Job Offer - Can They Do This?

[CAStevens218]

Hi Everyone! I have a situation that I would love some input on.

About 3 weeks ago I interviewed for a job. I just finished my Master's degree, so I have interviewed for many jobs!! On Wednesday, I got a call from the one I interviewed for 3 weeks ago, offering me the position. I was at work when I got the call, so it was not the best time for me to process everything. I asked if I could have until Friday or possibly over the weekend to make a decision. She seemed shocked and annoyed by this, which really turned me off because my understanding is that taking time to think about it is perfectly acceptable. I called back this afternoon with a list of questions, and then asked if it was still okay if I took the weekend to make my decision. This time she told me they they really need to get someone in there, but did say that I could have until Tuesday. When I got off the phone I went out for a run, and came back at 430PM. I had a voicemail from the lady from 4PM saying that they decided they can't wait and would like me to call them back with an answer by 5, and if I didn't get the voicemail in time to call first thing Tuesday morning (Monday is Labor Day).

I am very on the fence about this position and have another position that I have been interviewing for. I feel very bullied by the place that offered me a job, but I don't want to lose the offer because I am afraid that the other one won't come through. I called back around 450 after talking it over with my fiance and my dad and got the voicemail. I left a message saying that I would accept the position.

I just feel like they did something unethical and I feel taken advantage of and bullied. It is not a great way to start a job. Are they allowed to do what they just did to me? Also, when I call on Tuesday morning can they take back their offer if they are annoyed with me for not being able to get back to them before they left the office today?

Help!!!

 

[FireDancer]

Hi Everyone! I have a situation that I would love some input on.

About 3 weeks ago I interviewed for a job. I just finished my Master's degree, so I have interviewed for many jobs!! On Wednesday, I got a call from the one I interviewed for 3 weeks ago, offering me the position. I was at work when I got the call, so it was not the best time for me to process everything. I asked if I could have until Friday or possibly over the weekend to make a decision. She seemed shocked and annoyed by this, which really turned me off because my understanding is that taking time to think about it is perfectly acceptable. I called back this afternoon with a list of questions, and then asked if it was still okay if I took the weekend to make my decision. This time she told me they they really need to get someone in there, but did say that I could have until Tuesday. When I got off the phone I went out for a run, and came back at 430PM. I had a voicemail from the lady from 4PM saying that they decided they can't wait and would like me to call them back with an answer by 5, and if I didn't get the voicemail in time to call first thing Tuesday morning (Monday is Labor Day).

I am very on the fence about this position and have another position that I have been interviewing for. I feel very bullied by the place that offered me a job, but I don't want to lose the offer because I am afraid that the other one won't come through. I called back around 450 after talking it over with my fiance and my dad and got the voicemail. I left a message saying that I would accept the position.

I just feel like they did something unethical and I feel taken advantage of and bullied. It is not a great way to start a job. Are they allowed to do what they just did to me? Also, when I call on Tuesday morning can they take back their offer if they are annoyed with me for not being able to get back to them before they left the office today?

Help!!!

First off you were not bullied. I am always amazed at what people perceive as bullying (and no, this isn't bullying either).

Onto you question.

It sounds like they might be a bit pushy but while I'm not a labor attorney or anything I can't fathom what laws they broke by offering you a job and not following your time table for accepting or rejecting the offer.

I agree that requesting a couple of days to decide isn't unreasonable but if they don't want to grant that request it just is what it is. Perhaps the company isn't a great fit for you. On the other hand the HR person might just be a bit pushy while the people you will be working for are more laid back. I would make your decision, let them know what it is, and roll with what happens. If you want the position and they decide you waited too long chalk it up to not meant to be.

 

[Coconut36]

Yes the employer legally does have the right to set a timeline around when they need a response from you. There is nothing unethical in that as far as I know. They are giving you close to a week to make the decision (called you on Wednesday, gave you until Tuesday AM to respond at the latest although they indicate they would prefer Monday) so it isn't like they are asking you to respond that exact moment. Seems rather reasonable to me on their part and I am honestly a bit shocked you would consider that "bullying". Please remember it isn't all about you. They are a business and they obviously have a position that needs to be filled..the longer you hold out to give them an answer, the longer that job sits open and then what happens if after almost a week you decline the offer? Then they have to contact the next person and wait again. It impacts their business and they have their own needs and timelines as well.

Once you receive a job offer, many companies will expect a decision within two or three days, and more than a few will ask for an answer within 24 hours. Ask for more time, and you risk appearing uninterested or like you’re shopping the offer for something better.

In doing some searching I could not find anything that indicates employers are legally obligated to hold a job offer for any given period of time at all...I also can't find anything one way or another that indicates that they can't rescind the offer when you do speak to them on Tuesday.

