Can You Start Today?
March 23, 2009 by Darlene McDaniel
Filed under Jobs
I got a call today from a family member. She walked into an interview today and they loved her. She needed a job, they needed a new employee. They extended the offer and she started working today. That’s pretty good. So what’s there to write about? I said congratulations, however I wanted to say, don’t take that job. I have a problem with quick job offers, no matter what industry you may be in.
Years ago, I took a job like that. I walked in for the interview and the people were so desperate to fill the position, and I needed a job. I took it. I regretted it by day two. I didn’t share my experience today. I am an optimistic person. I don’t ever see the glass as half full. But I have concerns. How do you make a good hiring decision without thinking about it? My family member needs a job. I don’t want to be the one that says not take a job. Especially given the market. It’s hard to come by a job today, but I still am leery about quick job offers. This hiring manager didn’t have time to really assess the interview, the person, the resume, the application. I am an expert in at preparing people to successfully navigate the hiring process. I have been doing it for years, I love it and I am very good at it. But my recommendation to you as a hiring manager and as a candidate, don’t be in a hurry. Take your time, allow the organization to take the time to make a good hiring decision, not a decision based on desperation. Neither one of you knows what you are getting in this transaction.
How do you respond if the job offer is extended on the same day? My recommendation is that you ask for time to consider the offer. If they really want you, than they should be willing to wait at least 24-48 hours. Give them time and you take the time to assess the situation, the opportunity. Evaluate whether you really want the job. If you do, go for it. Don’t just take the job because they offered it to you. I would love to hear from others. Anyone have a story to share about a quick job offer that worked out or that didn’t? Let me know!
Image Credit: sxc.hu
Sometimes I know in an interview that this is the candidate I want. I’ve never made a job offer on the spot, but there have been times when that feels like a formality. That said, I would never advise a candidate to accept an offer made on the spot. Always ask for time to think it over.
Thanks for stopping by Ask A Manager! I love the point you bring out about knowing who you want to hire and it’s just a formality to extend the offer. Great point. Have the decisions always been the right decision, as far as the hiring the candidate later, in the next day or two? I bet you made good hiring decisions. I don’t know what another day or two means in the grand scheme of things, but just giving you as a hiring manager time to do your due diligence to ensure that you are making the right decision for you and the organization and the candidate.
In this crazy market, who is going to turn down a job offered extended on the same day? Probably not most people, however I believe that decision may come back to haunt all parties concerned, the organization, the hiring manager and the organization. Anyone have any thoughts on this topic?
Darlene
Think about it: If a car salesperson offered you a great price on a car that was good only until the end of the day, how would you respond? Would you snap up the offer? Or would you get in touch with your skeptical side *immediately* – and maybe run?
I took a “same day” job offer once, when I was young and foolish. I wouldn’t do it again. I would expect the company to exercise its due diligence, as much as it should expect me to exercise mine. It’s not a decision you can make in a split second.
(BTW, on the car offers: Always take Option 2. :-) )
Hi Rick! Thanks for stopping by and the recommendation for option 2 on the car deal. I appreciate you stopping by and sharing. Due diligence is very important when it comes to making a good hiring decision. Merriam-Websters definition of desperation is a state of hopelessness leading to rashness. It’s the rashness that gets us in trouble.
Given the economy, there is no reason for a hiring manager to make a bad hiring decision. If they take their time, and ask the right questions, they are more likely to make a great decision, rather than having regrets on day one. Stop by anytime Rick!
Darlene