Hi, Guys:
Sorry I haven't been around much - been really, really busy. Health is hanging in there.... as long as I eat right, the low blood sugar symptoms are greatly reduced, and my stomach has been "eh". Pretty much good for the most part, but then the occasional pain/urgency that makes me panic thinking I'm going back to having full-blown colitis attacks again, but then they calm down. Just a reminder, I guess, that this could go bad again at any minute, so count your blessings when you are feeling good.
Anyway, long story, but I have a headhunter (employment agency) who approached me about a job opening she had that she thought I'd be perfect for. Come to find out, I really am, and the job is pretty much perfect for me, too! I agreed to meet with the HR Director, and then a few others, and I got called back in to meet the company president last week, and so far they all "love me". They then asked to to take a test, it involved creating formulas in Excel, then creating graphs and charts, and then putting them into PowerPoint. Supposedly I passed with "flying colors". The next step was to go back in and meet a few more of the senior executives, but this morning the headhunter called and asked me for references. She said they were preparing to make me an offer but needed to check some references first, for formality sake and to follow the proper procedures. I gave her 4... they all came back glowing, and next step was to wait for the offer.
She told me what her "guess" was that they'd be offering, and I was disappointed to find that it was a couple thousand less than what she had originally mentioned in the beginning of this whole process. So I dropped her an e-mail saying that if they were going to come in with an offer less than $xxxxxxxxxx, not to bother, because I wasn't even LOOKING for a job per se, I'm still employed and don't NEED to make a change, so they needed to make it worth my while to leave my job of almost 10 years. She went on to explain how the benefits are to "die for", the 401K contribution, the holidays, the vacation schedule, the room for promotion, etc. which is all true, and good, but I sit here wondering WHY she all of a sudden is trying to get me to take a lower number?
Does anyone know how headhunters work? I thought they got a percentage of my accepted starting salary, so if that's the case, what benefit is there to her to try and get me in cheaper now? Do you think the corporation offers her a bonus or something if she can get me in for less money?
Supposedly they have been looking and interviewing for months and haven't found a person that both "fits" demeanor wise AND has the skills, until now. So I am going to stand pretty firm, since they need me more than I need them, but I am trying to figure out what their "game" is. I know the headhunter works for them, but doesn't she get a percentage of what I agree to for my salary?
Just rambling, and thinking out loud. If anyone knows how this works, please share.
Sue
Experience with Headhunters?
Moderators: Rosie, Stanz, Jean, CAMary, moremuscle, JFR, Dee, xet, Peggy, Matthew, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh
Experience with Headhunters?
Sue
Diagnosed November 2004, Used Asacol and Lialda, sometimes worked, sometimes made it worse. Entocort always works but hate it. Remission only lasts 3-6 months and then back on Entocort. Enterolab test July 2017, now gluten free. Time will tell!
Diagnosed November 2004, Used Asacol and Lialda, sometimes worked, sometimes made it worse. Entocort always works but hate it. Remission only lasts 3-6 months and then back on Entocort. Enterolab test July 2017, now gluten free. Time will tell!
Can't help you in your delima, Sue, but I wanted to say that I am really glad to hear from you and that you are hanging in there healthwise.
So glad you are doing better with the blood sugar levels.
I've missed you!!
Love, Shirley
So glad you are doing better with the blood sugar levels.
I've missed you!!
Love, Shirley
When the eagles are silent, the parrots begin to jabber"
-- Winston Churchill
-- Winston Churchill
Hey Sue! It's great to see you again! Miss you when you're not around!
Congrats on the headhunter thing. It should make you feel good that your skills are sought after!
The only thing I know about them is pretty much what you wrote. They are working for the company who is recruiting employees and anytime they can save some money, it is good for them.
Stick to your guns and let them show you just how much they want/need you, especially if you weren't looking for a job anyways!
Drop in more often!
