I signed an offer with a company that keeps changing the terms of the job and arrangement, before I've even started.

Anonymous

June 15,2022 at 2:08PM UTC

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I signed an offer with a company that keeps changing the terms of the job and arrangement, before I've even started.

I signed an offer last week with an incredible opportunity that was a top choice among a few offers I had been vetting.

Over the course of the last several days, the hiring manager has communicated several and significant changes that were not outlined in the offer nor were they communicated throughout an extensive two-month interview process.

This is a senior level position with great pay, and I don't want want to walk away but I'm concerned about the disorganization and flawed communication at this point.

A couple of the biggest red flags....

I was asked to sign two different offer letters "because legal needed to tighten up a few things."
Post signing of the offer, they're now demanding a physical presence in the office (which would require a move). They're not offering any type of relocation and I would have to cover all expenses of traveling to the office, until I could move to this certain location. None of this was communicated upfront or agreed upon.

Any advice?

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KirstinJune 15,2022 at 2:59PM UTC
RUN. I understand things being fast moving and fluid in this COVID era of employment however, if physical presence was not determined during a 2 month interview period, they aren’t willing to renegotiate the terms of your offer or offer any assistance, I would first ask “what changed, why, and when?” Ask to see the HR policies of requiring to be in the office, and then decide if this is a company you want to continue with.
At minimum I would expect an explanation of why this happened and was not communicated, and if you’re moving to a higher cost of living area, I would try to negotiate a higher salary. That’s some bait and switch tactics that sound bad for future employment.
AnonymousJune 16,2022 at 9:25AM UTC
Ooh I likey your style. Great tips
Julie HumbirdJune 15,2022 at 4:05PM UTC
My biggest concern would be "Do you want to live where they want you to live?"
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistJune 15,2022 at 5:36PM UTC
RUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Run as far and as fast as you can.
AnonymousJune 15,2022 at 5:48PM UTC
Renegotiate based on the vastly different position and offering.
They've got you in a vulnerable position and are using that to walk back their offer.
This will more than like end up far less senior than you originally understood. I would not get too swayed by the $ offered since you'll now be paying to move and also commute full time.
AnonymousJune 15,2022 at 5:50PM UTC
A but shady if you ask me.
Don't burn any bridges with your other offers. This one is tanking fast.
AnonymousJune 15,2022 at 6:21PM UTC
I think you're getting distracted by the seniority of the role and the compensation. You are nit seeing the red flags here.
An executive role does not change nor do the terms immediately change.
This would make me nervous. Can you re-engage with the other companies making real offers?
JJJune 16,2022 at 3:05AM UTC
Hard pass. That’s not tightening up anything, it’s borderline fraud.
AnonymousJune 16,2022 at 9:22AM UTC
Ask them to send u a revised written offer.
Once you have it in writing, don’t sign it yet, request to discuss the revision with the hiring mgr not recruiter. Have your list of questions. Use that as an opportunity to see if there is any wiggle room to negotiate. The part about needing more in person presensce and no relocation expenses paid if differing from the original agreement warrants an upfront discussion and was very sloppy on their part. Like why didn’t they have legal review it before even sending u the offer. See if they are willing to have the upfront conversation. Keep your options opened. If they are willing to be sloppy about this it gives you a glimpse of their culture and sloppy operations…I don’t like the stench here.
AnonymousJune 16,2022 at 12:37PM UTC
I just faced the same thing. At least 4 things were not presented during interview process/offer. Had they, I wouldn’t have accepted the position or left my job. After two weeks of torture I sat down with the owner. He was too old school to budge. So, I walked.
AnonymousJune 16,2022 at 12:47PM UTC
you need to address this ASAP. Just because they are changing things at the last min doesn't mean that you too cant make changes to adjust to what they are requiring. Address it now by asking for relocation help and anything else you may need. I know you don't want to risk losing the job but if you come off as complacent as this goes on then in the future they will think its okay to do this. It wont hurt, or shouldn't hurt to let them know that you are seeing some red flags and its causing concern.
Michelle HoffmanJune 16,2022 at 12:47PM UTC
Walk away. It is called bait and switch. In the retail industry that is illegal. Shame it can't be illegal in job offers. Seriously, a lot of employers still think they have the complete upper hand and once they have you interested, they can just change the rules. If they are doing this to you now, what will they do to you when actually start work.
Sarah Cleveland, SPHR, ACCJune 16,2022 at 12:50PM UTC
Ask for a rewritten offer letter with the revised terms and tell them you’ll review it when everything that has been discussed is in the offer letter.
Just because you’ve accepted under different terms doesn’t mean you’ll accept under the new terms and I’d recommend communicating that (professionally) when you request the rewritten offer letter. Hopefully you haven’t already quit your current job (if you are currently working), I’d say look at this as an opportunity to further negotiate on terms that you want. Otherwise look at this as a sign of how they operate and RUN! Good luck!
AnonymousJune 16,2022 at 12:52PM UTC
