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Post by daardvark on Nov 17, 2007 18:40:00 GMT -4
Ok, here's the deal. I have a Job interview Monday. I have been working at the same place for over 17 years. I was not actually looking for a new3 job, and this potential opportunity just landed in my lap. The opportunity is with a fortune 500 company, my present job is with a relatively small company.
I tend to interview well, I know my poo when it comes to my field and I think an offer may be made. I realize this is somewhat pretentious, but since I'm seeking advise, I'll lay out the details.
Problem 1 How can I compare the benefits at one place with those of another? Anyone have any experience here?
Problem 2 I would be managing union workers, something I have no experience with. Anyone deal with unions??
Problem 3 401K rollover How do I compare all these details?
Problem 4 Vacation time. I have 4 weeks currently, with 5 weeks in 3 years. I think I will insist on getting similar vacation time with an agreed upon offer. Anyone ever had to deal with this?
Any real world experiences or advice will be greatly appreciated.
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Post by Tonja Renee on Nov 17, 2007 19:27:23 GMT -4
From my experience in this area... I think you have the upper hand... go in there interview - and see what they offer you. Everything is negotiable... But I wouldn't stress over asking for anything extra until they at least make an offer. You have a job, seem comfortable in it and have some perks from having been with a company for as many years as you have. When it comes to benefits... think about what is really important to you... medical plan, flex time, employee options? I think you are in a favorable position, as you don't really need the job - you have one. I'm not familiar with US pension plans, and the only time I dealt with a union was many many years ago - and the experience was not a pleasant one. I would just ask them about their benefits and vacation policies etc... and like I said before everything is negotiable... and if they don't want to give you what you want - well you already have a job.
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Post by daardvark on Nov 17, 2007 19:44:22 GMT -4
Thanks Tonja
That's exactly as I see the situation. I was wondering how to compare health plans and 401K stuff. It's going to be confusing if I get an offer and then have to decide quickly. I'm just trying to figure out what I need to look into.
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Post by docsimon on Nov 18, 2007 3:36:04 GMT -4
I totally agree, wait till you have a job offer before stressing over this.
Don't settle for less than you already have. If they expect you to, walk away !
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Hunter60
Full Member
Last of the Dog Men
Posts: 185
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Post by Hunter60 on Nov 18, 2007 10:12:29 GMT -4
Good advice. Wait and see is the right attitude. Like Tonja said, most everything is negotiable. If you're interviewing with a Fortune 500 company, you will most likely have the ability to negotiate on all points but salary and vacation the most likely candidates. Most of the large companies structure their salary on ranges so the first offer will most likely not be the best one.
Benefits are a little different since they tend to be offered ona group plan. Hard to negotiate a special deal. Vacations on the other hand are a company offered and administered benefit so you can work that a little bit. If it were me, I would say that "I am currently in line for 5 weeks" and that you would hate to lose that. They may be willing to work with you.
Most places will offer a flat out roll-over for your 401k. If they don't, you can almost always take over your 401k and handle it on your own. Then you set up one at work and have the one you've been building as well. (That's what I've done rather than rolling them over unless they tend to be small like if you've only been at a place a year or two).
As far as Unions - well, I was in the USW for years. The one thing that always seemed to be an issue with Union-Management relations was a question of respect. If there is respect for both sides, things can be done. When one or the other side loses respect for the other side, things break down.
Just a thought.
Good luck! Let us know how it goes. Keeping my fingers crossed for you!
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Post by barchordnick on Nov 18, 2007 10:36:45 GMT -4
It's pretty much all been said. I would think going from a small company to a fortune 500 the benefits and 401k will be equal or better than your current ones. Rollover of a 401k is pretty common and shouldn't be a big deal. I would definitely push for my vacation time but not till I was made an offer. Making demands in an interview will usually loss you the job. Seems to me you have the upper hand here so play it cool and if you are not sure about something tell them you would like a day or 2 to consider the offer.
Good Luck...
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Post by daardvark on Nov 18, 2007 11:46:30 GMT -4
Thanks everyone. Good advice. I'll just wait and see what happens and keep you all posted on the end result.
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Rustee
Full Member
pima practitioner
Posts: 214
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Post by Rustee on Nov 18, 2007 12:28:11 GMT -4
I don't really have any advice, but good luck.
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Post by stratman on Nov 18, 2007 15:19:15 GMT -4
I'm afraid i have nothing to offer, but good luck
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Post by Akira on Nov 18, 2007 15:31:57 GMT -4
Good luck and let us know how it goes.
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Post by Mr. G. on Nov 18, 2007 18:56:17 GMT -4
I'm the last person you should take job advice from, so I'll just leave it at good luck
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Post by daardvark on Nov 19, 2007 14:46:49 GMT -4
Well I had the interview this morning. It seems to have gone well. Hard to say with 100% certainy. They did say I'd hear most likely this week. So with Thanksgiving it may be as early as Wed.
I'll keep ya posted.
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Post by stratman on Nov 19, 2007 17:46:25 GMT -4
Fingers crossed for ya buddy
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Post by daardvark on Nov 26, 2007 19:27:49 GMT -4
Well I got a call today. They will be making an offer. I should have the package by the end of the week. Then I have to dissect each and every part, make a list of pros and cons, and then make a very difficult potentially life altering decision.
Thanks to everyone for the good wishes. It means a lot to me.
Love Denny
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Post by Akira on Nov 27, 2007 16:23:35 GMT -4
Sounds like progress! Just have to wait and see how good the offer is now?
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Post by daardvark on Nov 28, 2007 10:36:38 GMT -4
The offer was laughable. It was not much more than I'm making now. I shall be declining. I have to admit I'm a bit dissapointed, but I'm no worse off for having gone to the interview so maybe it was not meant to be. Who knows maybe they will make another offer after they get my decision.
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Post by Tonja Renee on Nov 28, 2007 10:45:56 GMT -4
Why don't you instead of declining - re-write the offer for exactly what you want... maybe a bit higher than what you want... If you were planning on declining anyways - what do you have to lose? They may give you what you want.
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Post by daardvark on Dec 4, 2007 21:15:19 GMT -4
Color me on happy MUTHER ;D I just got a very strong offer from the company ;D I shall now be working for a new place for the first time in over 17 years. Thanks for all the great advice. I just s h i t myself
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Post by Mr. G. on Dec 4, 2007 21:33:12 GMT -4
Congratulations!!!!!!!!! too bad about the shitty britches though
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Hunter60
Full Member
Last of the Dog Men
Posts: 185
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Post by Hunter60 on Dec 4, 2007 23:15:26 GMT -4
Congrats! Good news. Just one piece of advice, change your pants before you show up for your first day. ;D
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