Hugs,
Margie
Congrats on the headhunter thing. It should make you feel good that your skills are sought after!
The only thing I know about them is pretty much what you wrote. They are working for the company who is recruiting employees and anytime they can save some money, it is good for them.
Stick to your guns and let them show you just how much they want/need you, especially if you weren't looking for a job anyways!
Drop in more often!
Hugs,
Margie
"Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn't learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn't learn a little, at least we didn't get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn't die; so, let us all be thankful." -- Buddha
Hi Sue,
It's good to see that you're doing so well, health-wise.
This is just a WAG, but here are my thoughts. If she were working for you, her compensation would be based on your salary on acceptance, (I believe this is pretty well standard practice).
If she is working for the empolyer, I don't think you can make that assumption. I would venture a guess that she can work any kind of deal she wants, that is acceptable to both her, and the company, as far as compensation is concerned. It may well be based on salary, with a fat bonus based on money saved on salary negotiations, also. Since neither one of us will ever see her contract terms, all we can do is guess.
Still, the bottom line is, do you want the position, or is money the primary motivation?
Wayne
It's good to see that you're doing so well, health-wise.
This is just a WAG, but here are my thoughts. If she were working for you, her compensation would be based on your salary on acceptance, (I believe this is pretty well standard practice).
If she is working for the empolyer, I don't think you can make that assumption. I would venture a guess that she can work any kind of deal she wants, that is acceptable to both her, and the company, as far as compensation is concerned. It may well be based on salary, with a fat bonus based on money saved on salary negotiations, also. Since neither one of us will ever see her contract terms, all we can do is guess.
Still, the bottom line is, do you want the position, or is money the primary motivation?
Wayne
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Hi Guys:
Thanks for the warm welcome - I never realize how much I miss this place until I make the time to pop in and realize I miss you guys! I just hate posting when I don't really have anything relevant, so I guess I better start coming up with relevant stuff, huh?
Pretty good WAG's, Tex..... and you're right - we'll never know for sure what her cut is, and how MUCH she gets doesn't matter to me at all, but what does matter is trying to figure out her motivation so I can try and zoom in on "the game" and know how to play it.
I'm almost positive when she first pursued me with this, she said "and their pay range is starting at $55,000." Today when she called to tell me they were working on an offer, she added "I'm guessing it will be somewhere between $53 - $55." Little change in tune, there. Also, she has been telling me that they have been looking for months for someone with the right personality AND the right skills, and I'm the first they found. Today she says "they're working on an offer for you and their #2 choice." All of a sudden there's someone else they'd consider? So yes, the headhunter's motivation and mindset DOES matter as far as how "hard to get" I play. Do I call her bluff and hold out for more money risking that there really IS another candidate? Or do I take the offer, possibly costing myself some money and negotiating power?
But in anwer to your very important question, Wayne..... yes, I really am interested in the job, regardless of the money. It does sound like what I've wanted my current job to become, but never has. However, just because it sounds like a great opportunity doesn't mean I shouldn't get all I can up front, right? Heck, the starting base is very important.... after that it's usually percentile raises.
K, off to go try and psychoanalyze all this some more. Let the games begin . . .
Sue
Thanks for the warm welcome - I never realize how much I miss this place until I make the time to pop in and realize I miss you guys! I just hate posting when I don't really have anything relevant, so I guess I better start coming up with relevant stuff, huh?
Pretty good WAG's, Tex..... and you're right - we'll never know for sure what her cut is, and how MUCH she gets doesn't matter to me at all, but what does matter is trying to figure out her motivation so I can try and zoom in on "the game" and know how to play it.
I'm almost positive when she first pursued me with this, she said "and their pay range is starting at $55,000." Today when she called to tell me they were working on an offer, she added "I'm guessing it will be somewhere between $53 - $55." Little change in tune, there. Also, she has been telling me that they have been looking for months for someone with the right personality AND the right skills, and I'm the first they found. Today she says "they're working on an offer for you and their #2 choice." All of a sudden there's someone else they'd consider? So yes, the headhunter's motivation and mindset DOES matter as far as how "hard to get" I play. Do I call her bluff and hold out for more money risking that there really IS another candidate? Or do I take the offer, possibly costing myself some money and negotiating power?
