Job Hunting Advice!
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I didn’t officially say I accept in writing, I suppose. I mean, I did on the phone after we’d discussed details, and they were like “great, we’ll confirm in writing.” Instead of an offer letter, they sent a confirmation of employment letter with no place for me to sign. My response was something along the lines of “thanks, looking forward to joining the team” when it arrived by e-mail. They’ve never asked me to sign anything or otherwise re-confirm in writing, which didn’t strike me as too odd? But I suppose I’ve only worked a few places and don’t know if this is odd.
Like, my current company didn’t even give me time to think about the offer, and negotiations weren’t verbal. They sent me an offer letter the day after my second interview and asked me to accept or decline within a business day. And our negotiation was me sending back a marked up copy of the offer letter with what I wanted, and HR being snooty about how much money I asked for. Is that more normal?
In any case, I think the other firm is going to move really, really, really slowly. The job I applied for can be based out of any major market in the U.S. where the firm has an office, so I’m competing with candidates nationwide, not just locally. I was frustrated to have to wait so long for a response but given what I know about the opening, wasn’t totally surprised it took longer than they said it would.
No, your experience with your second company wasn’t normal.
I’d say talk to the hiring manager, see what her deal is, but let her know that you’ve got another offer that they’re waiting for you to accept. Ask if they’re in a position to make you an offer… after all, you interviewed with them.
If she says no, they can’t make an offer right now, thank her and say that’s too bad, you were very excited about the opportunity, and definitely keep you in mind for future. You could technically take the new job and keep pursuing the other one, but… word might get around, I don’t know.
Ha. Sometimes I think back on the hiring process at my current company and how aggressive HR was once I had the offer and think, “Man, I should’ve known.” They gave me that offer letter at like 4:55 on a Friday and asked for a response by EOD Monday. One of my “asks” was to push the start date out another week, explaining that I wanted to give two full weeks notice and had a conflicting vacation already scheduled, the HR gal responded, “Why haven’t you given your notice yet? We gave you this offer a week ago!” This was over the phone, and it was maybe Tuesday. It’d been two business days.
Anyway, if nothing else, I think it’d be nice to keep in touch with the law firm for potential future opportunities, so I don’t see any harm in speaking with the hiring manager.
Yeah, those were some red flags. But it could have been worse, it could have been an absolute shitshow that ended with you not leaving on your own terms.
True. Honestly, the people I work with are (mostly) amazing and wonderful and kind. And overworked. I think the new job will be a good shift for me, though, with new responsibilities and a better title, and it sounds like there is room for growth that my current job just doesn’t offer. But, still sad to leave for the people. And, I feel terribly guilty for leaving because I know from experience how hard it is on the rest of the team when someone moves on. Two weeks notice is the standard here, but individual workloads are so heavy that it’s never enough.