 

[CAStevens218]

Yes the employer legally does have the right to set a timeline around when they need a response from you. There is nothing unethical in that as far as I know. They are giving you close to a week to make the decision (called you on Wednesday, gave you until Tuesday AM to respond at the latest although they indicate they would prefer Monday) so it isn't like they are asking you to respond that exact moment. Seems rather reasonable to me on their part and I am honestly a bit shocked you would consider that "bullying". Please remember it isn't all about you. They are a business and they obviously have a position that needs to be filled..the longer you hold out to give them an answer, the longer that job sits open and then what happens if after almost a week you decline the offer? Then they have to contact the next person and wait again. It impacts their business and they have their own needs and timelines as well.



In doing some searching I could not find anything that indicates employers are legally obligated to hold a job offer for any given period of time at all...I also can't find anything one way or another that indicates that they can't rescind the offer when you do speak to them on Tuesday.

They called on Wednesday, I asked if i could have the weekend, they said yes, I called back today (Friday, 2 days later) with some questions and asked if it was okay to still have the weekend, they said ok, and then called back at 4PM asking for an answer by 5PM. I called at 450, almost as soon as I listened to the message, and nobody answered. It just seemed odd to me. Also, I can't call Monday, it is Labor Day and they aren't in.

Thanks for the responses though! Also, maybe bullying was the wrong word...I guess I felt pushed around.

 

[chloelovesdisney]

I think you're lucky they didn't rescind the offer and make it to the next person in line. If a person really wants a job they accept right away.

 

[Coconut36]

They called on Wednesday, I asked if i could have the weekend, they said yes, I called back today (Friday, 2 days later) with some questions and asked if it was okay to still have the weekend, they said ok, and then called back at 4PM asking for an answer by 5PM. I called at 450, almost as soon as I listened to the message, and nobody answered. It just seemed odd to me. Also, I can't call Monday, it is Labor Day and they aren't in.

Thanks for the responses though! Also, maybe bullying was the wrong word...I guess I felt pushed around.

Again..not unreasonable or pushy on their part IMO especially when you consider that you have now changed the response time on them. By law they are not required to give you more time and ethically they are not doing anything wrong especially since you are changing what was initially agreed on...if anything I would say they are pretty flexible in being willing to give you the weekend to to decide (although I am confused because you said you asked for the weekend, called today to ask questions and then ask for the weekend? Why would you ask for what was already agreed to? I just assumed you changed the parameters on them otherwise you wouldn't have needed to ask for the weekend again).

 

[Cooky]

.

 

[Pakey]

I don't want candidates to drag it out either and would give a deadline if put in this situation. If you don't accept the job, that puts them another week away from possibly snagging their second choice candidate. Perhaps it's really close between you and another person, they decided to go with you and now you are stalling them because you are waiting on another offer from a different employer.

The door swings both ways.

 

[Christine]

To be honest, if I called a candidate back and offered a job and he/she decided that she needed almost a week to figure it out, I'd be kicking myself for picking them.

I think 48 hours is reasonable to think over an offer of employment. You should have had a good idea, after your interview, of whether or not you wanted to work for them. I think 2 days is ample time to mull over any salary or benefit offer they threw at you.

 

[AKL_Megs]

I'm just curious why you applied if you weren't sure you wanted the job? I don't think I've ever applied for a job that I didn't WANT. Do you have many offers on the table?

I bet they feel they are wasting their time with you at this point. And perhaps there are other people out there that would JUMP at the opportunity!

 

[kamik86]

I think you're lucky they didn't rescind the offer and make it to the next person in line. If a person really wants a job they accept right away.

I agree with this for open positions where the company needs someone soon. The only times I have heard of giving a more then a day or two to think over an offer was when I was in college and everyone was getting offers for jobs that they didn't expect us to take for over 2 months so if we took a little longer they still had time and weren't as worried about it. As long as they got an answer before all the good candidates found other jobs.

 

[brookmey]

Doesn't sound unreasonable to me, either.

Sometimes employers need an answer within 24-48 hours and can't wait a week. Sounds like they were very understanding of your requests for more time, but got to a point where they needed a decision.

I'm not really sure why you needed almost a week to decide, because from an employer's point of view, it could be seen as stringing them along.

My sister, fresh out of college with a teaching degree, had 2 final interviews in the same week for 2 different jobs. One she really wanted, the other was so-so. The so-so job offered it to her after the interview. She asked for a couple of days, which they agreed to. She was really hoping she would get the other job, but didn't want to be without a job. After the 2 days were up, she asked for another 2 because she was still hoping to hear back from the other job. They must have really wanted her, because they said OK. You can probably see where this is headed, but she ended up without either job. The job she wanted never made an offer, the job she did get an offer from rescinded it after the 4 days because she said she needed another day. The principal of that school knew my aunt and he told my aunt that they felt like my sister was stringing them along, hoping for something better, which was exactly the truth. So, my sister ended up being SOL for that school year and had to spend it subbing.

I would just be really careful about asking for too much time to consider job offers. It's an employer's job market these days.

 

[FireDancer]

I think you're lucky they didn't rescind the offer and make it to the next person in line. If a person really wants a job they accept right away.