But in anwer to your very important question, Wayne..... yes, I really am interested in the job, regardless of the money. It does sound like what I've wanted my current job to become, but never has. However, just because it sounds like a great opportunity doesn't mean I shouldn't get all I can up front, right? Heck, the starting base is very important.... after that it's usually percentile raises.
K, off to go try and psychoanalyze all this some more. Let the games begin . . .
Sue
Sue
Diagnosed November 2004, Used Asacol and Lialda, sometimes worked, sometimes made it worse. Entocort always works but hate it. Remission only lasts 3-6 months and then back on Entocort. Enterolab test July 2017, now gluten free. Time will tell!
Diagnosed November 2004, Used Asacol and Lialda, sometimes worked, sometimes made it worse. Entocort always works but hate it. Remission only lasts 3-6 months and then back on Entocort. Enterolab test July 2017, now gluten free. Time will tell!
Sue,
You have a good attitude. It is a game, and the sudden appearance of a number 2 candidate is obviously a negotiating tactic. Number 2 may be barely tolerable, by their standards, but you have no way of knowing what her ranking is, so it is clearly to their advantage, to suggest that they have another candidate.
And, you're right, of course--the starting point is all important, in the long run. Once you see what the offer actually is, then you will be better prepared to proceed. Who knows--it might surprise you.
I wish you the best of luck in the game. Just don't burn any bridges, especially not before you're sure of your decision.
Wayne
P S You don't have to have any earth-shaking reason to post. We always love to hear how you're doing, what you're thinking, and any mischef you might have been up to lately. LOL.
You have a good attitude. It is a game, and the sudden appearance of a number 2 candidate is obviously a negotiating tactic. Number 2 may be barely tolerable, by their standards, but you have no way of knowing what her ranking is, so it is clearly to their advantage, to suggest that they have another candidate.
And, you're right, of course--the starting point is all important, in the long run. Once you see what the offer actually is, then you will be better prepared to proceed. Who knows--it might surprise you.
I wish you the best of luck in the game. Just don't burn any bridges, especially not before you're sure of your decision.
Wayne
P S You don't have to have any earth-shaking reason to post. We always love to hear how you're doing, what you're thinking, and any mischef you might have been up to lately. LOL.
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
-
MaggieRedwings
- King Penguin
- Posts: 3865
- Joined: Tue May 31, 2005 3:16 am
- Location: SE Pennsylvania
Morning Sue,
If you were not actively looking and you can stay where you are and be satisfied, stick to your guns for the full pay you want.
She is paid on a percentage of the start salary and she should be pushing for your figure. I would wager a good buck or 2 that there is not a second candidate - just a negotiating tactic.
Good luck and hang tight.
Love, Maggie
If you were not actively looking and you can stay where you are and be satisfied, stick to your guns for the full pay you want.
She is paid on a percentage of the start salary and she should be pushing for your figure. I would wager a good buck or 2 that there is not a second candidate - just a negotiating tactic.
Good luck and hang tight.
Love, Maggie
Maggie Scarpone
___________________
Resident Birder - I live to bird and enjoy life!
___________________
Resident Birder - I live to bird and enjoy life!
Hiya Sue!
I've missed you! Am relieved to hear that your health is OK. Hey, talking ponds/nature is enough reason to post. I'll talk it with you anytime, and our buddies here seem to enjoy it too!
I know ZIP about headhunters, but what Wayne said seems reasonable. Another thought - if you DO get an offer (even if less than you wanted) tell your current boss and they may raise your salary to keep you.
