Job search Part Deux - 3rd interview with one company & offer from another. Now what?
 

I officially passed on the work from home job I posted about. Just didn't feel like me after reading reviews of the job and the company.

As part of my job search I reached out to some current and former clients asking for LinkedIn recommendations. That went well. Several posted nice things.

One called me and offered to create a job for me at the nonprofit where she's now CEO! She's basically expanding on an open part time position into full time with added responsibilities. It's more accounting than I'd like but will also involve things like project management, forecasting, cost cutting, etc. Easy 20 min. commute with no traffic. I'd be very visible to a variety of execs from other companies who are board members.

The same day I had a lunch meeting regarding this position with a board member from the nonprofit, I got the call for an interview with a Fortune 500 company where I'd applied. Old company that's still relevant and growing. Very strong. Lots of places to go from the position I applied for. 10 minute commute!

Fast forward to today. The nonprofit called with a genuine offer ON THE DAY when I had my third interview with the Fortune 500. Money and benefits are about the same.

How does this work? The non-profit is in a hurry. The Fortune 500 company is not. Could take another 30 to 60 days to complete two more interviews before getting an official offer from them... IF I get one. Meanwhile the nonprofit would like me to start as soon as possible. I'm worried that by the time the big company (my first choice, for sure) gets done with their processes, the other job may have evaporated.

What's the best course of action here?

How good is your relationship with your HR contact with the other company. Can you call and ask how quickly the process is moving as you have an offer?


My gut reaction is take the offer you have. Would suck to be saying I wish in 60 days when you don't get the other one...

Man, I could use some of your luck if you have any leftover.

Fortune 500?

Do you know how many internal candidates you are up against?

My thinking, from being on the inside of large corps, there is an internal candidate that is almost surely a lock on the spot but HR still has to "go through the motions".

I'd take the bird in the hand.

You can still pursue the Fortune 500 and use the 30-60 days at the non-profit as a probation period.

If the Fortune 500 makes you an offer 60 days down the road you will have a dilemma but you'll have more information on what course of action you should take. You may like the challenges the non profit offers and decide to stay.

Personally I don't like the idea of putting in 2 months then walking for greener grass but there are times where you have to do what YOU have to do.

This position is low on the totem pole. Not entry level, but not far from it. I don't think internal candidates are a threat. The interviewer said it's from growth, not attrition. Odds are there are multiple openings.

Five interviews??? Wtf? In this talent market, any idiotic HR department that allows talent to remain idle for that long deserves to loose them. What does Glassdoor.com and the postings from their employees have to say about this company? What is your career field? The Phoenix market is growing and for the right skills a talent war is brewing. All things even, take the non-profit. You know the CEO, they clearly want you and if they are growing, there is opportunity. You can always continue to look. Having a current job is a position of strength and makes the job hunt less stressful.

Never pass up a job with the hopes of getting another one. You could leave the NP job later.

There are still some slow companies out there... They deserve what they get... I submitted a resume to a company on 11/2 and didn't hear a thing. They responded on 1/14 that they were really sorry to just be getting around to it, but would I like to come in for an interview. At this point I've done more homework and know I'm 95% sure I'd never want to work for them, but say sure I'd love to interview. Its now 1/20 and they still haven't scheduled that interview.... Conversely I submitted a resume on 1/11 to another company and had a phone interview that same day! They flew in a team for in person interviews tomorrow... Guess which company I'd rather work for? ;)

Nice to be wanted.

My last job was after about 30 different applications.

Talk to both. Tell the one that you need time to consider other offers, and the other that you have to make a decision within the same time frame.

Since August I've had four in-person and eight phone interviews for different positions, all arranged by different recruiters, at the same company. All these recruiters work for the same company and know each other. One of them called me today and said, "We get hundreds of applications every day and you keep making it to the top of the stack. Everyone here knows you." Ok, why the eff can I not get hired? I clean up pretty well, speak English pretty clearly and know lots of people at this company. I'm starting to think I'm blacklisted.

