Do you possess a good sense of self? Do you have a filter and understand when a boundary has been crossed? When it comes to your job search, the interview process and negotiating a job offer, how much is too much and do you know where you need to draw the line before you are considered unreasonable? When it comes to knowing what you want or don’t want from your next job, knowing how to show up without sabotaging your efforts is a good first step to ensure you are not blowing it before you get your foot in the door.
You may have only one shot at getting the job you want. Knowing how to work your job contacts without becoming an imposition is a crucial part of the job search equation. You may have been referred by someone you trust for a job you are interested in or you may want to reach out to someone through your LinkedIn network but are afraid to make a move. You don’t need to be a great networker but you do need to know whom to ask for help and when. Using the “three times a charm” rule means you can reach out to follow up and send an inquiry when there is 1) a job you are interested in applying for, 2) a follow up is required after a job interview or 3) you are negotiating the final details of your job offer. When it comes to managing your job search and offer there here is a fine line between being assertive and being annoying.
As it relates to the job interview process, having at least three shots to follow up on a job you’ve interviewed for is not unreasonable. If it is radio silent after you’ve applied to a job or you have gotten the message that they like you but are interviewing other candidates, waiting awhile to follow up in a positive way is acceptable. Asking permission to follow up in a specific time frame is reasonable even if it’s considered your third and final shot. You should make sure you ask for feedback if further time is needed and be polite about any necessary attempts to reach out again. Following up works both ways. If you are not interested in a job or you find out information about the position that no longer makes you a viable candidate best to cut yourself loose and not drag out the process. Being courtesy will go a long way when it comes to accepting your next job.
If you are at the final stages of the interview process and get a job offer that is less than what you want, it’s okay to ask for more as long as you are clear and you manage your expectations accordingly. If you ask for double the offer you are probably not going to get it. Knowing how much is reasonable based on doing some homework in advance understanding your worth in the market place is an important part of the negotiation.
Knowing how much is too much in any negotiation is vital for your success and ability to ask for and get what you want. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want as it will be given! You just need to be aware that asking is not the issue but setting your expectations on appropriateness is and as long as are aware of your boundaries you should be in good shape.
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