How badly do you want this job? Is it worth a few thousand less to get in the door? Would they promise any automatic increase after, say, 6 months? Difficult decision, I know.......
Good luck and let us know what you decide?
Love,
Polly
I've missed you! Am relieved to hear that your health is OK. Hey, talking ponds/nature is enough reason to post. I'll talk it with you anytime, and our buddies here seem to enjoy it too!
I know ZIP about headhunters, but what Wayne said seems reasonable. Another thought - if you DO get an offer (even if less than you wanted) tell your current boss and they may raise your salary to keep you.
How badly do you want this job? Is it worth a few thousand less to get in the door? Would they promise any automatic increase after, say, 6 months? Difficult decision, I know.......
Good luck and let us know what you decide?
Love,
Polly
Blessed are they who can laugh at themselves, for they shall never cease to be amused.
Hi, Guys.... only have a minute or two because I'm at home having lunch and I'm meeting with the headhunter in my office parking lot in 20 minutes. I wrote a long reply to this post a couple of hours ago from work, but forgot that when I hit "submit" it gets sucked up into the company filter, never to be seen or heard from again. I think THAT should be my first negotiating point.... make sure the new office allows me full access to the internet during working hours.
Yes, Maggie, I would think the higher salary would be best for the headhunter, too, which is why I got confused when I felt she was trying to get me to go lower. There must be some sort of "bonus" for her if she can get me in for less, saving them money over the years.
Since she drove all the way here to do this personally (I guess about a 2 hour ride from NY) I should get going and be there on time. I am SO NERVOUS, but not about meeting her - the hard parts are already all over regarding that, but I'm a wreck to think that I might possibly be sitting down with my boss at the end of today giving him my notice. That is NOT going to be fun - I HATE doing that, especially with him just getting promoted to President and being overwhelmed by all the stuff coming at him. (sigh) Must remember to think of myself, too..... I'm sure he'd be the first to tell me to make the wisest business decision. Or at least I'm HOPING he will!
I'll keep you posted, and thank you, all of you, for being here for me. It's been a tremendous help being able to "think out loud" in hear and get all your feedback.
Sue
Yes, Maggie, I would think the higher salary would be best for the headhunter, too, which is why I got confused when I felt she was trying to get me to go lower. There must be some sort of "bonus" for her if she can get me in for less, saving them money over the years.
Since she drove all the way here to do this personally (I guess about a 2 hour ride from NY) I should get going and be there on time. I am SO NERVOUS, but not about meeting her - the hard parts are already all over regarding that, but I'm a wreck to think that I might possibly be sitting down with my boss at the end of today giving him my notice. That is NOT going to be fun - I HATE doing that, especially with him just getting promoted to President and being overwhelmed by all the stuff coming at him. (sigh) Must remember to think of myself, too..... I'm sure he'd be the first to tell me to make the wisest business decision. Or at least I'm HOPING he will!
I'll keep you posted, and thank you, all of you, for being here for me. It's been a tremendous help being able to "think out loud" in hear and get all your feedback.
Sue
Sue
Diagnosed November 2004, Used Asacol and Lialda, sometimes worked, sometimes made it worse. Entocort always works but hate it. Remission only lasts 3-6 months and then back on Entocort. Enterolab test July 2017, now gluten free. Time will tell!
Diagnosed November 2004, Used Asacol and Lialda, sometimes worked, sometimes made it worse. Entocort always works but hate it. Remission only lasts 3-6 months and then back on Entocort. Enterolab test July 2017, now gluten free. Time will tell!
ShirleyIt's over..... I've accepted the new position, and given my boss my notice. The new company came through with a very nice offer and tons of benefits.... I'd be a fool NOT to make this move, ESPECIALLY when it's only about 4 minutes from my house (the current job is 3 minutes) .... a luxury one doesn't usually find ONCE in a lifetime, let alone twice.
