A number of people have asked me if they should take the job offered them. Questions are lingering due to extenuating circumstances they each face. A down economy is a company’s preferred market to find the best employees. Therefore, once you receive a job offer that meets your criteria and offers possible career advancement, I would suggest considering the following:
- For the most part, hiring shuts down during November and December for the holidays.
- Other job seekers have shared that while they were told “We want you, you are perfect”, the jobs interviewed for remain vacant.
- There is more competition today while fewer jobs are available.
The offer in question came from a giant corporation. The proposed job will further the candidate’s career, a decent salary with benefits are included and the job description very closely matches what he was looking for. It sounds perfect except for the fact rarely is there a perfect scenario.
The downside to this offer is “Richard” has been out of work for many months and is very low on cash. In today’s market, companies are no longer offering relocation costs. Richard will need to pay to have his belongings put in storage and only take the necessities with him half-way across the United States. Once he arrives, most likely, first and last month will be required upfront. Richard doesn’t know how he is going to pay for everything in order to get to the job. His question to me was, “Do I have to take this job or would I be better off waiting for a local offer?”
I believe in calculated risk when the percentages are at least 51% in your favor. However, Richard would most likely have to wait many more months for a new offer that may or may not be local, and the wait would put him further into debt. In my opinion, he HAS TO take the job.
A second piece of advice was provided. It was suggested Richard try to get a low profile job just to pay for food, rent, and gas. He should seek temporary work where there is high turnover and that does not require a formal process to begin earning immediate income. One possibility is to become a waiter. This will help make the move easier and relieve some of his tension.
Each time a dilemma confronts you, find your quiet space. Analyze the problem from all angles to develop the best plan for your situation to overcome the hurdle. Nothing is impossible when you have your plan ready to go and view it as a new adventure. Your level of motivation to solve problems and succeed is a big piece of your personal brand and is a requirement to further your career.
Life is made up of many adventures as we journey forward. Even bad experiences bring better opportunity. Should you be in a similar situation, you and Richard will be much relieved to know a good job is waiting for you.
Keep learning, questioning and become adept at making change. Instead of facing rough seas, you will soon become accustomed to the Smooth Sale!
Author:
Elinor Stutz, CEO of Smooth Sale, LLC authored the International Best-Selling book, “Nice Girls DO Get the Sale: Relationship Building That Gets Results”, Sourcebooks and the best selling career book, “HIRED! How to Use Sales Techniques to Sell Yourself On Interviews”, Career Press. She provides team sales training, private coaching and highly acclaimed inspirational keynotes for conferences. Elinor is available upon request for consultation.