Given the choice, I think the non-profit sounds like a better fit, where at least the CEO knows who you are, and is willing to work with you (that says she trusts you, and respects you). The fortune 500 job, you will be one of a dozen employees doing the same thing competing for attention, and chewing out numbers, and hoping for the recognition to advance. I work for a fortune 100 company (luckily, I am in an exclusive prototype lab where there is no competition) but I can see the backbiting, and positioning for attention amoungst the office personel in middle management, I would never want to be part of that.

^^^this

Lee, you must have done / be doing something right throughout your career. All the best on which ever way you choose to go with this.

Totally agree. The non-profit clearly wants you and your relationship goes directly to the top. That's a great position to be in. At the Fortune 500 they may not even end up making you an offer, and if they do you will be just another number.

An interview is not an offer. Take the offer. If the other opportunity turns into something then deal with it then. You're a free agent and owe nothing to anyone - they certainly won't bat an eyelash to lay you off if they ever think it's in their interest so your loyalty to them should be no different. If you get a better offer on the table down the road, tell them and give them a chance to respond to it. If they don't, go get it. Or better still, just resign and go get it.

Lee, I like this one a lot. With the exception of the accounting, it sounds like a better quality of life package and you'll obviously be able to go places within the company.

I had a job/department created for me by a CEO and to date, it was best "work for someone else" experience of my life. The nonprofit, you are wanted and valued. The F500, probably not so much.

So the choice between being actively recruited by a CEO for a tailor made seemingly one of a kind role vs waiting until some HR drone gets around to deciding they'll pick you to slot into one of many similar holes?

I know what I would do.

I know teachers at the local state ran facilities that took upwards of 6 months after submitting resume/app to get a call.

The issue I see is that the F500 company has a timeline that is not very clear. If you'd know that you would be in the offer stage there in a couple weeks, you could keep the NP at bay with an excuse, but no longer than 2 weeks.

My pick here clearly would be the non profit. The CEO went out of their way to create an opening for you and is excited about you coming on board. Of course, now that that is done, they want you to commit ASAP.

I have never liked big companies that take forever in their hiring process. You are just a number to them. A small company, you can really stand out and help shape / make decisions etc.

My decision here would be made. Also, in earlier posts it became clear you really don't need to work because of the income, so the NP probably paying less should not be an issue.

Good luck and keep us posted!

G

I work for a very large company, and they can move quickly if they want you. I'm guessing by now you've already interviewed with your hiring manager? If so, the remaining interview might just be a formality. Talk to them, and let them know there is an offer on the table. That will let you know if they want you, or just think you're good enough to fill an open spot.

sounds to me like you already know the answer, you're just afraid to do something about it.

Truly appreciate the thoughtful input.

This is really a tough call. The NP will involve a lot of accounting. I've been self employed doing accounting work for 10 years. One reason I'm shutting that down is that I've really had my fill of the work. If I wanted to do accounting all day, I can do it from the comfort of my own home at a much higher hourly rate. There is no ladder to go up at the NP, only visibility to other companies.

The F500 company is rated very high for employee satisfaction. 3.5 @ Glassdoor, but most of the negatives are from former salespeople. The daily work involves training, something I really enjoy doing. There are numerous directions to go here. The guy I interviewed with yesterday has been there over 10 years and has had a variety of positions. Working from home some is an option, but with a 10 min. commute that never touches a highway, I don't know that's something I'd ever need.

Good news is... F500 does seem to be expediting things. Just got a call and they asked if I could make an in person interview TOMORROW! :)

If you can expedite the F500, go for it and put the other on hold. Just say you need a couple weeks to decide - use the family excuse - still need to run it past your wife, you had been self employed for so long yada yada.

After your last post, the NP sure sounds like too much accounting. You are not hurting for a job or money, so you can see if you can keep both irons in the fire for now and if you have to act on the NP, you can always say "no" and just be honest that it is too much bean counting...

