Reader Mailbag - The Job Offer Does Not Smell Right - Career Pivot

Reader Mailbag - The Job Offer Does Not Smell Right - Career Pivot The Job Offer Does Not Smell Right This is the fourth ina series called Mailbag, wherein I respond to readers’ questions regardingcareer issues. This month, we have a question about how to handle job offers that donot smell right. Marc, I have been interviewing for a sales position with a company that is not located near me. Their products and services are quite intriguing, but something just simply does not smell right. I can notput my finger on what is “not right.” I am unemployed and really need to get back to work. What do you suggest? Tom Tom, My suggestion is to enter into a dating relationship with this company. If they make an offer of employment, turn around and askto jointhem as either a contractor or consultant for 3 months. Propose an hourly rate that is 25-50% over the salary they are offering. Doing this gives both sides an opportunity to try before you buy. If after 3 months you have figured out why the jobdid not smell right,then it will be much easier on you to walk away from the position…from an emotional perspective. Listen to the most recent episode If they do not agree to this, then just reject the offer. I have found that most employers will always agree to such an arrangement. Marc Company Does Not Have the Budget to Hire Me Marc, I am talking with a very interesting tech startup. They have an intriguing product, and they really need business development help, but they do not have the budget to hire right now. I have a limited window becauseI need to find a job and have an income. How do I get them to moveforward despite budget restraints sinceI cannot afford to wait for them? Michael Michael, I want you to look at yourself as a consultant. What problem dothey need solved? How can you help with this? How long will the process take? Put together a proposal that solves their problem. Make sure the problem is sufficiently large enough to take3-5 months to complete. Quote a rate that is at the high end for the type of work you propose.You will not work cheap! This arrangement allows them toput a box around the problem, both in budget and time. If you are successful, you will have proved your worth. Workingas a contractor will allowyou todetermine whether the product or service they are developing has a high probability of success. You are dating to get a job. You are also buying time for them to acquire the next set of venture funding. Marc Dating to Get a Job Ifa company is not quite ready to hire or you suspect that something does not quite “smell right” about an opportunity, offering to come on as a consultant or contractor is very attractive to a prospective employer. It allows both sides to date each other to see if this is a good fit. I currently have three clients who are dating their employers. This obviously works best if you are unemployed, as you get to bring in an income while you are dating. Have you tried this strategy? Comment below if you have and tell us your story. For more examples of dating to get a job read 3 Ways to Date to Get a Job Marc Miller Like what you just read? Share it with your friends using the buttons above. Like What You Read? Get Career Pivot Insights! Check out the Repurpose Your Career Podcast Do You Need Help With ...