Another job search update...

[DharmaDog]

So, I got a verbal offer from HR a week ago. An number was put on the table by them. I asked for more politely and listed my reasons why. HR guy said he would go back and see what he could do or find out. He says he will call the next day. 3 days pass and the hiring manager calls me instead. He apologizes for how long this is taking and wants me to know they definitely want me and they have escalated the issue with HR to get it done quickly.

I get another call today from HR. I'm expecting an updated offer either higher than what he presented before or a reason they can't go higher. Instead he offers me a lower number. I asked about the previous offer which was higher, and he basically implies that he didn't discuss the initial offer with the hiring manager and his team and that they wanted him (HR guy) to offer me the lower number based equity and fairness in the existing team.

I was a bit put off, and simply asked if there was wiggle room in this offer and that I was very surprised that he came back with something lower. He said he would go back to the team and see if there was any wiggle room.

My feeling is that the team does not know of the original offer made by HR. Should I call the hiring manager to make sure the HR guy doesn't throw me under the bus?

This company's HR seems a bit incompetent or at least VERY overworked. I know a lot of it is outsourced. But I know a lot of people that love it there once they're in.

I want the job, but feel the ball is being dropped...

[kj4btkljv]

DharmaDog wrote:
I want the job, but feel the ball is being dropped...

Do you REALLY REALLY want this job? I'm only asking because every time you may need to use the HR "experts", the situation may go like this. You say they seem a bit incompetent or at least VERY overworked, and if you've got an issue you need resolved after you get hired, this is the same crew that will be working on it.

Just saying...

Jeff

[DharmaDog]

Yeas, I do want this job and I realize what I'm probably signing up for with regards to HR, but the positions a good fit at an otherwise good company (frequently rated a top 10 company to work for) and as I said, I know a number of people that work there a really love it. And the team I interviewed with seemed like great people.

[Will Collier]

Deal with the hiring manager, not the HR weasel. Call him directly and tell him what's happened. More than likely he'll jerk a knot in HR for nickel and diming a hire he wants (this is precisely what happened the last time I was negotiating for a job; HR offered me was was effectively a pay cut. The manager set them straight after I talked to him directly).

[Ca Bob]

This might be a piece for http://thedailywtf.com/Series/Tales_from...rview.aspx

[anonymouse1]

Call the hiring manager directly.

[Racer X]

and tell the hiring manager that HR is lowering their offer every time!

[DRR]

Don't negotiate salary with HR. They don't know what your worth is nor the relative strengths/weaknesses you bring to the company. Only the hiring manager can make that determination.

I've worked for big companies and small. HR should work at the request of the hiring manager. They don't have any power to make offers or negotiate past the information they've been given. The present the offer, they don't make it.

Honestly, my recommendation now is the same as it was in the interview thread. Deal with HR as little as possible and the entire process will go smoother and everyone will be happier. HR is there to add value to the company, not the interviewee. Cut the middleman.

[DharmaDog]

I talked to the hiring manager, straightened things out and verbally accepted the offer.

I was right, the HR guy did not discuss his initial offer to me with the hiring manager. I ended up getting a signing bonus out of the deal.

[digby]

Congrats!