It was so hard telling my boss I was leaving, and he took it very well, on the surface, at first. Then as it started to sink in, it got a little harder on both of us. I think he's still pretty much in shock, but the good news is he is now going to be traveling for the next week, then back for 2 days and traveling again. It would kill me to have to spend the day with him tomorrow.... at least now all I have to deal with are his cell phone calls and e-mail, but NOT the look on his face. He kept saying that he really, truly never expected this, and that when the shock wore off he was going to be really upset. But for most of the night (I stayed with him til about 7:00 p.m.) he just kept saying "I'm going to be so lost without you - do you KNOW how lost I'm going to be?!?!?" I assured him he'd be fine, but now, while typing this my heart is breaking and I'm welling up with all the tears I fought back while in front of him. He truly is such a prince, and probably the best boss I've ever worked for. I'm somewhat disappointed in myself for letting this co-worker from hell actually drive me out of there, but really, how much can I put up with? It was a daily knot in my stomach and pressure in my chest.
Awww, damn.... sorry.... writing about "My Prince" just caused the dam to break.....
OK, looks like this is gonna be along, pent up blubbering fest, but maybe after I'm through with it I'll have it all out of my system. I just keep picturing how shocked, hurt, and lost he looked, and he doesn't deserve to have me walking out on him right as he got promoted. I've gone through the ranks with him for so many years, and now that "we've" made it to the top, I'm jumping ship. As he says to everyone who congratulates him on his promotion... "Sue is key to my success". Damn him.
Well, I did tell remind him that I'm only a few building down the road, and if he ever finds a way to legally get the b*tch out of there and wants me to come back, all he needs to do is call. He said that by that time I'll probably be in love with my new place and won't want to leave there, but I dared him to try me, so I'll keep reminding him of that when he starts pouting.
Anyway, I think I'll be really thrilled with my new job, as soon as I get over missing some of the great co-workers at the old job. I don't know if I ever mentioned it, but part of the reason me and so many others started putting their resume out there was because my company got acquired, by 3M! When acquisitions happen, changes occur, and not always good ones. Morale has gone downhill fast, and heads are rolling like crazy. It's not the same old place it used to be, so I'm leaving when I should. (anyone convinced of that? Not sure I am, but I'm trying)
OK, enough.... just thinking outloud again. Thanks for all your support. I'm gonna need more in the weeks to come.
Sue
It was so hard telling my boss I was leaving, and he took it very well, on the surface, at first. Then as it started to sink in, it got a little harder on both of us. I think he's still pretty much in shock, but the good news is he is now going to be traveling for the next week, then back for 2 days and traveling again. It would kill me to have to spend the day with him tomorrow.... at least now all I have to deal with are his cell phone calls and e-mail, but NOT the look on his face. He kept saying that he really, truly never expected this, and that when the shock wore off he was going to be really upset. But for most of the night (I stayed with him til about 7:00 p.m.) he just kept saying "I'm going to be so lost without you - do you KNOW how lost I'm going to be?!?!?" I assured him he'd be fine, but now, while typing this my heart is breaking and I'm welling up with all the tears I fought back while in front of him. He truly is such a prince, and probably the best boss I've ever worked for. I'm somewhat disappointed in myself for letting this co-worker from hell actually drive me out of there, but really, how much can I put up with? It was a daily knot in my stomach and pressure in my chest.
Awww, damn.... sorry.... writing about "My Prince" just caused the dam to break.....
OK, looks like this is gonna be along, pent up blubbering fest, but maybe after I'm through with it I'll have it all out of my system. I just keep picturing how shocked, hurt, and lost he looked, and he doesn't deserve to have me walking out on him right as he got promoted. I've gone through the ranks with him for so many years, and now that "we've" made it to the top, I'm jumping ship. As he says to everyone who congratulates him on his promotion... "Sue is key to my success". Damn him.