G

What's with this crowd, nobody's asked for a photo of the CEO before deciding?


jk Lee, hoping it works out for the best. I sold my business a year ago; I can't believe how little I miss going to work every day.
Jim

I sold my business 15 years ago. I have mixed emotions. My wife is looking at other airlines. She'll take a huge pay cut for the first several years if she changes companies. I'd rather go back to work than sit by while we burn through our cash reserves.

There's a part of me that's actually looking forward to coming home from work. Being self employed, I would always end up working evenings, weekends. It would be odd/nice to have set hours and not be taking phone calls on the weekend. Still may do some resale if the right items pop up. Hard to pass up a flippable bargain from Goodwill.

All the best in your interview and decision Lee!

Only two wheels, I can just imagine the haggling involved in selling a pawn shop :-)
Or just in valuing the inventory, ha!


Cheers Richard

Just spent 45 minutes on the phone with the NP's HR person. Just to make things a little more fun, their remaining part time accounting person gave notice this morning! Now they're REALLY in a hurry.

BUT... this may play into my favor. I suggested that I come in on a contract basis to help them out until a)I take the other job, or b)I come on full time. This would give me a bit of a "test drive" of the organization until the F500 finishes their procedures.

Make sure your rate is enough to give them some incentive to hire you full time, if thats what you want.

Good luck

Nicely played Lee! Looks like this will work out for you either way!

F500 is definitely in "hurry up" mode. I was advanced in today's interview and have a final telephone interview with a director level person next week. Don't know that the NP will see me at all at this rate.

That's great and I hope it all works out. My only comment would be until you have an actual, written offer in hand, it's all BS and the only option you have is the other position. Don't forget that. :)

Yup. Most big companies have HR policies dictating that you must have X number of interviews at each stage before filling a position. They very well might already have a candidate picked out and are just checking the box. I HOPE that this isn't the case in your situation, but just keep it in mind.

I see very little downside for you in allowing the F500 situation to play out. Be open and honest with both potential employers. Tell the F500 you have an offer on the table, but you see potential for yourself there and would like them to expedite the process if they think you're a good fit. Sounds like they are already moving that way.

The NP wants you...you are a known quantity to the CEO and now their accounting person has given notice they are in a bind. Let them know you have another prospect but you're very interested in their offer, just need a little time. You coming in on a consulting basis is a great way for you to check each other out but retain the option to pursue the F500 without burning a bridge.

Re: accounting work, been doing it for over 20 years. I think you'll find working inside an organization is quite a bit different than doing the outside accountant/bookkeeper gig. I started in public accounting then moved into a controllership position in a private company, ultimately grew into the CFO role at my current place of employment. It's not just accounting at that point in my experience...lots of operational stuff to be involved in because the numbers can't be right unless the processes and systems of the enterprise are aligned. That stuff keeps me engaged even if the bean counting bit gets old at times. YMMV. Best of luck.

Yes... to all of the above. There's no question the F500 is expediting things. Manager level interviewer said the prior manager I talked to on the phone had filled her in and they were trying to move things along as quickly as they can due to my offer. She had nice things to say... "I could see you moving into a project manager role..." The last interview will be virtual. I think it's a good sign that it's going to be less formal. Running through interviews detailed on Glassdoor, I didn't see anyone mention that they were invited to the final interview and then say they were turned down by the company.

The NP position was presented to me as a "junior CFO" role, but I'd still be the only financial person on staff. As much as I'm drawn to the F500, there are certain advantages to the NP. Mostly, there would be a certain "casualness" about working there. Less structure. I'd be somewhat free to build to position once I got there. The F500 has many accolades for being a great place to work, family friendly, but this department involves product implementation for large accounts so there's going to be a level of push, stress, focus that'll be missing from the NP. BUT... I've never worked in that sort of atmosphere (unless you count the accounting field at tax time) and think I'd be more likely to learn/grow/excel with a little push.

