they've done whatever due diligence they need to. Do you accept? Or do you gamble that you'll get something else?

jhack's picture

That will depend on the myriad details of the situation.

If you have the details of all the companies, we can discuss. Otherwise, it's an unanswerable, hypothetical question .

John

Nik's picture

You'll be glad to know, AManagerTool (can I just call you "Tool?" -- kidding!), that I got the written offer shortly after the promise of one. (2 days) The hiring manager just added a little sentence on the bottom saying "this offer is contingent on a background check and drug screen." So no more delays, just bureaucracy.

HMac's picture

Nice going, Nik!