Only 1 dat to respond to job offer? Doesn't seem normal!
 

I just received a job offer from a local company for a Engineering position. This is my first offer after graduation. The offer is strong and the wage is higher than I expected giving the current market conditions.

The problem is I just got back the weekend before last for a 3 day interview in Indiana for a big diesel engine manufacture. I was told immediately an offer is being made but i have yet to have it pass by my desk. The Indiana position would require relocation to the area and my wife and children have yet to visit the area.

1 day to think over an offer seems way to short but I know there are 3 people waiting in the wings, including my good friend from college.

What to do? Ask for an extension? would one be granted?

Speedy:)

sounds like they are trying to keep you from offer shopping, using their offer to sweeten any other that you might be considering.

Tell them that you think it is a great offer but your wife needs a chance to see the area. Maybe give them a yes contingent upon the wife being happy.

No offer letter ='s no offer regardless of what you were told.

You can ask for an extension from local company but if as you say they have 3 other candidates in the wings I would not expect them to give it to you.

What reason would you give them for requesting additional time?

I don't know what your fiances look like but you simply don't have enough info on the Indiana gig, relocation package etc.. to make an informed call.

Tough situation.

One firm offer VS ????

Unless you do not want the local job, what other decision do you have to make?

Its part of the life test. And remember not making a decision is a decision.

Good luck to you.;)

This won't be your last job. Given this economy, as long as you don't hate where you live, I'd take the local job in a heartbeat.

I agree...we are hiring but location matters. If the local firm is solid, roll with it.

So many people apply for every single job opening they have many many options. You need to act in todays market.

Local firm is solid. 1 day is just not much time. I am NOT starving for Christ sake. I am calling now to ask for an extension.

Speedy:)

Columbus is a nice part of Indiana, but I'd probably take the first offer

They are doing it because they can.

I got hired at my current job at the height of the dot-com bubble. At the time, my department was losing 300-400 people a year to Silicon Valley. I was given a firm offer in September of my senior year with a request to answer it by the end of March. I was given a $1,000 signing bonus and a $2,000 retention bonus for staying a year. When the bubble burst, most people came back seeking their old jobs. Most were turned away.

Right now, we are at the opposite end of the spectrum. Every job has more qualified (or overqualified) applicants than HR can get through the resumes.

You are a smart guy Rich, you are easy to get along with, and your past stories tell me that you can make any workplace better.

Do you really want to move? You seem to have quite the hobby farm going. You have animals. You have a Porsche garden. ;) Your wife is expecting, no?

What company do you want to work for? I can't see anyone who interviews you not offering you the job if they are able to. You have that rare blend of experience, people skills, and engineering know-how in a recent college grad.

the local offer, i assume by your description, it's "good enough"

now the effort and costs of moving to indiana. u can def put a roundabout number on it. say it's 10% of compensation package (both monetary compensation and other aspects). so call up indiana firm, tell em u got an offer from a local firm and unless they are willing to give you an offer by end of day of (local package + 10%), you're going to take the local offer.

it's understandable from HR point of view. if they're REALLY wanting you, they'll man up and get the offer letter on the burner overnighted to you.

If they haven't offered yet, they're not going to. Given Legions' kind words and an immediate good offer locally, I would'nt think twice. Take the local offer.
Just my .02c

I agree with this so much that I'm going to say it again.

Verbal is worth the paper it's written on.

Yep, I agree. Take the local job.

I'm a local employer (small hotel/restaurant/beach front grill). I put an add on craigslist yesterday for a salad/prep cook, and had 22 responses waiting for me this morning. Several of these applicants had owned their own restaurants in past years, and are looking for "anything" to pay bills.

I called the Indiana company and they are finishing the offer. I found what the salary was anyhow but you are right there is only 1 written offer at the moment.

I did call the local company asking for an extension and she is going to get back to me. She just wanted to wrap it up before she went on vacation and didn't want to leave the other candidates waiting. I told her I understand their position but just need more time than 24 hours to make such a decision.

The current market is a strange one indeed. All past rules are thrown out the window.

Legion,
Thanks for your kind words.

Speedy:)

The dumbest people i have EVER met in my life were from Indiana.

I'm just sayin'....

I would not be FROM Indiana. :)

Update...
Just got off the phone with the Engineering Manager from the Indiana firm and they are going to expedite the offer and I should see it tomorrow.

Just got off the phone with the local company and they are giving me to noon on Friday to make a decision.

Speedy:)

Really, because I know a lot of retarded gorillas that work on the ramp at Philly :)

Also, Indiana does lack in scholastic achievement. This hillbilly cornbelt state has little to offer: Notre Dame, Rose Hulman, Purdue, IU, as well as two top-25 business schools, Krannert and Kelley.

What are engineers getting paid these days? When I left my CE salaries went from $100k to $40-50k. Just Curious.