I definitely agree on the inside vs outside accounting role. I've said for years how easy it would be to have just one set of books to worry about. One COA, one vendor list, one customer list. I don't care how many transactions they have, it would have to be easier than constantly switching from one company to another. And the other projects, cost cutting, budgeting, forecasting, etc. would serve as a diversion to the number crunching. If I got a no from the F500, I wouldn't be crying about taking the role at the NP at all.

I guess my #1 attraction to the F500 is that 5 years from now there are so many roles I could move up to. Realistically, there is no growth option at the NP. No growth in position. No growth in salary. The position would be visible to execs who are clients and on the board, but moving up would require moving out and starting over again. At my age, that's not an attractive proposition.

Again, I can't thank you guys enough for the thoughtful and insightful commentary. I use Pelican like my own personal blog sometimes just to think out loud. The fact that my "pretend friends" (my wife's phrase) take the time to read my stuff and respond with well thought out and valid points means a lot. SmileWavy

Re: inside vs. outside...I tried the freelance thing briefly. I couldn't stand it...generally at that end of the market the clients are pretty unsophisticated. I was frustrated because I would explain the "right way" to do things and often they'd ignore it. Had a client (bar/nightclub) that was failing to pay his alcohol/beverage tax to the state because he didn't have the money (he probably drank it)...he didn't stay in business long. When you're on the inside you have the opportunity to set up everything properly, establish best practices, and then be there to enforce it. It's much easier to get things cleaned up, and then maintain it rather than come in once per week/month/quarter and sort out someone's mess.

Maybe I am burned out - I am not even as old as you - or it is all these people dying off recently. Isn't planning a career a bit late? What I am saying is, that weaning yourself off work the NP job sure sounds like the better gig than diving into a big company and looking to work your way up for 5 years to then take a better position at age 60 or thereabouts.

I decided at 50 I will no longer hold down a 5 day / week corporate job, unless I really made some serious career progress.

G

^^^^^^THIS ! I'll be 51 in a few months, Retiring in 9 years, and have been at my job for 17 years now, and refuse to look for something different at this age, because I will probably be discriminated against for age (whetherI know it or not) and i'm like an old dog that doesn't want to learn new tricks.

I can't imagine going to a large firm, and having to compete with the 20 somethings for attention, who have alot more time, energy, and will to make a name for themselves, than I do.

I'll be 52 in April. Reader's Digest version of my resume is:

Start up tech company right out of college. It failed.
Another start up. It failed.
Bought small business. Grew it. Sold it.
Stay at home dad when our daughter was born.
Part time accounting job when daughter hit Pre-K.
Self employed in accounting + eBay/Craigslist resale.

So I've been self employed from home for the last 10 years. It's been a great thing, but I totally lost my motivation for the two things I've been doing. I got to the point where I hated bookkeeping, but really liked training clients on accounting/QuickBooks. Resale is fun, but a variety of factors have made that a lot harder than it used to be. I'd be happy if I could drum up enough training clients to make a living, but I've found that to be a challenge.

At my age I have trouble getting behind the idea that I should take a substantial part of our funds and "invest" in a small business, franchise, etc. We've had several friends/family who had to totally start over when their businesses failed. Watching them struggle got my attention in a big way.

Working from home has been great, but in reality, it's a somewhat lonely existence. A big part of the F500 job will be training clients. That's definitely the component of what I've done for the last 10 years that brings me the most satisfaction.

So maybe I've just lived my life backwards. Instead of starting out at the big company, gaining skills/experience and then going out on my own, I'm sort of doing the whole thing in reverse. :)

So here's how it ends.

Despite the (broken) promise of the last interview, I received the dreaded "pursuing other candidates" email over the weekend from the Fortune 500 company.

I did accept the position with the NP... theoretically as CFO. I need to confirm the lofty title, but that's what I was told it would be during my initial discussions. Seems a bit more like "junior CFO" but, in the end, I am in charge of the money/finances.

Overall, I feel very fortunate to have landed where I did.