I would not take this offer. Or I would make accepting contingent on being able to work from home. If going in person is something you can swing maybe once a month or something, I would offer that.
AyianJune 16,2022 at 12:58PM UTC
They have the decency or lack of finesse to not conceal this behavior until after you started the role. After a two month interview process, you've invested a lot of time and are naturally reluctant to walk away. This is a very common abusive practice in domestic violence and is a perfect example of how it can manifest in a professional setting. This organization cannot be trusted to honor what they agree to and you haven't even started yet. It doesn't matter about the people you'd work with, the salary, the work itself, this culture is deeply rooted in disrespect and putting people in compromising positions. Legal didn't review this offer or they would have put everything that's come out since then into the offer.
Please listen to this and others who are warning you away from this job. You have other offers? Reexamine them and select one that does not waste your time or give abusive red flags.
Antonia CalzettiJune 16,2022 at 1:24PM UTC
I don't suggest taking this offer. That is a VERY big flag as to who they are as an organization and how they treat employees. Stay away.
Anantha PadmanabhanJune 16,2022 at 1:47PM UTC
What! Only two different offer letters?
Real red flag for me would be that they didn't involve HR in the first place. This could lead to problems later on.
Secondly, about the move, pre-covid it was the norm at least during the joining/probationary period. Touch base with some more senior mnetor like figure and get their advice about the specific organization (Yo accept or not to accept! That is the question).
Carolyn HipkinsJune 16,2022 at 2:07PM UTC
Hopefully, you didn't give notice to your current job. Like everyone else said walk away.
Jill DingJune 16,2022 at 2:19PM UTC
"legal needed to tighten up a few things" translates to "I didn't ask for approval" or they want to backtrack parts of the offer. Either way, doesn't suggest a good work environment. Communication is so important and if they aren't upfront there's going to be a lot of pain if you join this company.
Tracy WhiteJune 16,2022 at 2:23PM UTC
Are you willing to move (and pay for that move yourself)? If so then ask for a revised offer that actually has all of the ACTUAL requirements in there. If not then just walk away.
AnonymousJune 16,2022 at 2:34PM UTC
This is a sub-senior role disguised as a senior role. They are micro-managing and second guessing this process just as they will be doing with micro-managing and second guessing you. They need you in the office to continue this behavior.
This is a nightmare waiting for you.
Jennifer VileyJune 16,2022 at 3:10PM UTC
As an executive recruiter for 20 years… my advice… RUN, don’t walk, the other way!!!
AnonymousJune 16,2022 at 6:32PM UTC
All good advice. I would just add that with this culture, it will also be difficult for you to recruit people under you. How many other remote people will now be asked to work onsite and how will you manage the related attrition? Yet another reason to consider other offers.
Wanda ShawJune 16,2022 at 11:17PM UTC
I'd be skeptical. It sounds like the old "bait and switch" routine: Telling you one thing just to lure you in, and once you've signed on, everything is so dynamic to the point that you hardly know what to expect next. Company reputation is one thing, but integrity matters too. The fact that they've sprung the relocation on you at the last minute kind of makes me think that you're in for quite a few more surprises down the line. Ultimately, the decision is yours. If you're comfortable with what's been dropped in your lap, then by all means, take the leap and relocate. If not, keep looking for another great opportunity that will come your way.
HannahJune 16,2022 at 11:42PM UTC
it isn't every job that you have to accept, no matter how good you think it is. Beware of the red flags and advice yourself
Stephanie LekowskiJune 17,2022 at 12:44PM UTC
Get yourself out of this ASAP. This is a bad situation, especially after a two month long interview process. You may want to find an attorney in case they pull any garbage in regards to anything legal/contractual they want you to sign. In fact, maybe you should say that- "I'll need to look them over before signing" and if they get huffy or defensive in a "do you want this job or not?" kind of way, you can express your concerns over the high-pressure "sell" and changing the terms aka "bait and switch". You have more walk-away power than they want you to think you have, and chances are good you'll be miserable in this job if they're pulling this garbage now.
Katie KristlJune 17,2022 at 1:14PM UTC
Agreed with other posters who said to walk away. If they're this disorganized and unprofessional at this stage, it will only get worse, not better!
AnonymousJune 17,2022 at 1:23PM UTC
Run very fast.
Jacquelynn LucasJune 17,2022 at 1:36PM UTC
Those are major issues that would have had to be included in the salary package then...
I would take this as a sign and say thanks, but no thanks...
Gayle GorvettJune 17,2022 at 1:37PM UTC
I agree with the others.
Anytime an employer "throws in" added responsibility or major changes to a written offer or contract, you have every right to request a modification of the actual agreement with changes to the financial terms to reflect the modification.
If they refuse, that is a clear sign of things to come.
They will most likely act in a similar way come bonus time and regarding raises and reviews. Transparency is key.
It's either there from day one or it's not.
Judi Culp PearsonJune 17,2022 at 4:04PM UTC
Big red flags. I'd be very careful. Maybe you want to reconsider with something like with the changes you're making, I don't think this is a good fit any longer.
Consider if they are changing all these things and you did relocate - what is the likelihood you'd end up leaving them and stuck in a different town?
AnonymousJune 17,2022 at 5:05PM UTC