That isn't necessarily true. For all of my post-college jobs I thought about it over-night and accepted or rejected the next day. In almost every situation there are pros and cons to leaving your current job and taking the next and once you have the offer you have to weigh those and come to a conclusion.

I never took more than one day though.

 

[Gisele]

Congratulations, what especially with this hard, tough economy, to have been hired for a good position, and right out of school no less. Anyway, good for you. And in answer to your question, no I cannot state that it sounded like bullying to me. Maybe, turning the screws a bit, but when a company really needs to hire someone asap, then it can be that way. It is good to think throughly out an employment offer, before accepting, since you do not want to end up regretting it. However, better a full time not so hot job, than nothing at all. So there is always the flip side of the coin. Plus, there will be a long line of very well qualified candidates behind every applicant and new hire, just waiting, like a vulture.

 

[hambirg]

Honestly, I think you put them off a bit by asking for the weekend and calling with more questions.

The job market is pretty competitive right now, and it appears that you are not sure whether you want this job or not. For all you know, their 2nd choice is calling them up chomping at the bit. If they give you til Tuesday and you decline, the 2nd choice, who is very eager, might have already taken something else. Now what? They have to go with their 3rd choice or lower or start the process all over again. . .big waste of time! JMHO

 

[CurlyGirl]

I think you're lucky they didn't rescind the offer and make it to the next person in line. If a person really wants a job they accept right away.

Exactly!!!

OP - you interviewed 3 weeks ago and have had plenty of time to think about whether or not you wanted the job. As an employer, I would've expected that three weeks would be enough time to make a decision. Even with your questions, you should've known iimmediately whether it would be make or break based on the answers you received. It's not like you interviewed yesterday and they offered it to you today!

You should be grateful that they're even still considering you. If someone came back to me with that response, I would think that they were not that interested or serious if they needed close to an additional week to make a decision. It would also make me wonder if this person was capable of making quick decisions in a business setting.

Nobody pushed you ... three weeks is plenty of time to have reached some kind of decision. And don't be surprised if they decided to offer the position to someone else when you call on Tuesday.

 

[DisneyLoverUSA]

At almost every job interview I have ever gone on in my life, the salary and benefits and terms of employment were laid out at the interview. They usually give you all the information you need to know whether or not you want the job at the initial interview. If not you weren't asking the right questions.

You should have known whether or not the job was right for you by the time you walked out of the interview.

If I were that employer I would have expected your answer within 24 hours if not right away. The fact that they gave you a few days and then you called them back with questions. I am sure they were expecting an answer then. To keep needing time to think about it would make me think you really didn't see the value in the job and you were probably not right for the position.

I would reascend the offer if it had been me/the employer. I would have moved on to the next qualified candidate. Just my opinion.

 

[JimmyPicker]

As a business owner, I can say yes, they can do this. I can also say that it's not bullying or pushing you around.

You came to them. You asked for a job. They picked you. Now you put it off, to which they agreed that you could take more time. But then, they told you that they needed a final decision. You think them giving you a timeline is being pushy? It's not. They have many other people to think about than just one employee -- especially one that doesn't even work for them yet. They have the other 50 people that applied for the same job. They have people who are being overworked at the moment because they have a position that isn't filled. They have customers who may be unhappy because it's taking too long for them to get what they're paying for.

If you take the job, or if you get another one, there's always going to be deadlines. This is just the first of many.

There's always "the other side of the coin." Hopefully you'll understand what I'm trying to say, from the employers viewpoint.

 

[happygirl]

I don't see them doing anything to you

 

[golfgal]

They called on Wednesday, I asked if i could have the weekend, they said yes, I called back today (Friday, 2 days later) with some questions and asked if it was okay to still have the weekend, they said ok, and then called back at 4PM asking for an answer by 5PM. I called at 450, almost as soon as I listened to the message, and nobody answered. It just seemed odd to me. Also, I can't call Monday, it is Labor Day and they aren't in.

Thanks for the responses though! Also, maybe bullying was the wrong word...I guess I felt pushed around.

I think "pressured" is the word you want.

To be honest, if I called a candidate back and offered a job and he/she decided that she needed almost a week to figure it out, I'd be kicking myself for picking them.

I think 48 hours is reasonable to think over an offer of employment. You should have had a good idea, after your interview, of whether or not you wanted to work for them. I think 2 days is ample time to mull over any salary or benefit offer they threw at you.

I agree. I think a week is too long for a company to wait. I don't see an issue with waiting a day or two, especially if you have a spouse to talk it over with but a week, WAY too long. To me that would say, oh, she is waiting to hear from someone else and we are not her first choice. By waiting until Tuesday they have to wait another 2 weeks AFTER that before you can start so the soonest you will start is Sept 20th. You COULD have started as soon as Sept 14th if you didn't wait over the weekend. This is assuming that you start this job the very next day you are done with your current job.