The Job Search Isn’t Over Until the Offer Is in Hand

About 10 days ago, I began a second and final round of interviewing, and everything went swimmingly. I was thrilled when the recruiter called to say there was a job offer in the making. But sealing the deal with this recruiter has been a bumpy ride.

 

Usually the recruiter would have relinquished the offer process to the firm’s hiring manager or HR department by this point. The problem is, I have questions about the offer, which means the recruiter has had to chase down answers. Trying to untangle the phone conversations, I requested to see everything in writing.

 

And so, I wait by my mailbox.

 

Now it’s time to focus on wrapping up loose ends. So much gets put off during a search for permanent full-time employment -- doctor's appointments, postponed luncheon engagements and the home office to-do pile. My biggest task by far is finding full-time care for my 2 young sons. The good news is that there are many more quality caregivers in the market now -- a manifestation of underemployment, perhaps? In theory, then, my job offer will actually employ 2 people.

 

What happens when I finally find the written offer in my mailbox? I will carefully carry out my benefits and salary due diligence. You only have one chance to come out of the gate swinging, so now is the time for negotiation. Once I have all my questions in a row, I want to understand how this firm will treat me as potential employee. Given that I am unfamiliar with the company culture, I am very cautious -- as they say, buyer beware. But the hiring courtship often indicates how an everyday employee is treated. A few of my unemployed friends have accepted jobs even though they didn’t like how they were treated by the hiring firm, but the positions satisfy their healthcare and revenue needs. I would prefer to find a position that satisfies both my fiscal and emotional needs.

 

When you receive an employment offer, what next steps will you take?

 

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