Well, I did tell remind him that I'm only a few building down the road, and if he ever finds a way to legally get the b*tch out of there and wants me to come back, all he needs to do is call. He said that by that time I'll probably be in love with my new place and won't want to leave there, but I dared him to try me, so I'll keep reminding him of that when he starts pouting.
Anyway, I think I'll be really thrilled with my new job, as soon as I get over missing some of the great co-workers at the old job. I don't know if I ever mentioned it, but part of the reason me and so many others started putting their resume out there was because my company got acquired, by 3M! When acquisitions happen, changes occur, and not always good ones. Morale has gone downhill fast, and heads are rolling like crazy. It's not the same old place it used to be, so I'm leaving when I should. (anyone convinced of that? Not sure I am, but I'm trying)
OK, enough.... just thinking outloud again. Thanks for all your support. I'm gonna need more in the weeks to come.
Sue
Sue
Diagnosed November 2004, Used Asacol and Lialda, sometimes worked, sometimes made it worse. Entocort always works but hate it. Remission only lasts 3-6 months and then back on Entocort. Enterolab test July 2017, now gluten free. Time will tell!
Diagnosed November 2004, Used Asacol and Lialda, sometimes worked, sometimes made it worse. Entocort always works but hate it. Remission only lasts 3-6 months and then back on Entocort. Enterolab test July 2017, now gluten free. Time will tell!
Hi Sue,
Congratulations. You handled that extremely well. No wonder your boss, (soon to be ex-boss), says that you are a key to his success. You know your stuff. Best of all, you're leaving without burning any bridges. That's not always easy to do.
An acquisition almost always seems to have negative effects on employee morale. In light of that, and the "unpleasant" co-worker you mentioned, l see no reason why you should have any major regrets for leaving. I'm glad you told us "the rest of the story".
Wayne
Congratulations. You handled that extremely well. No wonder your boss, (soon to be ex-boss), says that you are a key to his success. You know your stuff. Best of all, you're leaving without burning any bridges. That's not always easy to do.
An acquisition almost always seems to have negative effects on employee morale. In light of that, and the "unpleasant" co-worker you mentioned, l see no reason why you should have any major regrets for leaving. I'm glad you told us "the rest of the story".
Wayne
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
-
MaggieRedwings
- King Penguin
- Posts: 3865
- Joined: Tue May 31, 2005 3:16 am
- Location: SE Pennsylvania
Morning Sue,
Mucho congratulations and you have done the right thing consider there has been an acquisition by a giant company. The structure will definitely change and they will filter old people out and new in to the company.
Your boss sounds just super and I am sure he is genuinely going to miss you but you must do what is best for you.
Love, Maggie
Mucho congratulations and you have done the right thing consider there has been an acquisition by a giant company. The structure will definitely change and they will filter old people out and new in to the company.
Your boss sounds just super and I am sure he is genuinely going to miss you but you must do what is best for you.
Love, Maggie
Maggie Scarpone
___________________
Resident Birder - I live to bird and enjoy life!
___________________
Resident Birder - I live to bird and enjoy life!
Congrats! Sue! 
You DID it! You really did! After hearing the whole story, I agree that you have done the best thing for YOU. It even sounds as if they'd take you back in a heartbeat should things not work out wih the new job.
An obnoxious coworker is not a minor problem. I recall a number of folks here who left jobs for the same reason. It causes undue stress and makes one dread going to work everyday. No one needs that - especially with MC.
When is your 1st day? WAHOO! Way to go!
Love,
Polly
You DID it! You really did! After hearing the whole story, I agree that you have done the best thing for YOU. It even sounds as if they'd take you back in a heartbeat should things not work out wih the new job.
An obnoxious coworker is not a minor problem. I recall a number of folks here who left jobs for the same reason. It causes undue stress and makes one dread going to work everyday. No one needs that - especially with MC.
When is your 1st day? WAHOO! Way to go!
Love,
Polly
Blessed are they who can laugh at themselves, for they shall never cease to be amused.