I am an outside candidate who is interviewing for two positions with a corporation.

Anonymous

October 23,2021 at 1:14PM UTC

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I am an outside candidate who is interviewing for two positions with a corporation. Both hiring directors are aware of the other, and I am in the final interview stages with both.

My question(s) are: What are some critical questions that I must not forget to ask during the final interview, which I feel will include an offer of a position? I realize I will never again have the bargaining power I have at this moment, and I would like to not leave anything on the table. Salary is a given, of course, but vacation, 401K, dental, health, life insurance, what am I forgetting.

And...how long may I ask to consider an offer? 24 hours, 48? I am intensely interested in both positions (they are wonderful), impressed with both teams and both directors seem to be respectful and respected people. I want to make the right choice for both myself and my potential team.

Thank you, all.

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Kristie WhiteOctober 23,2021 at 1:53PM UTC
Lucky you! Of course your questions above are all good and questions are specific to your needs. A couple for me would be…
- if there is a problem in your Dept, what is it and how would you like to fix it?
- what will I learn here that will create upward growth for me or greater expertise?
The first tells me if they are self aware and willing to be transparent. 2nd, are they interested in their employees professional development
Shenelle S. LaPierreOctober 23,2021 at 2:03PM UTC
My thoughts are geared to growth and where do you see yourself in the next 3-5 years in each department? Which role aligns with your salary and growth expectations? What KPI’s will you be expected to manage and how to meet them? Best of luck!
MaryamOctober 23,2021 at 3:30PM UTC
Ask them to think about the most successful person who has held a similar job, and describe their attributes. On compensation, it is likely that is standardized within the company. You can check. Perhaps find out the turnover rate in each department. 48 hours is quite valid for considering an offer. A week would be fine too. Depends on their urgency.
Jen EOctober 24,2021 at 1:28PM UTC
Agree with everything said so far but also….(and I’m sure you’re not like this but…) please don’t presume you have bargaining power or either position in the bag. I recently had a candidate like this who also went for another role my colleague was recruiting for. He was excellent on paper, his first interview was great, but by at 2nd he was arrogant and his presentation was sloppy and lazy. He’d assumed he’d get one or the other post and in the end he got neither.
AnonymousOctober 24,2021 at 6:07PM UTC
I appreciate your sharing this viewpoint, thank you.
AnonymousOctober 30,2021 at 3:24PM UTC
I'm the OP.
My deepest thanks to all who offered great suggestions and encouragement. I accepted an offer on Friday and am looking forward to a bright beginning. I truly appreciate all who reached out and posted.