The job offer

My girlfriend is an instructor in finance sector. Working in a decent size company, I can see that she is quite satisfied with her current, as she has a lot of nice friends there, got the chance to work as emcee for big company event, being pampered by her manager and so on. Generally, she gets the recognition from the company and people, so, it is less likely that she will go for another new job, especially when she only joined one year back.

Last month, a company called her for an interview. At first, she wanted to reject the interview, but after discussing with me, she had decided to go for a walk there.

“It is never a harm to go for a look. Even you are not going to join, but I think it is good for you to go there, see what your market price is, and most importantly let them assess you. I believe that you definitely will feel great and gain more self-confidence if you get a good mark from them.”

She went, and went again a week later for second interview, she is wanted. The only concern at that time is the annual bonus payout for her current company will be four months later. It will be such a lost if she joins the new company right away. So I told her, unless the new company is willing to pay extra 2 months of salary (as compensation of the annual bonus), don’t take it.

“I would really love to take up the offer, but Anne (to take the talk to a personal level), I must be honest with you, that annual bonus that I am getting is crucial for me, as I have huge commitment every month, it will be like my ‘only saving’ of the year… If you are me, what will you do?”

She told the HR, spoke the deal. The HR told her that there is never a policy as compensating annual bonus in the company, which I agreed, but I know it doesn’t mean impossible, this kind of thing can be adjusted, can be justified. Moreover, we are not talking about tens or hundreds of thousands. I wanted my girlfriend to bring the conversation down to personal level because people tend to be on firm ground when they represent the company, however, if you are able to make them to visualize your stance as an individual, they might just move away a bit and make way for you!

My expectation proven right, when the new company called my girlfriend yesterday, saying that they are willing to pay the compensation!

I do not hope that my sharing will ruin your wonderful job opportunity. My girlfriend’s case comes with two conditions: (i) I know the hiring manager needs her very much; (ii) She was prepared to lose the offer.