You Got An Offer! But It Wasn’t What You Thought It Would Be…

Well, you got an offer.  See my previous blog “You Got An Offer” before reading this one.  Seriously, it will make you feel better.  I’ll wait…..

So, it’s not the offer you were expecting.  That can be a bitter pill to swallow, but it happens.  Remember, companies do not make hiring decisions arbitrarily.  A great deal of thought and conversation goes into the decision; no one wants to make a hiring mistake because it’s very expensive.  They chose you so they obviously see something in you that makes them think you have the ability to do they job they offered and grow within the company.

You’ve heard the expression, “We have decided to go in another direction.”  Well, it’s true. Companies can sometimes change the direction they are heading as they are recruiting.  Sometimes this comes from the candidates they are seeing, but it usually comes from internal business decisions.  Remember, companies are fluid and often very dynamic which means they are ever changing.  It is impossible to list all of the reasons why a company might alter the position they offer you – but take solace in the fact that they chose you. 

If you do receive an offer that is different from what you were expecting, for example, the title and responsibilities have changed, call HR and ask the recruiter if she can explain why the change was made.  If she cannot, ask to speak with the hiring manager.  If the hiring manager will not discuss it with you, decline the offer immediately and run! 

That said, it is unusual for neither the recruiter nor the hiring manager to take some time to chat with you about the decision they have made.  It does happen that a company will see potential in you but think you are maybe not quite ready for the responsibility.  If they are able to work around this, they may offer a slightly junior position to help you grow into the larger role.  This is truly for your benefit – they want you to succeed.  If the offer is lacking in salary, see if there is any room to negotiate up?  Or maybe negotiate a bigger bonus percentage or maybe more vacation if that’s what is more important to you. 

What you do not want to do is accept an offer that does not make you happy.  Never accept a position if you are truly unhappy with the offer – you will not last and short term positions on your resume can be deadly later.