Doesn't smell good. I'd get everything in writing and approved. If they're not paying for relocation and you Don mind footing the bill, then nothing to talk about. But if you DO need relocation paid for, get everything in writing. And don't go with the "expense it" deal. That means you pay for everything first and they reimburse you. I've been there and didn't get reimbursed for 6 months. So it was all on my credit card.
Bradford McCormickJune 17,2022 at 5:06PM UTC
What is there for me to add? You have been warned by others here. This place sounds like bad news. You yourself write: "A couple of the biggest red flags" Do you need anyone's advice beyond your own?
AnonymousJune 17,2022 at 6:30PM UTC
A real snowball of considerations ….
Are you prepared to move, search and purchase/lease a new home in this inflated market… all while learning a new company? This can be exciting when you know the terms upfront and YOU decide to make that leap but very different when its forced upon you…after you’ve signed on the dotted line and after two months of deliberate interviewing and discussions with the hiring team. I’d attempt to renegotiate for a remote or commuter arrangement (maybe go in-person once month for senior meetings and they cover cost of travel). But if they won’t flex with you, this is probably not a company MANY people want to work for… hence the bait and switch tactics.
Carolyn FieldsJune 17,2022 at 7:38PM UTC
Sounds like you have other offers that you were considering, so it's not like you don't have any other options.
Personally, I would not work for a firm that changes these major considerations after an agreement had been reached. It's a sign of things to come.
AnonymousJune 17,2022 at 8:22PM UTC
How about you don't lose anything and risk anything by declining such a sketchy offer!!! You will breathe a sigh of relief ,by applying to a company that actually will stand by their offer ironclad and unwaivering in their resolve to respect the help and talents you are offering to help them prosper ,it is a win for you and the company that is willing to be professional and honest in their appreciation of their employees!!! I have experienced that situation of declining such a sketchy offer and I am so glad I got a better position with a better company and more positive income too,one location,better pay and in my favorite field,near to my home as well ,it can be accomplished Amen!!! Obey the small voice of intuitive discernment,if the place is the right one ,you will be at peace about it , and it is well worth the wait,it won't take long,easier to achieve as well,Amen!!! It can be done.
Research on Google, Red flags in an interview ,to get the discernment and explanation you seek to help avoid the traps my friend,you will be glad you waited it out,and pray about it if you agree with prayer ,God won't let you down ,He wants and gives the safest best and financially sound way too Amen!!!
AnonymousJune 17,2022 at 8:51PM UTC
Decline ASAP!!! You have a better and professional offer,no move required!!!
Send a professional decline Email immediately to HR or call ,tell them,thank you and that you have a better offer.
Be polite and keep professional.
No apologies for them,they will be surprised you caught on to such a sketchy catfish deal ,and that you didn't fall for the bait,they just were hoping you would be that stupid to their ways so they can save some money ,and tell upper management that they got a good deal on you.
It's their game,not your fault,but you don't have to participate.
Apply to an older company they actually care about professionalism ,and have a standard of appreciation for the people they hire,knowing everyone wins in thriving ,and they are understanding you are helping fill a need for the help they are asking for in their company!!!
AnonymousJune 17,2022 at 8:53PM UTC
RUN!!!
AnonymousJune 17,2022 at 9:08PM UTC
When you professionally turn down this offer,with the head hiring manager,the contract is already nullified because they have not paid you . Note: Any Contract is reversible,no condemnation here. You can return a new car you bought if you want to . Read up on Elon Musk.
You already have a better offer,keep the faith. Be polite thank them and move in in peace,nothing lost ,nothing risked , and everything gained to you.
AnonymousJune 17,2022 at 9:10PM UTC
Read on Google: Red flags in an interview to avoid, amazing!
AnonymousJune 17,2022 at 10:05PM UTC
You can be honest with them, about the contract,tell them you are not comfortable with the changes in terms,and only interested in the intial offer,
it's ok to mention the other offers you have vetted are ironclad in their faithfulness to their offers,to you,and you were wondering if the company has flexibility in their offer customizing tailored more towards your needs in budget and travel. The question posed to HR would be ,"Is there flexibility available in this contract offer,where I can work remotely and without relocating? How soon can we reventure into the intial offer that was offered?" List the terms they offered,that you were in agreement about that had you interested in,signing . Those terms you liked , are the only terms you were interested in continuing with this offer and contract. If they are flexible in revisiting the initial, positive ,offer ask them how soon they can commit this to your contract details in writing and confirm it with you in email.
Renegotiating terms is an age old practice among the most elite business professionals,Elon Musk,Ruth Bater Ginsburg, and etc.
Honestly ,if you have to make them abide in terms,it may not be worth the risk.
A real good company would just offer it and stick by it thoroughly,and really wouldn't want to waste your time with confusing terms,because they take the time to think about what they are willing to offer in advance before they even seek to fill the position. Trust your instincts,you have seen better deals and know what they feel like and look like ,aim for those ones,it works it really does.
Stephanie F, MSHRMJune 22,2022 at 2:45AM UTC
I would politely decline and move on. Red flags are glowing in your face…
AnonymousSeptember 21,2022 at 9:33PM UTC
Would love to know how you decided to deal with this.